Santorini, Saturday

I was delighted to set off to the island of Santorini in the Cyclades, just a one-hour flight from Athens. And, to quote the Michelin Green Guide: ‘The island of Santorini, the southernmost of the larger Cyclades, is one of the most spectacular in the Mediterranean. It presents an awesome sight with volcanic craters partly submerged by the sea. It is particularly impressive to approach by boat’ - which I did, and then had a spectacular mule ride up 587 zigzag steps that cling precariously to the edge of the precipitous rocks leading to the little town. It is beautiful - narrow, cobbled streets, breathtaking views across the turquoise sea, spectacular sunsets - and produces excellent white wine. The interesting thing is, because it’s such a windswept island, they grow their vines in little low circles like garlands or Christmas wreaths, and all the grapes form inside the circle. This way they’re protected from the fierce winds and, because there’s very little water on Santorini, any natural humidity that comes through the shelter of the leaves drops. Back down into the earth. The wine is absolutely superb, I have to say.