Authentic Rhodes in Autumn: A Sensory Journey Through Wine, Oil, and Honey Harvest
Introduction: Rhodes in Autumn: The Magic from Late September Through the Harvest Season
Forget the crowded beaches and summer chaos. There is a side of Rhodes that reveals its full authenticity between late September and early October —an island that smells of earth, must, and wild herbs. It’s harvest time, a period when the island transforms, offering visitors a deep and genuine food and wine experience.
Based on our own experience, the Late September/Early October period is ideal because, despite the crowds having dispersed, the sea remains invitingly warm. Crucially, you don’t have to sacrifice your precious beach time to find true authenticity.
If you’re on a short break and your heart is set on the coast (which is still fantastic!), you can easily sample the island’s ‘liquid gold’ and ‘sweet nectar’ in coastal towns, local tavernas, and even larger supermarkets. This flexibility ensures you don’t miss out on the island’s core beauty.
Table of Contents
The Rhodian Grape Harvest: A Sip of Tradition (Embonas)
Autumn marks the peak of the grape harvest in Rhodes, and the village of Embonas (or Emponas) is the epicenter of this celebration. Located on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, Embonas is the heart of Rhodian wine production. Here you’ll find several traditional wineries that open their doors for tastings and, sometimes, production tours. It’s a unique opportunity to sample local wines, such as Athiri (white) and Amorgiano (red), and learn about the history and winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations. Don’t miss the chance to try souma, the potent local spirit, often offered as a welcome.
Rhodes’ Liquid Gold: Olive Oil (Southern Villages)
As the grape harvest winds down, the olive harvest begins. Rhodes is covered in ancient olive trees, and olive oil is a pillar of Greek culture. The months of October and November are ideal for visiting small producers in less touristy areas, such as the southern villages. You might be lucky enough to witness the pressing process and, of course, taste fresh extra virgin olive oil—an experience that will forever change the way you perceive this precious food. Look for small, local shops that sell artisanal products.
The Gods’ Sweet Nectar: Thyme Honey (Sianna and Beyond)
Rhodes is famous for its exceptional thyme honey. The thyme bloom occurs in summer, but its harvest and processing continue into autumn. The village of Sianna, in particular, is renowned for its honey and souma production. Here, you can buy directly from the producers, tasting the different varieties and discovering the unique properties of thyme honey, known for its intense aroma and beneficial qualities. It’s the perfect souvenir to take home a piece of authentic Rhodes.
🍇 What to Expect from Greek Wine: Lightness, Freshness, and the Mediterranean Style (NEW SECTION)
When tasting the local wines of Rhodes, particularly the reds based on the Mandilaria grape (Amorgiano), it is essential to manage expectations, especially if you are accustomed to heavy, structured Italian wines.
Our first impression confirmed this: upon arriving at our hotel, we found a Greek bottle that tasted more like an aperitif wine—light and fresh—than a traditional full-bodied dinner wine. Even sampling several other local varieties confirmed this general characteristic.
Don’t expect Italian Amarone: If you are seeking the intense, massive structure of a wine like Amarone della Valpolicella, which gets its body from the specialized passito (drying) technique, you will likely be disappointed. Greek red wines, due to the climate and the nature of indigenous varietals, prioritize high acidity and freshness. They are built to be vibrant, refreshing, and highly compatible with Mediterranean cuisine in the warm climate.
The beauty of Rhodian wines lies in their vibrancy, freshness, and food-friendliness, offering a delightful contrast to the rich, heavy style of other European counterparts. Knowing this distinction will allow you to fully appreciate the unique lightness that Greek winemaking traditions have perfected.
Rhodes’ Secret Flavors: Wine Tasting, Local Honey, and the Authentic Heart of Embonas and Sianna
The gastronomic heart of Rhodes beats fastest high on the slopes of Mount Attaviros, specifically in the neighboring villages of Embonas and Sianna. While the coastal stops provide history, these inland settlements offer the crucial cultural authenticity needed for a complete Rhodian experience.
Embonas is the undisputed wine capital, where the unique mountain microclimate allows traditional family wineries to cultivate indigenous grapes like Athiri and Mandilaria (Amorgiano). A stop here is not just about eating; it’s about meeting the producers, supporting local agriculture, and truly immersing yourself in the genuine, unspoiled flavors of Rhodes.
Where to go Embonas and Sianna:
For travelers committed to dedicating time to the island’s interior, and for those keeping a personal “must-do” list like ours, the villages of Embonas and Sianna are non-negotiable stops. We did not make it there this time, but these are the specific places we have prioritized for our return trip, based on research and trusted local recommendations.
- Kounaki Wines (Embonas) Was Founded in 1928, making it one of the most historic and renowned wine institutions in Embonas. It is particularly valuable for the authentic traveler, as it is often the only winery in the village that offers a guided tour to visitors, allowing you to truly understand the production process. Here, you will have the opportunity to directly sample labels produced from indigenous grape varieties, such as the white Athiri (known for its fruity and lively character) and the red Mandilaria (also known as Amorgiano).
- Ebonas Winecellar (Embonas) (https://share.google/qBHFVjzx4c9webI7k). Perfect as a complementary stop, the Ebonas Winecellar is a welcoming, family-run business located right in the village center. While not a full production winery, it is the ideal place to sample a wide range of local wines from various small Embonas producers. The added value here is the opportunity to enjoy free tastings of traditional products, such as pure extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and homemade jams—a great chance to experience the richness of local flavors and add a personal touch with the producers’ stories.
- Sianna Village (Honey and Souma) A short drive from Embonas, Sianna deserves a stop not for wine, but for its two specialties: Thyme Honey and Souma. Sianna is considered the premier destination for buying the island’s best pure honey. Find a local stall to sample this delicacy. Furthermore, don’t leave without trying Souma, the powerful local grape spirit (similar to Grappa or Raki). This provides a unique final touch to your gastronomic journey, immersing you in the strongest traditions of Rhodian agriculture.
Rhodes’ Secret Flavors: Finding Authenticity Near the Sea (Lindos, Rhodes Town)
While the gastronomic heart of Rhodes beats fastest high on the slopes of Mount Attaviros—specifically in the neighboring villages of Embonas and Sianna—our experience showed us that you don’t need to drive deep inland to find true culinary delight.
The island’s best local wines, olive oil, and thyme honey are widely available in coastal towns like Lindos or Rhodes Old Town. We found that the numerous authentic tavernas and restaurants specializing in local wine provided an exceptional experience. Crucially, our group—which included passionate food enthusiasts and several wine experts—was entirely satisfied. The quality of the local Athiri and Mandilaria wines, paired with exquisite Greek dishes sampled right on the coast, left us with no sense of missing out. The authentic flavors of Rhodes are truly an island-wide treasure, accessible even near the beach.
Specifically for wine lovers staying near Lindos, places like Kava Kantina or the Dionysos restaurant are key reference points. The Dionysos, in particular, attracts attention for its central location and being known for its extensive wine list, making it a magnet for those seeking fine local varietals.
A Note on Service at Dionysos (Personal Experience): We must, however, share a candid note from our personal experience. While our group thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine, the service was mixed. We had a reservation that hadn’t been noted upon arrival, and after receiving our orders, the staff never returned to check if we needed anything else. For this reason, while we recognize Dionysos as a destination for its wine quality, we cannot recommend it 100% for the overall dining experience.
If your holiday is short, or if you are simply captivated by the beautiful beaches and coastline, you can easily sample the island’s ‘liquid gold’ and ‘sweet nectar’ in coastal towns like Lindos or Rhodes Old Town. The island’s best local wines, olive oil, and thyme honey are widely available in local tavernas, specialized delicatessens, and even well-stocked supermarkets.
In fact, the slightly cooler autumn weather is actually a bonus for food lovers. As we discovered during our trip, when we encountered some rain, a warm, hearty Moussaka or rich meat stew becomes essential and incredibly comforting—a delightful culinary experience easily found in cozy coastal restaurants.
You can craft a complete culinary tour through a simple plate of meze, paired with a typical local wine, without ever leaving the coast. Look for small shops and markets near Lindos; they often offer tastings or carry the same high-quality products found at the inland producers. The authentic flavors of Rhodes are truly an island-wide treasure.
🎬 Embedded Video: A Culinary Tour in One Platter
To illustrate the richness of flavors available outside the inland villages, we’ve included a short video capturing one of our most satisfying meals. On a day when the autumn weather was perfectly changeable (a mix of sun and rain), we visited an authentic Greek taverna near the coast. We opted for the mixed platter for two, which proved to be a true culinary tour on a single, expansive dish!
This platter featured classic comfort foods like Mousaka and local specialties such as feta cheese with honey, demonstrating that you can find genuine Greek authenticity—and large, satisfying portions at reasonable prices—right near the coast.
Watch the video directly on this page, or click here for viewing on YouTube (ideal for mobile users): https://youtu.be/-VCHzFleuXA.
Where to Taste the True Flavors
- Kounaki Wines (Embonas) & Ebonas Winecellar (Embonas) & Sianna Village: These are the primary sources if you do decide to venture inland.
- Coastal Authenticity: Wine and Delicacies Near the Sea (Lindos, Rhodes Town): Our experience shows that true culinary delight is available all over Rhodes, making the long trip to the center non-essential. You do not need to drive inland for quality. In popular coastal areas like Lindos and Rhodes Town, you will find excellent restaurants that specifically highlight local Rhodian wines and feature authentic dishes. You can easily choose a typical local wine from the menu and pair it with a plate of exquisite meze—a full culinary tour in a single sitting!
- The Supermarket & Shop Treasure Hunt: If time is limited, the simplest and most overlooked attraction is the supermarket! Look for specialized delicatessens and well-stocked supermarkets in towns like Lindos. They often carry the same high-quality local honey, olive oil, and Souma. Many places in Lindos also offer wine sampling experiences, which you can program in advance, meaning you get the taste without the travel commitment.
Planning Your Authentic Experience
When planning your trip to Rhodes in late September/early October, you must confront the central dilemma: prioritization. Based on our own experience, 3-4 days (or even a full week) is simply not enough time to comfortably cover the island’s many beautiful beaches that I love, essential beautiful cultural sites (like the Lindos Acropolis and Rhodes Old Town), and dedicate sufficient time to the inland harvest villages.
The truth is, if you are visiting during this period, the beaches are still magnificently tempting, and you will likely find yourself drawn to the coast, leaving the remote vineyards for a second trip.
If your priority is enjoying the coastal beauty and the main cultural sites, we strongly recommend you embrace the coastal flavors; you can easily find the island’s authentic products in towns and tavernas. The deep dive into the agricultural heartland only truly becomes feasible if your trip falls later—say, late October or November—when the cooler weather naturally excludes the beaches and frees up your time to focus entirely on inland exploration, culture, and the many historical sites without feeling rushed.
Seasonal Cuisine: Local Flavors Not to Miss
Autumn also brings a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Try the fresh figs and pomegranates, rich in flavor. On the menus of local tavernas, look for dishes that use fresh seasonal ingredients, such as stuffed vegetables (gemista) or meat stews with aromatic herbs. Authentic tavernas, such as those found inland or in villages like Apollona or Lachania, offer homemade dishes that honor the island’s culinary traditions.
A Personal Note on Autumn Food: The slightly cooler weather in late September and October is truly a blessing for food lovers. When we visited Rhodes, there were even days when it rained a little, making warm, hearty dishes like Moussaka or rich stews absolutely essential and incredibly comforting. Authentic tavernas, whether inland (like Apollona) or nestled near the beach, offer these homemade dishes that honor the island’s culinary traditions.
A Traveler’s Confession: We Skipped Embonas & Sianna (And Still Found Authentic Flavors)
Despite our best intentions—and having more than seven days on Rhodes—we have a confession to make: as a group, we never made it to Embonas or Sianna. Our itinerary included the desire to see the wine and honey villages, but we were simply overwhelmed by the island’s other treasures. The weather was perfect for the beach, Lindos was captivating, and exploring Rhodes Old Town and the Palace of the Grand Master took a full, wonderful day.
We found ourselves satisfied because we did not compromise on taste. Our entire party, including those with expertise in wine and food, agreed we missed nothing of the flavor. We thoroughly enjoyed a culinary tour through numerous authentic tavernas and restaurants specialized in local wine, sampling everything from delicious Greek dishes to local Athiri and Mandilaria wines. We even stopped at various kiosks and shops near the roads and beaches—and in Lindos—to pick up local honey and olive oil. Our decision was ultimately justified: we missed nothing of the flavor, and we still have the villages on our list for a dedicated return trip.
A Note on the Wine Roads
We also must share a practical warning about the so-called “Wine Route” signage. While clearly marked in several places (even near the airport and coming from Lindos), we found the routes themselves to be visually uninspiring, lacking the scenic quality one expects from a wine region. We started following the signs but quickly turned back, realizing it was not a priority compared to the other beautiful sights.
Our advice? Do not rely on the “Wine Route” as a scenic attraction. If you genuinely want the full vineyard experience, plan to drive directly to the villages of Embonas or Sianna, where the destination itself—the wineries and producers—is the true reward. Given the sheer abundance of historical beauty and culinary delights on Rhodes, the Wine Route did not seem like a high priority.
🧭 Travel Tips for an Authentic Experience
When planning your trip to Rhodes in late September/early October, you must confront the central dilemma: prioritization. As seasoned travelers know, 3-4 days (or even a full week) is simply not enough time to comfortably cover the island’s many beautiful beaches, essential cultural sites like the Lindos Acropolis and Rhodes Old Town, and dedicate sufficient time to the inland harvest villages. The truth is, if you are visiting during this period, the beaches are still magnificently tempting, and you will likely find yourself drawn to the coast—and that is perfectly fine!
If you choose to prioritize the beaches and main sites, embrace the coastal flavors; you can easily find the island’s authentic products in towns and tavernas.
- For Inland Immersion: The deep dive into the agricultural heartland only truly becomes feasible if your trip falls later—say, late October or November—when the cooler weather naturally excludes the beaches and frees up your time. For this dedicated exploration, a Car Rental is essential for reaching rural villages like Embonas and Sianna. You might also consider booking a stay in a farmhouse to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
- For Flavor Hunting: If you are staying on the coast, you can still visit the Local Markets or simply explore the well-stocked shops in Lindos and Rhodes Town to discover fresh products and local handicrafts.
⭐ Conclusion: Rhodes in Autumn, a Flexible Treasure
Visiting Rhodes in late September/early October is an opportunity to savor authentic flavors and discover centuries-old traditions without sacrificing a moment of your precious beach time.
The true beauty of a Rhodes autumn holiday is its flexibility. It does not force a choice between history, relaxation, and gastronomy. Whether you spend your days swimming off the coast of Lindos or plan a dedicated tour of the vineyards, you will connect with the island’s rich agricultural soul and savor genuine flavors. Prepare your senses for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of a genuine and flavorful Greece.
Planning for all weather? Given the unpredictable nature of autumn, we’ve got you covered for those days when the sun takes a break. Read our guide on Rhodes Rainy Day Activities for things to do when the weather is not cooperating.