On the island of Santorini, where tradition and landscape are deeply intertwined, viticulture faces an increasingly pressing challenge: water scarcity. Within the framework of the GEORGIA Horizon project, an innovative pilot is exploring how alternative water sources and smart irrigation can support the future of viticulture on the island, while preserving its unique identity and quality.
A Vineyard Rooted in Tradition
PDO Santorini wines (dry white and Vinsanto) are produced primarily from the indigenous Assyrtiko variety (at least 75% for dry wines and 51% for Vinsanto), in combination with Aidani and Athiri. These native grape varieties, cultivated in volcanic soils, impart high acidity, pronounced minerality, and exceptional quality.
The pilots are located in Karterados–Chelidonous and in Agios Andreas-Fira, both areas known for cultivating mostly the Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri, Mavrotragano and Mandilaria grapevine. These local varieties are deeply adapted to the island’s harsh conditions and have been traditionally grown without irrigation, relying solely on winter rainfall. However, this long-standing practice is under threat. Santorini’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and increasingly irregular rainfall, has led to more frequent and prolonged drought periods.
The result? Uncertainty in yields and growing pressure on farmers to adapt.
Why This Pilot Matters
Each pilot that is impleted by INASO and Santo Wines Cooperative, focuses on a small section of vineyard, testing solutions that could be scaled across the island. The goal is not only to improve productivity but to do so in a way that is sustainable, resilient, and replicable.
At its core, the project addresses several urgent needs:
- Securing stable grape production despite climate variability
- Reducing dependence on rainfall
- Preventing the gradual disappearance of viticulture
- Supporting the long-term viability of the PDO varieties, Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri and all the other rare indigenous grape varieties (more than 50 in total) which are also cultivated on the island
Turning Wastewater and Desalinated water into a Resource
One of the most innovative aspects of the pilot is the reuse of municipal wastewater for irrigation, a circular approach that transforms a local challenge into an opportunity.
Instead of relying solely on natural rainfall, the system introduces treated alternative water sources, including municipal wastewater and desalinated water. These are transported to the vineyard and stored in underground tanks, forming the backbone of a carefully controlled irrigation system.
From there, water is:
- Pumped through the system using horizontal flow pumps
- Disinfected using ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- Distributed directly to the vines through a drip irrigation network
This ensures that water is used efficiently, safely, and precisely where it is needed—minimising losses while maximising impact.
Smart Irrigation for a Changing Climate
Beyond water reuse, the pilot integrates smart technologies such as soil moisture sensors, precision agriculture systems, meteorological stations and automated valves. These tools allow farmers to monitor conditions in real time and apply irrigation only when necessary.
This marks a significant shift from traditional practices, introducing data-driven decision-making into a system that has historically depended on natural cycles alone.
The expected benefits include:
- Improved water-use efficiency
- Reduced stress on vines during critical growth periods
- Increased and more stable yields
- Better nutrient management
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Introducing wastewater reuse in agriculture is not without challenges. Ensuring water quality, building farmer trust, and adapting infrastructure to local conditions are all key considerations. However, the opportunities are equally significant.
This pilot has the potential to:
- Demonstrate a viable solution for water-scarce islands
- Support local farmers in adapting to climate change
- Serve as a model for other Mediterranean regions facing similar conditions
Looking Forward
As the pilot progresses, upcoming activities will focus on system implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The results will provide valuable insights into how innovative irrigation solutions can be integrated into traditional farming systems.
Ultimately, this work is about more than irrigation—it is about safeguarding a cultural and agricultural heritage while preparing it for the future. And in a place like Santorini, where every drop of water counts, rethinking how water is used could make all the difference.
