Mikra Thira at Rizes Gastro Taverna: Reuniting Santorini Thirassia Through Volcanic Wine and Gastronomy
One Volcano, Two Islands – One Soul
Long before the establishment of the Aegean landscape as we know it today, a volcanic explosion split up one landmass to form the current-day Santorini and Thirassia islands. Both islands are now linked together by the same volcanic soil, dramatic geography and unique climate
On Saturday 3rd of October, 2026 starting at 17:30h, Rizes Gastro Taverna in Fira will host the 4th event in the 2026 Wine Journeys series with an exclusive food and wine pairing evening called “BORN AS ONE…” that brings the first and only winery in the Greek island of Thirassia – Mikra Thira to central Fira’s terraces for a celebratory wine pairing of the volcanic land’s shared soul.
Rizes Wine Journeys – Celebrating the Greek Vineyard in Fira
Located opposite of the famous Metropolitan Cathedral in Fira, Rizes Gastro Taverna has gained critical acclaim for its sophisticated take on Aegean cuisine, and has been awarded One Star in the GNL Guide and was included in the FNL Guide Skinos List
Throughout the 2026 Wine Journeys series, Rizes has presented events with a number of premier Greek wineries (SantoWines, Artemis Karamolegkos Winery, ARKTOS Elevation, GAIA Wines), and this October’s event with Mikra Thira Winery will feature Aegean grape varieties in an exclusive farm-to-table tasting menu with ingredients that echo the volcanic soil of Santorini and Thirassia.
The “Born As One” Food & Wine Tasting Menu
Curated by Rizes Executive Chef Alexandros Makropoulos, supported by Head Chef Maria Sylla, with wine pairing direction by Apostolos Maras and cocktail creation by Marios Popa, this 5-step food and wine tasting pairs native grape varieties with local ingredients
Welcome Cocktail: “SAME ROOTS” (€16)
As the sun sets over Fira, guests are welcomed with a special cocktail by Marios Popa. The mix of Mandilaria Mikra Thira, Metaxa 7, orange bitters, spicy ginger beer and fresh orange bridges the gap between traditional Greek spirits and the rich island wine
Step I: “ARTOS”
Dish: Freshly baked sourdough bread with traditional “Peltes” (tomato paste from Santorini), extra virgin olive oil, oregano and sea salt
Philosophy: Sharing true Greek hospitality and tradition, with a rustic, home-made flavor.
Step II: “SKOUMPRI”
Dish: Semi-cured smoked mackerel with green chilli sauce, tomato heart, local olives
Wine: NYKTERI (PDO Santorini) is a blend of Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani from Mikra Thira, which is a traditional and robust Santorini red, full-bodied and with volcanic mineral structure, that pairs well with the richness and smoked flavor of the Skoumpri.
Step III: “OCTOPUS”
Dish: Tender octopus tentacle grilled and served with velvety Santorinian “Fava” (yellow split pea puree), with pickled onions and local capers on top
Wine: TERRASEA (PDO Santorini) is 100% Assyrtiko, exclusively from the volcanic vineyards of Thirassia, which is a bright, high-acid and saline wine, that enhances the Aegean flavors of the dish’s octopus and sweet fava
Step IV: Main Course
Choice (CHICKEN “TRAHANAS” OR “SHRIMP ORZO”)
Option A: CHICKEN “TRAHANAS” – Charcoal grilled chicken tenders with sweet Trahanas, sun-dried tomato, harissa, and light barrel-aged feta mousse
Wine: MANDILARIA (PGI Cyclades) is 100% Mandilaria from Mikra Thira, a structured and powerful red wine with tannins and bold red-fruit notes that echo the earthy flavor of the trahanas and charred chicken tenders.
Option B: “SHRIMP ORZO” – Rich shrimp orzo pasta with intensely flavored bisque sauce, confit tomatoes, botargo powder and splash of Ouzo
Wine: SANTORINI (PDO Santorini) is 100% Assyrtiko from Mikra Thira, with vibrant acidity and citrus notes that cut through the richness of the shrimp orzo bisque.
Step V: “Close With A Smile”
Dessert: CHOCO SOUR CHERRY “SOKOLATA” – dark chocolate sphere with spoon sweet cherries, warm Vinsanto sauce and “Kaimaki” ice cream
Wine: VINSANTO (PDO Santorini) is a blend of sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani, the long finish of dried figs, raisins and honey in this sweet wine complements the dark chocolate and sweet cherry filling in the dessert
Event Details & Reservations
Event Title: BORN AS ONE — Rizes Gastro Taverna × Mikra Thira Winery
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Time: Starts at 17:30h
Location: Rizes Gastro Taverna, Fira, Santorini (Opposite the Metropolitan Cathedral)
Price: €90 per person (Full 5-step food & wine tasting menu)
Vegan tasting options are available at request. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited table availability
Email: reserve@rizessantorini.com
Website: www.rizessantorini.com
