Santorini: Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia

Santorini: Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia — A Practical Guide to a Memorable Experience

Imagine spending a laid-back afternoon exploring Santorini’s famous viniculture, visiting two unique wineries, sampling around 8 different wines, and ending your day watching the sun dip into the sea from the iconic village of Oia. This five-hour wine tour offers a taste of authentic Greek hospitality and scenic beauty, all for around $99 per person. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience balances fun and education, making it a popular choice for those eager to combine wine tasting with stunning vistas.

What really sets this tour apart is its focus on local wineries with distinctive personalities—from the modern, architecturally intriguing Hatzidakis Winery to the fascinating wine museum in a cave at Mesa Gonia. Plus, the sunset viewing spot in Oia offers a picture-perfect end to your day. We love the intimate feel of the small group setting and the chance to learn about Santorini’s unique volcanic wines.

A potential consideration is that the sunset stop can get crowded, and some reviewers mention the bar service isn’t very flexible about extra drinks. If you’re a wine enthusiast who appreciates a relaxed pace and authentic stops, this tour hits the mark. It’s a great fit for travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences and beautiful scenery, and who don’t mind a bit of a bumpy ride around the island.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic visits to two local wineries, each offering unique insights into Santorini’s wine culture.
Approximate 8 wine samples in total, with a variety of flavors from the island’s volcanic vineyards.
Beautiful sunset in Oia, with a reserved spot at a bar for a relaxed finish.
Expert guides who share local stories and help you understand the winemaking process.
Convenient pickup and drop-off from your hotel, making the experience smooth.
Good value for the price, combining wine tasting, sightseeing, and sunset viewing into one affordable package.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Santorini

A Closer Look at the Santorini Wine Tour

Starting Off in Pyrgos Kallistis at Hatzidakis Winery

Your day begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Thera, followed by a scenic drive to Pyrgos Kallistis—one of the island’s most famous villages. Here, you’ll visit Hatzidakis Winery, perched at 330 meters above sea level, offering striking views and a chance to see how modern architecture blends with tradition. The winery’s unconventional structural design—built from above and moving downward—makes it a striking sight.

During your visit, you’ll sample three exceptional wines, learning how the volcanic soil influences flavor. The small group size makes it easier to ask questions and get a more personalized experience, which many guests appreciate. Reviewers praise the professionalism of guides and drivers, describing the pace as comfortable without feeling rushed.

Discovering Santorini’s Winemaking Heritage at the Wine Museum

Next, you’ll head to Mesa Gonia, where the Wine Museum is set inside a cave—an extraordinary place that has taken 21 years of effort to transform into a natural labyrinth eight meters underground. Here, you’ll get a rare glimpse of the winemaking process from grape harvest to fermentation, with explanations of traditional methods like stomping grapes by foot.

This stop is particularly valued for its educational value—a chance to see how volcanic wines are made and taste some renowned volcanic wines from the Koutsogiannopoulos family. Many visitors comment that the museum is both fascinating and atmospheric, adding a tangible connection to the island’s wine history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Winery Visit and Sunset in Oia

After exploring the museum, your journey takes you to Oia, famous for its blue-domed churches and breathtaking sunsets. Here, you’ll enjoy a reserved table at Sun Spirit Bar—a prime spot for sunset views. With your included glass of wine (red, white, or rosé), you’ll sit back and take in the majestic sight of the sun setting into the Aegean Sea.

Reviews highlight that this is a highlight of the tour—a perfect balance of scenery, relaxation, and a little extra wine. Some guests mention that additional drinks at the bar can be expensive, around 14 euros a glass, so plan accordingly if you want more than the included glass.

Planning evening activities? Here are other after-dark options we've examined in Santorini

Practical Aspects of the Tour

The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, with pick-up and drop-off included from your hotel or accommodation. The group size typically remains small, fostering a more personalized atmosphere. The tour operates in English, and private options are available if you prefer a more exclusive experience.

The itinerary is flexible enough to include photo stops—such as the iconic blue domes of Oia—and some guests particularly enjoy the unhurried pace that allows for plenty of photo opportunities and a relaxed tasting experience.

What We Love About This Tour

One of the biggest pluses is the personalized guidance. Several reviews rave about the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—many mention guides like Yiannis as being bursting with personality and full of local stories. This makes the experience all the more engaging.

Another highlight is the quality of wines offered. Guests find the variety of samples quite satisfying, with some describing the first winery as their favorite, thanks to its distinctive wines and an interesting museum. The view of the sunset in Oia is another thing that keeps coming up as a magical and memorable part of the trip.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

Some travelers mention minor hiccups, such as pickup delays or group size issues. A few reviews note that extra drinks at the sunset bar can be expensive, and the bar service might not be very flexible. If you’re a big drinker or seeking an entirely seamless experience, these points are worth considering.

Also, since the tour involves bumpy roads—common in many island tours—be prepared for some slight discomfort. The length of the tour and number of stops might feel a bit long if you prefer a quick overview, but for those who love detailed, relaxed experiences, it’s ideal.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re into authentic wine experiences and enjoy learning about local traditions, this tour offers a genuine taste of Santorini’s viniculture. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups who appreciate scenic views and a relaxed pace. The sunset in Oia is an added bonus for those wanting a picture-perfect moment without the hassle of navigating the crowds alone.

Travelers seeking a comprehensive intro—covering both wineries and the island’s famous sunset—will find this tour offers a good balance of history, scenery, and delicious wine. However, if your priority is a luxury experience or more extensive wine tasting, you might want to compare with other options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 5 hours—from pickup to return—covering two wineries, a wine museum, and sunset viewing.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or accommodation, making it easy to join without extra logistics.

How many wines will I taste?
You can expect to taste around 8 different wines during the visits, with a variety of styles and flavors to enjoy.

Can I buy extra wine at the sunset bar?
Yes, you can purchase additional drinks. However, many reviews mention that extra drinks can be quite expensive, around 14 euros a glass.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While most of the experience is wine-focused, it’s best suited for adults. The tour involves walking and vehicle transportation around the island.

What if I don’t drink wine?
There may be some alternative options or you could enjoy the scenery and sunset instead, but the focus of this tour is on wine tasting.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini wine tour with sunset in Oia offers a wonderful blend of authentic local wineries, stunning views, and educational experiences. For about $99, you’re getting more than just wine tasting—you’re gaining insight into the island’s volcanic vineyards, enjoying small group intimacy, and ending your day in one of the most beautiful sunsets Greece has to offer.

It’s especially suited for those who value guided insights, prefer a relaxed pace, and want a taste of real Santorini beyond the typical tourist spots. While it may not be perfect for those craving luxury or extensive wine samples, it certainly delivers on authenticity, scenery, and a memorable sunset.

If you’re ready for a delicious, scenic, and educational afternoon on Santorini, this tour is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the island’s wines and a front-row seat to one of its most iconic sights.