Worship of the god Dionyssos on Naxos Island was the catalyst for the cultivation of land for the production of wine. There are now vineyards all over the island, mostly in the mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, where the famed Naxian “sweet” wine grapes are grown.

Legend has it that there was a spring on the island from which very sweet intoxicating wine – rather than mere water! – flowed. Thus the appellation “nectar of the Gods”, applied to Naxian wine.

 In addition to wine, Naxos Island also produces raki, the residents’ “faithful companion” during the winter months; as well as ouzo for accompaniment to the traditional Greek meze.

The island’s wine production takes place during the autumn season; raki, distilled from the grapes already pressed earlier in the wine-making process, is produced between the end of October and November.