Santorini: Volcanic Wine Tour to 2 or 3 Wineries

Santorini: Volcanic Wine Tour to 2 or 3 Wineries
Location: Cyclades, Greece
Country: Greece
Rating: 4.9 (based on traveler reviews)
Supplier: Argyros Travel
Similar Experiences: Ocean Voyager Sunset Tour, Santorini Port/Airport Transfer, Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Cruise, among others.

Meta Description: Explore Santorini’s volcanic wines on a guided tour visiting 2 or 3 wineries, ending with a secret sunset spot. Ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.

The Experience in a Nutshell
If you love wine and want an authentic taste of Santorini’s famed volcanic terroir, this 4.5 to 5.5-hour tour offers a curated journey through some of the island’s most iconic wineries. Beginning with a pickup from Thera (Fira), you’ll visit two or three wineries depending on your chosen option, each with its own character and story. The experience ends with a peaceful sunset at a secret spot, far from tourist crowds.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances learning with tasting. Visiting underground cellars carved from volcanic rock at Art Space Winery feels like stepping into a modern-day treasure trove of cultural artistry and wine craftsmanship. Later, walking among over 100-year-old vines at Estate Argyros and sampling crisp Assyrtiko wines gives a real sense of tradition. The final stop at Artemis Karamolegos introduces you to innovative winemaking that pushes the boundaries of local grapes.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a guided group experience—so it’s not for travelers seeking complete independence or very small, intimate groups. However, the guided element ensures you get expert insights into the volcanic soil, grape varieties, and traditional techniques.

This tour is best suited for wine lovers, culture seekers, and those wanting a relaxing, scenic experience—especially if you enjoy pairing your drinks with local bites and ending with a memorable sunset far from the crowds. If you prefer to avoid busy tourist spots and want to savor the island’s essence, this might be your ideal day out.

Key Points

• Authentic Wine Experience: Visit iconic wineries with underground cellars and historic vines.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides provide insights into volcanic terroir and local grape varieties.
• Tasting and Pairings: Sample 35 wines across the stops, paired with local snacks like fava and dried tomatoes.
• Cultural Blend: Art and winemaking coexist at Art Space Winery, adding a creative touch.
• Scenic Ending: Conclude with a peaceful, crowd-free sunset at a carefully chosen viewpoint.
• Flexible Options: Choose between two or three winery visits for a deeper or more varied exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation
The tour begins with a hotel pickup or a meeting point outside the central bus station in Fira, depending on your arrangements. The transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle minimizes travel fatigue, allowing you to relax and focus on the scenery and stories ahead. The group size tends to be manageable, enhancing the chance to ask questions and connect with your guide.

First Stop: Art Space Winery
This isn’t your typical winery. Housed in 19th-century underground chambers carved from volcanic rock, Art Space Winery blends contemporary art exhibitions with small-batch wines. It’s a cultural landmark that speaks to Santorini’s creative spirit.

Here, you’ll taste handcrafted wines—35 in total—that reflect the island’s volcanic influence. The underground environment adds a cool, almost mystical atmosphere, making the tasting memorable. Reviews praise the guide’s insights, mentioning how the art and wine pairing at this site offers a unique storytelling experience.

Second Stop: Estate Argyros
Next, you’ll visit this renowned estate, long regarded as a benchmark for Santorini wines. The highlight is walking among over a century-old vines, shaped in the characteristic “kouloura” basket form. This traditional method helps vines withstand the island’s windy conditions while preserving the minerality and crispness of the wines.

Here, you’ll taste Assyrtiko, the island’s signature white, known for its volcanic salinity and lively acidity. The estate’s approach to balancing tradition with modern minimal intervention produces structured, mineral-driven wines that critics rave about. Paired with local bites like cherry tomatoes and capers, the tasting is as flavorful as it is educational.

Third Stop: Artemis Karamolegos
This winery is a favorite for its approach to authenticity and experimentation. Set in a tranquil garden, Artemis offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can savor a range of wines—from fresh whites to Vinsanto, a sweet, sun-dried grape dessert wine.

The winemaker’s philosophy emphasizes natural expression and innovation, which appeals to those interested in the evolving wine scene. Travelers mention how the wines here “show off the pure, volcanic character” and appreciate the chance to slow down and really taste each sip.

Ending with the Sunset
The tour concludes at a secret viewpoint, chosen for its quiet, crowd-free ambiance. As the sun dips into the Aegean, you’ll be reflecting on the day’s flavors and stories, often with a glass of your favorite wine in hand. Many reviews mention how this peaceful ending makes the experience feel truly special.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Duration and Pace: The full experience lasts around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, with each stop lasting about an hour, plus travel time. Expect a leisurely pace with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and ask questions.
• Cost and Value: While the tour is priced to include 35 wines, local snacks, transportation, and expert guidance, it offers excellent value for those interested in both wine and cultural insights. The multiple winery visits provide a well-rounded picture of Santorini’s wine scene.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking underground cellars and vineyard strolls, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and possibly a light jacket for the evening.
• Dietary Restrictions: The tour includes local bites, but if you have allergies or specific diet needs, it’s best to inform the guide beforehand.
• Age and Mobility: Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues, as some locations involve walking and standing.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

We loved how this experience isn’t just about tasting wines—it’s about understanding the story of Santorini’s land, people, and traditions. Visiting underground cellars carved into volcanic rock, walking among ancient vines, and ending with a sunset that feels like a secret shared with locals makes this a genuinely immersive experience.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and passion, often sharing stories that bring the wines and the island’s history to life. It’s clear that this tour focuses on quality over quantity, giving you a taste of the island’s very soul.

The pairing of wines with local snacks, grown in the same volcanic soil, deepens the connection between the land and the flavors in your glass. Many travelers mention how these bites add a layer of authenticity and local pride to the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to learn about volcanic terroir, this tour is an excellent choice. The detailed visits to historic vineyards and underground cellars provide more than just tastings; they offer a genuine education. If you enjoy pairing local wines with regional cuisine, the tasting experiences are thoughtfully curated.

Those seeking a peaceful, scenic end to a busy day, away from crowds, will appreciate the secret sunset spot. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, culture rather than a bustling, commercialized experience.

This tour suits adults who want to deepen their understanding of Santorini’s wine heritage and appreciate good scenery and authentic storytelling. It’s particularly appealing for those who value guided expertise and meaningful, sensory encounters.

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FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the option you choose and the pace of the group.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Thera is included, and the guide will confirm the details after booking.

Can I choose to visit only two wineries?
Yes, you can opt for the two-winery version, which still offers a rich exploration of Santorini’s wine tradition.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), camera, and possibly a light jacket for the evening.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments.

What is included in the price?
Guided tastings at 2 or 3 wineries, local bites, transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, taxes, and bottled water.

To sum it up, this Santorini wine tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines tasting, learning, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist spots and discover the island’s true flavor—both in the glass and in its land. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveler eager to understand Santorini’s volcanic roots, this tour provides a memorable, flavorful day. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy meaningful conversations, and take home not just a bottle, but a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich wine heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: