Santorini: 5-Hour Private Wine Tour

Planning a trip to Santorini and want to experience its renowned wine scene without the crowds? This private 5-hour wine tour offers a relaxed, personalized glimpse into the island’s viticulture, visiting three traditional wineries with your own sommelier guide. For around $847 per group (up to 2 people), you get a leisurely, intimate experience that combines scenic views, expert insights, and authentic local flavors.

What we love about this tour is how it balances educational tasting with breathtaking scenery. The opportunity to sample up to 12 indigenous wine varieties, especially the famed Assyrtiko, makes this a standout for wine enthusiasts. Plus, the private cellar visits ensure a close-up look at the winemaking process—something you rarely get with large group tours.

A possible consideration is that the tour mainly features white and dessert wines—if you’re a red wine lover, this might not satisfy your preferences completely. Also, since it’s limited to up to 6 people, it suits travelers who prefer a more personal, less rushed experience.

This tour is perfect for those who appreciate fine wine, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and want a learned guide to deepen their understanding of Santorini’s unique terroir. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious beginner, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable sommelier guide
Visits to 3 traditional wineries showcasing Santorini’s volcanic wines
Taste of 12 indigenous varieties, including Assyrtiko and dessert wines
Includes cellar tours and wine tasting tutorials for deeper understanding
Beautiful, scenic routes through island villages and rolling hills
Local snacks and pairing elevate the tasting experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Santorini Wine Tour

When we consider a wine tour on Santorini, what really stands out is the combination of stunning scenery and authentic wine-making. This private experience aims to give you just that—a deeper appreciation of the island’s unique volcanic soils, climate, and traditional techniques, all wrapped in a leisurely 5-hour format.

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Starting Point: Flexible Pickup Options

The tour begins with pickup from seven different locations around Santorini—Thera, Imerovigli, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, Oia, or Mitropoleos Street in Thera. This flexibility is a big plus, especially if you’re staying in a boutique hotel or Airbnb away from the main tourist areas. The guide will pick you up, making it a seamless start to your day.

Visiting Three Distinct Wineries

You’ll visit Hatzidakis Winery, Santo Wines, and Anhydrous Cellar Door. Each offers a different glimpse into Santorini’s wine culture.

At Hatzidakis, you can expect a tasting session and a chance to learn about the island’s indigenous grape, Assyrtiko. Guests consistently praise guides like Elena, who manage to blend informative commentary with relaxed conversation. One reviewer described her as “fabulous,” noting her impressive knowledge of Santorini wines and her knack for balancing structured activities with downtime.

Next, at Santo Wines, you’ll explore a larger, well-established winery, where the views over the caldera are particularly spectacular. You’ll enjoy a private cellar tour, learning about how volcanic soils influence the wines and sampling different styles. Multiple reviewers have appreciated the variety here, highlighting the distinctiveness of each winery and the chance to compare traditional methods with modern techniques.

Finally, the Anhydrous Cellar Door offers a more intimate look, often in unique settings like caves or rustic cellars. The tasting here is paired with local snacks—cheese, olives, and other bites—that complement the wines beautifully.

What You’ll Taste and Learn

You’ll sample 12 different wine styles, mostly whites and dessert wines, giving you a broad spectrum of flavors. The Assyrtiko grape is a highlight—known for its crispness, minerality, and connection to Santorini’s volcanic past. Multiple reviews note the quality of wines served, with many buying bottles to take home.

An added benefit is the wine tasting tutorial included in the tour, where your guide explains the nuances of different varieties, ideal for those wanting to deepen their wine knowledge. Many travelers appreciated this, describing guides like Angelo and Dora as very knowledgeable and engaging.

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Scenic Drives and Local Snacks

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of rolling hills, charming villages, and the famous caldera. The guide’s commentary often includes snippets about the island’s history and culture, adding context to the landscape.

Local snacks—cheese, olives, and light tapas—are served alongside the tastings, making the experience more flavorful and authentic. Reviewers have consistently mentioned how these bites enhance the wine experience, making each stop feel like a small feast.

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Ease and Flexibility

The tour’s door-to-door pickup and drop-off makes it very convenient, especially if you’re arriving via cruise or staying in central Santorini. The five-hour duration balances enough time to relax and enjoy without feeling rushed. Plus, the full cancellation policy—up to 24 hours in advance—adds flexibility to your planning.

Why This Tour Is a Good Value

While $847 might seem steep at first glance, remember this covers private transportation, three winery visits, 12 tastings, private cellar tours, and snacks—all tailored to your pace. Compared to larger group tours, the personalized attention and expert guide make it feel like a true insider experience.

Who Will Love This Experience?

It’s a perfect choice for wine lovers, especially those interested in Santorini’s unique volcanic wines. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate, educational experience without the hustle of crowded tours. If you enjoy scenic drives and want to learn about local traditions, you’ll find this tour both enjoyable and enriching.

This private wine tour offers a rich, relaxed dive into Santorini’s wine culture. The combination of expert guidance, scenic views, and delicious tastings makes it stand out for those wanting to combine learning with leisure. The guide’s knowledge, particularly about the Assyrtiko grape, is a real asset, helping you appreciate why Santorini’s wines are beloved worldwide.

The private setting means you can ask questions, take your time, and really savor each glass. The local snacks add a nice touch, turning each winery visit into a small celebration. For anyone wanting a more personal, authentic experience that goes beyond the typical tourist fare, this tour hits the mark.

If you’re someone who values quality over quantity, prefers small-group intimacy, and loves to learn about local culture, you’ll likely find this tour both memorable and worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The wine tasting tutorial makes it accessible whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore wine.

What types of wines will I taste?
Mainly whites and dessert wines, with up to 12 varieties, including Santorini’s famous Assyrtiko.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the experience to your interests, within the scope of visiting three wineries.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for a scenic drive and walking at wineries. Bring sun protection if it’s a sunny day.

Are food pairings included?
Yes, local cheese, olives, and snacks are served at each stop to complement the wines.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?
This tour is focused on wine tasting; if you don’t drink, you might want to choose a different activity.

How far in advance should I book?
To secure your preferred time and ensure availability, booking a few weeks ahead is recommended.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation or specified locations, making the experience very convenient.

Can this tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
The included snacks are standard, but if you have specific needs, it’s best to specify when booking.

In sum, for those wanting to experience Santorini’s legendary wines in a personalized and scenic setting, this private tour offers a balanced mix of education, enjoyment, and authentic local charm. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to savor the island’s flavors, it’s a delightful way to deepen your connection with Santorini.