Private Santorini Wine Tour with 12 Wine Tastings and Greek Meal

Exploring Santorini’s vineyards and local flavors with a private guide is a delightful way to spend half a day. This tour, priced at $355.75 per person, takes you to two distinctive wineries—one volcanic and one family-run—where you’ll taste up to eight local wines, from assyrtiko to vinsanto. The experience culminates with a traditional three-course meal at a countryside restaurant, making it perfect for wine lovers and anyone eager to savor authentic Greek flavors with personalized attention.

What we love most about this tour are two specific aspects: the chance to walk through vineyards grown in volcanic soil, which imparts unique character to the wines, and the intimate, private guide who enriches the experience with engaging stories. Also, the generous wine pours and high-quality food make this a real treat.

A possible consideration is the non-refundable nature of the booking, so be sure your plans are firm before reserving. This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized service, enjoy wine tasting, and want to learn about local traditions in a relaxed, scenic environment. It’s especially suited for those who want depth—both in terms of wine and culture—rather than just ticking off sights.

Key Points

• Private guided experience ensures personalized attention and in-depth learning.
• Visit two contrasting wineries: a volcanic estate and a historic family cellar.
• Taste up to eight different wines, including Vinsanto, Nykteri, and Assyrtiko.
• Enjoy a three-course meal of local specialties paired with house wine.
• Learn about unique viticulture techniques on volcanic soil.
• Flexible timing options: choose between day or evening departures.

A Closer Look at the Santorini Wine Tour

If you’re considering a more authentic, relaxed way to explore Santorini’s wine scene, this private tour hits the sweet spot. It combines educational wine tastings with a taste of local hospitality in a way that large group tours often can’t match.

How the Tour Unfolds

The tour typically begins with a pick-up at your hotel, setting a comfortable tone for the next five hours. From there, your guide—who is described as friendly and knowledgeable—leads you to two carefully selected wineries.

First, at Estate Argyros, you’ll tour the vineyards and cellar, learning about how volcanic soil influences grape growth. The estate’s location offers both a stunning view and a chance to see traditional vineyard practices. The highlight here is sampling multiple wines directly from the estate, with some guests noting the generous pours and educational commentary.

Next, you visit Santo Wines (Venetsanos Winery), a well-established producer with a reputation for breathtaking views and luxurious facilities. The tour here emphasizes the wine-making process, and the tasting includes wines like Vinsanto—a sweet, dessert wine beloved in Greece—and Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-driven white that’s unique to the island.

The Family-Run Cellar Experience

After exploring the estates, you’ll head to a countryside restaurant for the meal. This isn’t just any restaurant—it’s an authentic local spot where the family has been serving traditional dishes for generations. The three-course meal often features local favorites like fresh seafood, hearty stews, or traditional Greek sides, all paired with a bottle of house wine. Guests frequently mention how delicious and generous the portions are, with one reviewer noting the delicious high-end food and the breathtaking views.

What to Expect from the Wine Tastings

The wines sampled are representative of Santorini’s diverse terroir, with up to eight varietals available. The guide’s commentary helps you understand the harsh growing conditions—like wind and volcanic ash—that shape the flavor. For example, grapes grown in baskets above the ground retain moisture better and produce distinctive wines.

The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide (named Elena in one review), who shares stories about how the local climate and soil influence each wine. Several travelers appreciated the generous pours and the opportunity to learn about traditional grape harvesting, including a room where grapes are crushed by foot—a fun, immersive detail.

The Meal and Final Thoughts

The meal at the countryside restaurant is a highlight for many, offering local delicacies and excellent wine pairing. It’s a good way to relax after a morning of tasting and sightseeing, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of Santorini. The bottle of house wine complements the meal perfectly, and many guests find the three courses quite filling.

Once done, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, bringing the experience to a comfortable close.

Why This Tour Works Well

This tour shines for those seeking a personalized, intimate experience, especially if you’re interested in learning about local wine-making traditions and tasting different varietals. The small-group or private setting ensures you get attention, and the scenic vineyard visits provide a picturesque backdrop that enhances your understanding of how geography influences wine.

The combination of tasting, sightseeing, and a hearty meal makes this a good value, too, especially considering the quality of wines and food involved. It’s also a flexible experience—offering options for daytime or evening tours—so you can choose what fits best with your itinerary.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is highly praised, do keep in mind that cancellations are non-refundable. For travelers who prefer flexible booking or are uncertain about their plans, this might be a consideration.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers who want to delve deeper into Santorini’s local culture. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided storytelling and want to avoid large crowds, given the private or small-group nature. If you enjoy scenic views paired with educational tasting, this tour hits all the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a full-day tour?
No, it lasts about five hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that leaves you free to explore other parts of Santorini later.

Can I choose between day or evening?
Yes, the tour offers both daytime and evening options, allowing you to pick the time that best suits your schedule.

Are all the tastings included?
Yes, you will enjoy up to eight wine samples during the visits, plus a bottle of house wine at the restaurant.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup is offered, so you don’t have to worry about arranging transport between sites.

How many wineries will we visit?
You’ll visit two wineries: Estate Argyros and Santo Wines (Venetsanos Winery), each offering a different perspective on local wine production.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
While specific dietary accommodations aren’t mentioned, the focus is on local specialties, so it’s best to inquire directly if you have particular needs.

To sum it up, this private Santorini wine tour offers a beautifully curated experience combining scenic vineyard visits, educational tastings, and a genuine taste of local cuisine. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, insightful, and delicious introduction to Santorini’s wines and food culture. With knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and generous tastings, it promises a memorable slice of Greek island life—worth every euro for those who love authentic, intimate experiences.