With a climate of year-round sun fused with cool sea breezes, it?s no surprise Santorini fosters a host of scrumptious delicacies that have become essential to locals, and adored by chefs and foodies the world over. To celebrate the country?s rich agricultural and culinary history, 2013 Year of Gastronomy has been ushered in, and Vedema Resort is getting in on the action to commemorate its 20th anniversary.
Back at the village of Megalohori, where the historic resort surrounds the village?s 400-year-old wine cellar, they will be offering a wealth of activities to educate and entertain guests through the island?s local products?from photography exhibitions, to cooking classes for children and adults, vineyard tours, wine-tasting sessions and herb-foraging trips. Both in-house and around the surrounding village, the Vedema Resort is giving patrons the chance to not only taste traditional flavors, but pick up Mediterranean cooking techniques to pack up and take home.
One unique event is an actual seed exchange. Following a seminar called “Hand to hand, from one generation to the next”, the resort will give out seeds of traditional Santorini ingredients to teach the importance of gathering and distributing the area’s seed varieties. And because no trip to Santorini would be complete with a glass of the Greek Isles’ finest, the resort’s food and beverage manager will lead daily wine-tastings for guests, along with unique cocktails using herbs picked right on the island.
Revamped menus at the resort’s Vinsanto restaurant will feature neo-Greek dishes and special ancient recipes highlighting indigenous ingredients, and each will be paired with locally-produced wines. Vedema’s Asian Spa is also ready to showcase the island’s homegrown items through exclusive beauty and wellness treatments.
While it’s been centuries since Greek philosopher Hippocrates advised circa 400 B.C., “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”, it still rings true for locals and this island-wide celebration is their way of sharing their past and present flavors with the world. The festivities will take place from June 17- July 7, with rates starting at $323.
