Exclusive Santorini Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience

A Taste of Santorini: Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience

When visiting Santorini, many travelers look for memorable ways to explore the island beyond its stunning cliffs and picturesque villages. This Exclusive Santorini Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience offers an intimate and flavorful journey into the island’s renowned wine culture. For around $372 per person, you’ll spend about four to five hours touring two distinguished wineries, learning about indigenous grape varieties, and savoring a Greek meal paired with local wines—all with the comfort of a guided, private experience.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines educational insight with delicious eats, giving you a genuine taste of Santorini’s viticultural heritage. Plus, the visit to the amphitheatrical Anhydrous Winery, located in a former open-air cinema, adds a quirky charm that makes this experience stand out.

One potential consideration is the price, which is higher than some group tours, but the private setting and personalized attention often make it well worth the investment. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, small-group experiences with a focus on local wines and cuisine, this tour is likely to hit the right notes.

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking an authentic, relaxed exploration of Santorini’s lesser-known gems. It’s especially suited for travelers who value guided insights and want to enjoy the island’s flavors in a more intimate setting.

Key Points

• Authentic wine education with guided explanations of local grape varieties and winemaking processes.
• Intimate setting with only your group participating, fostering a relaxed and personalized atmosphere.
• Two renowned wineries offering diverse tastes and a behind-the-scenes look at Santorini’s unique viticulture.
• Traditional Greek lunch paired with local wines, emphasizing fresh ingredients and regional specialties.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and pick-up service for convenience.
• Highly praised guides who create a welcoming experience, making you feel at home and well-informed.

Exploring Santorini’s Unique Wine Heritage

Santorini isn’t just about postcard views and dramatic sunsets. It’s also a serious wine region, home to some of Greece’s most distinctive grape varieties, like Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Mavrotragano. This private tour offers a chance to see how these grapes are cultivated—sometimes in basket-shaped vines designed to protect from fierce sun and wind—then transformed into the island’s crisp, mineral-driven wines.

We loved the way the tour begins at Hatzidakis Winery, where founders Haridimos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chryssou have been crafting wines since 1997 with an emphasis on organic and biodynamic practices. The guide’s explanations of the winemaking process made the tasting more meaningful, especially when paired with detailed descriptions of each wine. One reviewer called it a “brilliant tour,” highlighting that they “learned a lot about Santorini wine and food while tasting delicious wines.” This kind of educational component adds depth for those interested in understanding what makes Santorini wines so special.

The second stop at Anhydrous Winery in Fira is equally captivating. The amphitheatrical tasting room, formerly an open-air cinema, offers a unique setting with panoramic views. The owner, Apostolos Mountrichas, is part of the newer generation of winemakers bringing fresh ideas while respecting tradition. Here, the tasting is complemented by a Greek lunch, with each dish thoughtfully paired with local wines. The reviews repeatedly praise the “delicious wine and food experience” and the hosts’ warm hospitality, emphasizing how enjoyable this part of the tour is.

What to Expect During the Tour

Start at Hatzidakis Winery: Expect a guided walk through the vineyard and production area, where the guides will explain the influence of Santorini’s volcanic soil and climate on the grapes. You’ll sample a variety of wines, each showcasing the island’s unique terroir. This part takes around two hours, with admission included, giving you ample time to savor and learn.

Visit to Anhydrous Winery: A short drive from the first stop, this winery’s amphitheater-style tasting room offers a relaxed environment. Here, you’ll indulge in a Greek lunch—think fresh, local ingredients—paired with wines produced on-site. This session lasts approximately three hours and includes admission.

Transportation and Guides: The tour includes air-conditioned transport, which makes the day comfortable, especially during summer heat. The guides, as one reviewer noted, are “very nice hosts,” making you feel at ease and leaving time for questions and conversation.

The Value in This Experience

While the tour price might seem steep, it includes private guiding, transportation, admissions, wine tastings, and a well-curated Greek lunch. Considering that tasting food and wine in a private setting often costs more than group experiences, the value is clear if you’re seeking quality, personalized attention, and educational insights.

The reviews reinforce this value, with visitors describing it as “the best wine tour we ever had,” and “very worth it” for the combination of visits, tastings, and the relaxed atmosphere created by Katarina and Roula, the guides. They emphasize the “lots of fun,” “learning,” and “delicious wine,” making it clear this experience resonates well with those who love good food and wine, paired with engaging storytelling.

The Experience’s Drawbacks

The main consideration is cost, which is higher than some other wine tours, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Also, the tour’s duration (4-5 hours) might be a bit long for those with limited time or lower stamina. However, the private and guided nature means you won’t feel rushed, and the intimate setting allows for richer conversations and a more tailored experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous wine lovers, culinary explorers, and anyone who appreciates small-group, personalized tours. It’s perfect if you want more than just a taste test—if you’re interested in learning about local viticulture, savoring authentic Greek dishes, and enjoying some of the best wines Santorini has to offer. It also works well for travelers who prefer a comfortable, guided experience over self-exploration, especially with the included transportation and select wineries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, providing a more relaxed and personalized setting.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours, giving plenty of time for wine tastings, the Greek lunch, and transportation.

Are vegetarian or pescetarian options available?
Yes, the tour is recommended for vegetarians and pescetarians, and the lunch can accommodate these dietary preferences.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided, with pickup included, making the day hassle-free.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes the wineries special?
Hatzidakis focuses on indigenous, organic, and biodynamic grape varieties, while Anhydrous offers a unique setting in a former cinema, both showcasing Santorini’s wine diversity.

To sum it up, this private wine and food tour offers a rare chance to enjoy Santorini’s renowned wines in an intimate setting, paired with a delicious Greek meal. It’s best suited for those who want a deeper understanding of the island’s viniculture, value personalized experiences, and are ready to indulge in good food, fine wines, and engaging stories. With highly praised guides and carefully curated stops, this tour delivers both education and pleasure, making for a memorable day on this beautiful island.