Santorini: Private Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Tour

Santorini: Private Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Tour

This 6-hour journey through Santorini’s vineyards and culinary traditions offers a taste of what makes the island special. For about $1,073 per group (up to 2 people), you’ll visit two traditional wineries, sample eight different wines, and learn to cook classic Greek dishes with a local chef. Your experience is guided by friendly, knowledgeable local guides, making what could be a touristy cliche into a genuinely engaging day.

Two features stand out for us: first, the chance to walk through volcanic vineyards and learn about the unique wine growing methods specific to Santorini. Second, the interactive cookery lesson that ends with enjoying the fruits of your labor—a true hands-on experience that makes this tour memorable.

A potential consideration is the overall focus on white and dessert wines, which reflects the island’s production but might limit variety for some wine enthusiasts. Also, since it’s a private tour, the intimate setting is ideal for those who prefer personalized attention over large group tours.

This experience is perfect for couples, food lovers, or wine connoisseurs who want an authentic, small-group immersion into Santorini’s local flavors with a relaxed pace and plenty of tasting. If you enjoy hands-on activities and appreciate expert guides with a passion for local culture, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and appetite.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Visit two traditional wineries and learn about Santorini’s volcanic viticulture.
Expert Guidance: Guides and chefs are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about their craft.
Tasting Variety: Sample eight different wines, mostly whites and dessert wines, with insights into what makes them unique.
Hands-On Cooking: Participate in a Greek cooking class, making classic recipes like dakos and fava, and enjoy the results.
All-Inclusive: Includes transportation, lunch, wine, water, and the opportunity to buy wines and olive oils at discounted prices.
Flexible & Private: Designed for small groups, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and a cancellation policy that allows refunds up to 24 hours prior.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Santorini Private Cooking and Wine Tour

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Starting the Day: Pickup and Introduction

Your journey begins with hotel pickup — a thoughtful touch that saves you the hassle of navigating narrow streets or crowded public transport. The tour is private, so it feels more like a day out with friends than a large-group excursion. Once aboard, your guide quickly sets the tone, sharing snippets about Santorini’s unique volcanic soil that influences both the landscape and the wine.

The Vineyard Walk: Discovering Santorini’s Unique Viticulture

The first highlight is walking through volcanic vineyards. Here, you’ll see the basket vines, a traditional method developed to protect the grapevines from strong winds and the island’s intense sun. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide explained everything about the local viticulture,” making the science and tradition behind the wines easy to understand.

Your guide will share insights on how Assyrtiko, the island’s flagship white grape, thrives in this harsh environment, producing wines that are crisp, mineral-driven, and incredibly refreshing. Visiting two wineries allows you to see different approaches to winemaking and taste a variety of styles, including Nykteri and Vinsanto, the famous dessert wine.

Wine Tasting: Savoring Santorini’s Flavors

Tasting eight wines might seem like a lot, but your guide expertly frames each sip—what to look for, how the flavors develop, and how local climate and volcanic soil influence the wines. “The wines themselves were delicious,” one guest remarked, and many appreciated the mini-tutorial on how to identify different notes.

Most wines are whites and dessert wines, which reflect the island’s production focus. For wine lovers, this is a real treat—an opportunity to sample some of the best Santorini has to offer in a relaxed, scenic setting. Many reviews praise guides like Angelo or Evan for their enthusiasm and approachable style, making the tasting both fun and educational.

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The Culinary Experience: Learning and Eating Greek Food

After the wine tours, it’s time for the cooking class. Led by a local chef, Thalia, you’ll be introduced to traditional Greek recipes, such as Dakos (a Cretan salad with barley rusks and tomatoes), fava puree, tomato fritters, and pork tenderloin. As one reviewer said, “The atmosphere was exceptional, and we learned new techniques while drinking wine.”

Participation is relaxed but engaging—many guests appreciated being able to help out in the kitchen rather than just watch. The class is designed to be interactive, with recipes that are simple enough to recreate back home, yet authentic enough to impress friends. The meal at the end is a celebration of Greek flavors, beautifully paired with the wines you’ve tasted earlier.

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Lunch and Final Moments

Your lunch in a traditional restaurant is included, with plenty of Greek appetizers and the dishes you helped prepare. The experience of sitting down to enjoy your creations—paired with local wines—is one of the tour’s best features. It’s a genuine way to connect with Santorini’s culinary culture, not just observe it.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation is seamless, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, which is especially useful in a place where narrow streets and limited parking can be a hassle. The tour lasts about six hours, which gives ample time for a relaxed pace—enough to soak in the scenery, savor wines, and learn new recipes without feeling rushed.

Cost-wise, while $1,073 for two might seem high, the value lies in the combination of private guides, exclusive winery visits, hands-on cooking, and a full lunch—all of which would cost far more to do independently, especially with personalized attention. Many reviews highlight how thoroughly enjoyable and well-organized the day is, with guides like Michael or Angelo making the experience smooth and informative.

The Overall Experience: Who Will Love It?

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate small-group, personalized experiences. It’s ideal for couples or friends who want a relaxed, immersive day of wine and food, rather than a quick tasting. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy learning new skills and want an authentic taste of Greek culinary traditions.

If you prefer a more casual, less participatory experience, or are looking for a wide variety of wines, you might find this tour slightly focused—mainly on whites and dessert wines. But for those wanting quality over quantity, and a genuine connection to Santorini’s food and wine culture, it will be a highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and return from your hotel or Airbnb, making it very convenient for visitors unfamiliar with local transport rules.

How many wineries will we visit?
You will visit two traditional wineries, which allows for a more in-depth experience and plenty of tasting opportunities.

What wines will I taste?
The focus is mainly on whites and dessert wines typical of Santorini, including Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto.

Can I participate in the cooking?
Absolutely. The cooking class is designed to be interactive, and you’ll help prepare some local Greek dishes to enjoy at the end.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, the experience is for a private group, with guides like Angelo or Stephanos providing personalized attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

To sum it up, this Santorini private wine and cooking experience offers an excellent blend of education, tasting, and hands-on fun. It’s perfect for those looking for an authentic, small-group activity that combines the island’s best flavors with local hospitality. If you want a day that’s both relaxing and enriching, and you’re eager to learn how to cook Greek classics with a glass of local wine in hand, this tour will deliver a memorable taste of Santorini.