Santorini: Tour of Wineries with Wine Tasting & Food

Imagine yourself wandering through Santorini’s volcanic vineyards, with the sun casting a golden glow over the caldera, as you sip on wines unlike any you’ve tasted before. For around $169 per person, you’ll spend about 4 to 5 hours exploring three traditional wineries, guided by passionate local experts. Led by skilled sommeliers, this tour combines wine tasting, cellar exploration, and a delicious meal, making it an experience both educational and indulgent.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides like Nickolas and Rafael, who bring a genuine passion for Santorini’s unique wines and history. Second, the stunning vistas—whether it’s the caldera sunset or the lush vineyard scenes—complement the tasting and add a memorable visual element.

A potential drawback? Since the tour is limited to 8 participants, it might fill up quickly, so booking in advance is wise. Also, if you’re not super keen on wine or prefer a very relaxed pace, keep in mind that this tour is quite structured with guided visits and set meal times.

This experience is best suited for wine lovers, curious travelers wanting an authentic taste of Santorini’s terroir, or anyone who appreciates a carefully curated, small-group outing with lots of local flavor.

Key Points

• Expert guides enhance the experience with their deep knowledge of local wines and traditions.
• Visit three wineries with cellar tours and tastings that showcase Santorini’s volcanic soil influence.
• Sample up to 10 wines including Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto, with plenty of food pairing.
• Enjoy a memorable meal that complements the wines, often with a stunning sunset view.
• Small groups ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
• Flexible options include sunset views, making the experience even more special.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics

Your day begins with a pickup from a variety of central Santorini locations, including hotels and popular spots in Fira and Oia. The tour is designed for small groups of no more than 8 people, ensuring a cozy and engaging outing. The pickup and drop-off service helps you avoid the hassle of navigating the island’s tight streets, so you can focus on enjoying the day.

Wineries Visited and Tour Structure

The itinerary includes visits to three traditional wineries, each with its own character. The tour typically starts with a visit to a winery where you get a behind-the-scenes look at how Santorini’s volcanic wines are made and bottled. You might explore cellars, where wines are aged in cool stone caves—an ancient technique that keeps temperatures stable and preserves the flavors.

One reviewer notes, “George took us to some of the most beautiful wineries on the island, each with its own charm. We even got to explore their cellars,” which gives you a real insight into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Tasting and Food Pairing

Over the course of the tour, you’ll sample up to 10 wines, including distinctive varieties like Assyrtiko, a crisp white that thrives in volcanic soil, Nykteri, a traditional dry white, and Vinsanto, a sweet, dessert-style wine. The guides do a great job explaining how the terroir influences the taste, making each sip more meaningful.

Most reviews highlight the generous tastings and thoughtfully paired local snacks—bread sticks and tomato paste—that enhance the experience. One guest mentions, “The wine and the FOOD at the dinner was truly wonderful,” emphasizing how the pairing elevates the tasting.

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The Meal

The highlight for many is the included dinner, which often features a five-course meal in a scenic setting, sometimes with a view of the caldera at sunset. This isn’t just a quick snack; it’s a culinary journey that complements the wines perfectly. The meal is described as “sensational,” with one reviewer noting that “even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s plenty to see, learn, and experience.”

Sunset and Scenic Moments

Depending on the tour option, you may get to witness Santorini’s famous sunset from a prime vantage point during or after the last winery visit. Many reviewers found this a breathtaking way to end the day, with comments like “the sunset overlooking the caldera was incredible,” making the experience not just about wine but also about the stunning natural beauty.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is via comfortable minivans, making the journey between wineries seamless. The small group size (max 8 people) fosters a relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to ask questions and engage with guides like Rafael, who is praised for being “extremely knowledgeable” and passionate.

Cost and Value

At $169, this tour is often described as excellent value considering the high-quality wines, personal guides, and included meals. Many reviews emphasize that the wine quality and scenic moments make it worth the price, especially given the exclusive feel of visiting private wineries in a small group.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This tour suits travelers who want more than just a casual sip of wine. If you’re curious about Santorini’s volcanic viticulture, love learning from passionate experts, or simply want a beautiful, relaxed afternoon with exceptional wines and food, this experience will hit the mark. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and authentic local encounters.

What We Loved

• The expert guides like Nickolas and Rafael, who blend knowledge and passion with friendly storytelling.
• The stunning settings at each winery, especially the chance to explore caves and cellars that date back generations.
• The generous tastings of distinctive wines paired flawlessly with local bites.
• The beautiful sunset views, which elevate an already memorable day.

What Could Be Better

Some might wish for a slightly longer experience—one review mentioned they’d love an extra hour to linger over the wines. Also, if you’re not into wine or prefer a very laid-back pace, the guided nature and the focus on wine might feel a bit structured.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to discover Santorini’s unique volcanic varieties, this tour is a must. It’s also ideal for food lovers who want to taste authentic Greek flavors paired with local wines. Couples, honeymooners, or small groups of friends will appreciate the intimate setting and stunning views. However, if your time on the island is limited or you prefer activities with fewer structured tours, you might want to consider alternatives.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
While the focus is on wine, the tour offers plenty of sights, cellar explorations, and a delicious meal, so non-wine drinkers can still enjoy the setting and food.

How many wineries will we visit?
Typically, you’ll visit three wineries, with opportunities to explore cellars and learn about the winemaking process.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off, transportation, up to 10 wine tastings, food pairings, a meal, snack plate, and entrance fees to wineries.

Can I participate if I don’t drink wine?
Yes, though the focus is on wine, you can enjoy the scenery, learn about the process, and partake in the food.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as well as a passport or ID. You might also want to bring a camera, as the views are spectacular.

Is this tour flexible regarding timing?
You should check the availability for specific start times, and the tour duration is about 4-5 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini wine tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience blending stunning scenery, expert guidance, great wines, and delicious food. It’s clear that the guides’ enthusiasm and the quality of the wineries make it stand out from other similar experiences. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a serious enthusiast, you’ll find value in the insightful tastings and beautiful setting.

For travelers who want to connect with Santorini’s local traditions and enjoy a memorable, intimate outing, this tour is hard to beat. It’s a chance to savor the island’s unique flavors while soaking up some of its world-famous vistas.

Remember, with such positive reviews emphasizing knowledgeable guides, stunning locations, and delicious, well-paired wines, booking ahead is recommended. This tour promises not just wine tasting but a deep, flavorful slice of Santorini life.

You can check availability for your dates here: