Fira, the lively capital of Santorini, is a fantastic base for exploring the island’s renowned wines. Unlike larger cities, Fira offers a more intimate setting where you can indulge in authentic wine experiences while soaking up the island’s stunning vistas. Whether you’re after a fun, active day with local food and scenery or a private, in-depth wine tour guided by experts, Fira delivers. One standout is the Santorini Fun day: Horseriding- Wine Tasting – Tapas. It combines horseback riding along the coast, with tastings of superb Greek wines and delicious tapas, making it perfect for those who want a lively, active day with a taste of local culture. Meanwhile, the Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with Certified Sommelier offers a more personalized approach—sampling 12 wines and learning from a knowledgeable guide. No matter your style, these tours showcase why Santorini’s volcanic wines are world-famous.
For our list, we’ve selected a variety of options: from private luxury excursions to small-group adventures, and even family-friendly outings. You’ll find options that fit different interests and budgets, all focused on giving you an authentic and enjoyable taste of Santorini’s wine scene. Explore the detailed options below to find the perfect fit for your trip.
1. Santorini Fun day: Horseriding- Wine Tasting – Tapas
At number 1, this 5-hour adventure offers a lively mix of horseback riding, wine tasting, and local tapas. The tour is designed for active travelers who want to blend sightseeing with fun. You’ll start with a horseback ride along Santorini’s scenic coast, with guides catering to all ability levels. Afterward, enjoy a multi-course meal of Greek tapas, with wines paired with each dish—including a standout, the aged Vinsanto dessert wine, which many guests ship home. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enriching the experience with island stories. Reviewers love the authentic taste of the food and the beautiful photo ops.
This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a fun, interactive day that combines physical activity with excellent food and wine. It’s a good value at $281 per person, considering the length and variety of activities. The main drawback? It’s a somewhat full day, so it’s best for those comfortable with a 5-hour schedule that includes some physical activity.
Bottom line: For an energetic, memorable day that mixes scenery, local culture, and good wine, this is a top choice.
2. Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with Certified Sommelier
Number 2 on our list is the private wine tour guided by a certified sommelier, perfect for those who want an in-depth, personalized experience. Over 5 hours, you’ll visit three unique wine estates, sampling 12 different wines including the iconic Assyrtiko and Vinsanto. The tour starts with flexible pickup options from various locations like Pyrgos, Oia, and Imerovigli, ensuring you’re picked up close to your hotel. The guide Yiannis is highly praised for his knowledgeable and personable approach, adjusting tastings to your preferences and sharing insights into the wine-making process.
This tour stands out because it offers an intimate setting—you’ll get personalized attention and a behind-the-scenes look at Santorini’s volcanic wines. Guests comment that it’s better than any Napa Valley experience they’ve had, with one saying, “Yiannis made the tour unforgettable,” and noting the opportunity to visit actual vines and learn about the island’s distinct volcanic terroir.
While $305 per person might seem steep, the private nature, expert guidance, and quality of tastings make it a worthwhile investment for serious wine lovers or those craving a tailored experience.
Bottom line: If you want a private, expert-led immersion into Santorini’s wine culture, this tour hits the mark.
3. Santorini: Private Island Tour with Lunch at a Famous Winery
Position 3 belongs to this luxury half-day tour, which combines sightseeing with a famous winery lunch. Starting from either Thera or Oia, you’ll explore some of the island’s most picturesque sites before relaxing at a renowned winery, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch paired with local wines. The visit to the ANHYDROUS Cellar includes a wine tasting session along with the chance to absorb the views and atmosphere that make Santorini special.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a taste of both scenery and wine without a full-day commitment. The highlight is the combination of sightseeing and a sit-down meal at a top winery, making it perfect for couples or small groups. The tour’s focus on comfort and quality makes it a good value at $282 per person.
Guests appreciate the opportunity to explore Santorini in style and enjoy a famous winery’s ambiance. Some note that the tour is a more relaxed pace, perfect for those who want a combination of sightseeing and culinary indulgence.
Bottom line: A sophisticated option combining scenic views, cultural highlights, and a top-notch wine lunch.
$282 per person
4. Santorini: Akrotiri & Local Wine Tasting e-TUK Tour
Number 4 features a 6-hour eco-friendly e-TUK tour that transports you around the island in style while exploring historic sites and local wineries. The tour visits one of Greece’s oldest wineries established in 1879, where you’ll taste traditional ouzo, saffron, and anise made from Assyrtiko grapes, plus the first industrial winery dating back to 1947.
The electric TUK TUKs provide a fun, comfortable way to explore Santorini’s less-touristed corners, and the small-group format ensures a personalized experience. The tour balances historical insights with wine tasting, making it ideal for travelers who want to learn about the island’s history and viticulture without sacrificing comfort.
While the reviews aren’t listed here, this tour is praised for its unique eco-friendly transportation and the chance to visit historic wineries with real significance. The focus on tradition and sustainability makes it stand out.
Bottom line: Perfect for eco-conscious travelers who want a mix of history, local wine, and fun transportation.
$208 per person
5. Santorini: Family Island Tour with Winery Museum Experience
Number 5 combines family-friendly sightseeing with a wine museum visit. Over 5 hours, your family will explore the Charming villages of Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira, with photo stops at iconic sites like the Three Bells of Fira and Prophet Elias Monastery. The highlight is the visit to the Koutsogiannopoulos Winery, which includes a wine tasting session and a visit to the museum, making it fun and educational for kids and adults alike.
This tour is designed for families who want to explore Santorini at a relaxed pace, with stops that appeal to all ages. The blend of sightseeing, cultural education, and wine tasting makes it a well-rounded experience, especially with the chance for kids to learn about the island’s viticultural history.
The tour is well-rated at 4.6/5, with travelers mentioning the great balance of activities and the chance to see the island’s most scenic villages. The main drawback might be the length of the day if you’re traveling with very young children, but overall, it’s a good fit for families.
Bottom line: An engaging, family-friendly tour blending sightseeing, education, and wine tasting.
6. Santorini: Hidden Gems Tour and Wine Experience with Tasting
Number 6 offers a 6-hour private experience exploring Santorini’s lesser-known spots. This tour visits Oia, Anastasi Orthodox Church in Imerovigli, and the Koutsogianopoulos Winery Museum. It emphasizes authentic local wines—white and red—and uncovers sights away from the crowds.
It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the real Santorini, away from the tourist-heavy areas, while enjoying wine tastings at traditional wineries. The guide’s focus on hidden spots makes this a unique experience, perfect for those who like a more personalized, off-the-beaten-path approach. The inclusion of tasting local wines adds a flavorful dimension.
Guests love the tour for its intimate pace and authentic feel. It’s particularly suited for visitors who want a deeper connection with the island’s local culture and less touristy scenery.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking an authentic, personalized look at Santorini’s hidden highlights with excellent wine tastings.
$226 per person
7. Santorini: 6hr Small Group Shore Excursion Villages & Wine
Number 7 is a small group tour perfect for cruise passengers or short-stay travelers. Over 6 hours, you’ll visit Oia, Megalochori, and the Ancient Thira, with scenic drives, guided tours, and wine tastings at the Three Bells of Fira. The itinerary balances time in picturesque villages with wine tasting in iconic locations.
Guests rave about the personalized service and the chance to wander in Oia for over an hour. The tour provides a great overview of the island’s volcanic history and traditional architecture. The $147 price offers good value given the sights and wine included.
This tour is well-suited for first-time visitors or cruise passengers wanting a comprehensive, guided day without the hassle of planning. The focus on villages and local wines makes it a well-rounded experience.
Bottom line: A great quick introduction to Santorini’s villages and volcanic wines in a comfortable, small-group setting.
$147 per person
8. Santorini: Volcanic Wine Tour to 2 or 3 Wineries
Number 8 is a 4.5 to 5.5-hour tour exploring famous volcanic wineries, including underground cellars and unique grape varieties like Kouloura. It ends with a beautiful sunset at a secret viewpoint far from crowds, making it perfect for romantics.
Guests rave about the award-winning wines and the underground wine cellars carved into volcanic rock. The tour presents an immersive look into Santorini’s volcanic terroir and the special techniques used for its wines. Priced accordingly, it offers a solid value for wine enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive winery experience paired with scenic vistas.
Ideal for travelers interested in wine craftsmanship and scenic sunsets, this tour balances guided tastings with exploration of iconic wineries.
Bottom line: A top pick for wine lovers wanting to explore Santorini’s volcanic wines in depth.
9. Taste & Create: Santorini Wine & Cooking Experience
Our final choice is a 6.5-hour hands-on experience combining wine tastings at two wineries with a traditional Greek cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare four authentic dishes, then enjoy your creations paired with local wines in a beautiful vineyard setting.
This tour is perfect for food and wine lovers who enjoy active participation. Guests rave about learning traditional recipes and the chance to dine on their own creations. The combination of culinary skills and wine tasting makes this a memorable, immersive experience.
The tour’s emphasis on interactive learning and the stunning vineyard restaurant makes it stand out. The reviews note that it’s a great value for the 6.5-hour duration, especially for those looking to bring home culinary skills.
Bottom line: Excellent for couples or groups seeking a full, interactive day of wine and cooking—an authentic taste of Greek hospitality.
How to Choose Your Perfect Fira Wine Tour
When selecting the right wine tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want an active, fun day with horseback riding and tapas, Tour #1 is perfect. For those craving a personalized, in-depth wine experience, Tour #2 offers guided tastings with a sommelier. If you prefer a mix of sightseeing and wine with good food, Tours #3 and #9 deliver in style and flavor.
Family travelers should look at the Family Island Tour (#5), while eco-conscious explorers may prefer the e-TUK tour (#4). For romantic sunset views and in-depth wine exploration, the Volcanic Wine Tour (#8) is ideal. Finally, if you’re after a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path experience, Tour #6 uncovers Santorini’s secret spots.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and experience. Many tours, like the private and small-group options, fill quickly.
In summary, Fira offers a rich selection of wine tours that cater to all tastes—from active and adventurous to intimate and educational. For a fun day with local flavors, Tour #1 is a top pick. Those seeking a luxury, private experience should consider Tour #2, while families or cultural explorers will find Tour #5 perfect. No matter your choice, these tours promise a flavorful journey into Santorini’s wines and landscapes—so don’t wait to book your spot.