In the search for the best dessert wines in the world, don't forget about Greece.

Santorini- is a type of fantasy island that epitomizes the beautyGreecebut he is alsohouseFor ... some underrated but exceptional local wines. Most fine dinners usually end with great desserts, and for a truly special culinary experience, they are best paired with great dessert wines.

From the most famous winePortugalI have always been a fan of exceptional dessert wines, from Port, to Spanish sherry and Canadian ice wine. But until I visited Santorini, I was unaware of the existence of the island's own legendary version of its own Vinsanto.

Santorini is a popular destination for Americans

Vinsanto Santorini is an excellent dessert wine made from the island's indigenous PDO grape variety. These wines deserve “Hidden Gem” status, as the only similar wine that most people outside of Greece know is the much better known Italian counterpart, Vin Santo.

Assyrtimo, Santorini's special indigenous grape variety, has PDO status on the island and is one of the greatest “orders” in the world of food. Santo wine produced on the island must contain at least 51% PDO assyrtimo and then be aged in wooden barrels for at least two years.

Vinsanto tasting in Santorini

I visited Santorini with Diana Kochilas, one of the world's leading experts on Greek cuisine. Kochilas is the lead television host of the PBS series My Greek Table.

We dined, tasted wines, and I highly recommend a visit to this place. But I was particularly struck by the Vinsanto, and despite its cost, I purchased two bottles.

Vincanto Santorini is fantastic with cheese, chocolate and other sweets. It has an amber hue and a rich flavor most typically described with words like cinnamon, raisin, honey, taffy, toffee and caramel.

Available options and recommendations

In Greece, you'll find Vinsanto in restaurants, especially in theAthens. One of the most affordable options inU.S.is the wine from Estate Argyros “First Release” 2015. The largest producer is Santo Wines, their 2016 vintage can be found for about $50.

These are world class dessert wines, and definitely worth trying. If you're traveling toGreeceDon't miss the opportunity to taste Vinsanto in Santorini!