Santorini Food & Wine Tour: Eat and Taste Like a Local

A Taste of Santorini: Food & Wine Tour that Connects You to the Local Heart

Imagine cruising through the stunning landscapes of Santorini in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz minibus, stopping to sample some of Greece’s most famous volcanic wines and savoring traditional Greek dishes in front of a black sand beach. This tour, costing around $215 per person and lasting about 5 hours, offers an intimate look at what makes Santorini’s culinary scene so unique—less a tourist trap and more an authentic experience.

What we love most is how the tour combines two of Santorini’s most celebrated features: wines made from the volcanic soil and the striking black sand beaches. The visits to Anhydrous Winery and Estate Argyros not only highlight the island’s wine-making mastery but also provide an educational dive into local grape varieties like Assyrtiko. Plus, the chance to relax at Monolithos Beach, with its black sands, is a wonderful way to connect with the island’s volcanic heritage.

One consideration to keep in mind is the tour’s pacing—at nearly five hours, it’s quite full, but the stops are well-organized to keep things enjoyable rather than rushed. Also, since the group sizes are limited to 12, you’ll find a more personalized experience, especially if you opt for a private tour. This is ideal for travelers who want a thoughtful, immersive look at Santorini’s flavors without the hassle of planning or driving.

This tour suits those who appreciate good wine, delicious local food, and scenic beaches, especially if you prefer an authentic experience over large, impersonal tours. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to learn about Santorini’s culinary traditions while enjoying its breathtaking views.

Key Points

Authentic tastes: Sample eight local wines and traditional Greek dishes in a relaxed setting.
Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides provide insight into Santorini’s wine-making and culinary traditions.
Scenic stops: Visit less crowded beaches like Monolithos, with stunning black sands and volcanic character.
Convenient logistics: Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or villa make for a stress-free experience.
Personalized options: Choices between small group or private tour cater to different traveler preferences.
Value for money: Combining wine tasting, a local dinner, and scenic beaches at this price offers great value.

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Exploring the Santorini Food & Wine Tour in Depth

The Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Special

This tour is structured to give you a well-rounded taste of Santorini’s wine culture, local cuisine, and natural beauty—delivered in a manageable 5-hour window. The day begins with pickup from your hotel or villa, whisking you away in a cozy Mercedes-Benz minivan—a step above typical coach rides, making the journey comfortable and stylish.

Stop 1: Anhydrous Winery
Your first destination is Anhydrous Winery, founded by Apostolos Mountrikas in 2021. Mountrikas’ love for Assyrtiko, a grape that thrives in the island’s volcanic soil, is evident in their wines. The focus here is on ancient winemaking techniques, blended with modern craftsmanship to produce pure, expressive wines that reflect Santorini’s arid land, volcano, and sea breeze.

You’ll taste four wines, each showcasing the land’s character—an experience both educational and delicious. The 45-minute visit includes an admission ticket, making it straightforward to enjoy these high-quality wines without extra fuss. The guide’s insights help you understand how volcanic terroir influences flavor, and we found that the wines themselves are a testament to the land’s bold personality.

Stop 2: Estate Argyros
Next, you’ll visit Estate Argyros on the outskirts of Episkopi-Gonia. The estate’s spacious tasting room offers stunning ocean views—a perfect backdrop to sampling their signature Assyrtiko wines, along with Aydani and the highly-rated Mavrotragano. As one reviewer noted, their Mavrotragano scored 93 points from Wine Advocate, a sure sign of quality.

During this 45-minute session, you’ll sample another four wines, getting a deeper understanding of the diversity within Santorini’s wine scene. The estate’s modern yet welcoming vibe pairs well with the chance to get a sense of how different vineyards interpret their terroir.

Stop 3: Black Sand Beach & Greek Taverna
After a wine-filled morning, you’ll head to Monolithos Beach—a name that references its black volcanic sands. Here, you can relax, walk along the shores, or just soak in the view of the volcanic landscape.

A highlight is a traditional Greek dinner at a taverna right on the beach. The menu includes Greek salad, tomato fritters, and a choice of vegetarian pasta, chicken souvlaki, or grilled squid, each paired with a glass of wine or beer. The 1.5-hour meal is a relaxed, authentic way to enjoy local flavors in a beautiful setting, with the guide ensuring smooth service and a chance to ask questions about the dishes.

Why This Tour Works

The balance of wine tasting, scenic beaches, and local food makes this experience very appealing. It’s a perfect option if you love learning about local traditions, enjoy sampling regional wines, and want to see less touristy parts of Santorini. We found that the combination of educational stops and relaxing scenery offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s soul.

The Authentic Touch

Guests have raved about their guides—“very informative” and “helpful after the tour”—adding a personal touch to the experience. The small group size (up to 12 people) fosters a more intimate, conversational atmosphere. If you’re a traveler who values authentic stories behind local wines and dishes or simply wants to explore without the worry of driving or navigating, this tour hits the mark.

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Pacing and Practicalities

The total duration—just under five hours—strikes a good balance, allowing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. Since pickup and drop-off are included, you won’t need to worry about transportation logistics, especially helpful if you’re staying outside the main town.

The dress code is smart casual, suitable for both the winery visits and the outdoor beach meal. The tour is accessible, with most travelers able to participate, and those arriving on a cruise ship can coordinate their timing with advance notice.

Pricing and Value

At around $215, the tour offers a comprehensive experience—two wine tastings, a relaxed beachside dinner, and transportation—all in one package. Considering the quality of the wineries, the private or small group setting, and the inclusion of a local guide, this represents good value for travelers wanting an in-depth, authentic taste of Santorini.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers and foodies eager to learn about Santorini’s unique terroir and culinary traditions. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy or prefer a private tour for a personalized experience. Those wanting to avoid self-driving in unfamiliar terrain will find this option especially convenient.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, but delightful way to spend half a day—enjoying scenic views, local wines, and delicious Greek dishes—this tour offers a well-crafted package that balances all those elements beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers customized pickup and drop-off directly to your hotel or villa, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours, including winery visits, beach time, and dining.

Can I choose a private tour?
Yes, you can upgrade to a private tour if you prefer a more exclusive and personalized experience.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample a total of eight wines from Santorini and Greece, with visits to Anhydrous Winery and Estate Argyros.

What is the menu at the beachside tavern?
The menu includes Greek salad, tomato fritters, and a choice of vegetarian pasta, chicken souvlaki, or grilled squid, with wine or beer.

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, but you should provide your cruise details at booking—ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended, suitable for winery visits and outdoor dining.

Is this tour good for families?
Most travelers can participate, but check specific age restrictions if traveling with children.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 12, providing a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini Food & Wine Tour offers a well-balanced, authentic slice of the island’s rich flavors and scenic beauty. It’s a meaningful way to connect to local traditions through carefully curated winery visits, a relaxed beachside dinner, and the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides. The combination of high-quality wines, delicious Greek food, and stunning vistas makes it a strong choice for travelers seeking a genuine, immersive experience.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a food lover, or simply someone eager to see a less crowded side of Santorini, this tour is designed to leave you with memorable tastes and stories. It’s perfect for those who appreciate thoughtful itineraries, local craftsmanship, and scenic tranquility—all rolled into one enjoyable half-day adventure.