Vothonas is a charming village on Santorini that offers more than just stunning views; it’s a hub for authentic wine experiences that showcase the island’s rich viticultural tradition. Unlike larger, more touristy areas, Vothonas provides intimate tours, often in caves or historic wineries, giving visitors a genuine taste of local culture. We particularly love the tours that combine learning about Santorini’s unique grape varieties with enjoying delicious wines in picturesque settings. For example, the Santorini Visit Cave Wine Museum and Wine Tasting allows you to explore a subterranean wine museum, setting an atmospheric scene for tasting pre-phylloxera vines.
While Santorini is famous for its sunset views, its wine tours are an experience in themselves—perfect for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. Whether you prefer a quick, guided museum visit or a full afternoon private tasting, Vothonas offers a variety of options to suit your interests and schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a mix of cave museum visits, private guided tastings, and multi-winery tours. These experiences range from short 2-hour visits to more comprehensive 4-hour excursions, giving you flexibility. Each tour emphasizes authentic local wines, with visits to historic wineries and in-depth tastings. To help you find the right fit, explore these options:
- A short, immersive cave museum tour perfect for a quick taste of local wine history
- An exclusive private tasting ideal for couples or small groups seeking personalized attention
- A multi-winery experience suited for serious wine enthusiasts wanting to sample a variety of Santorini’s best
Read on to find out what makes each of these tours stand out.
1. Santorini Visit Cave Wine Museum and Wine Tasting
At number 1, the Santorini Visit Cave Wine Museum and Wine Tasting offers a fascinating dive into the island’s wine heritage. This 2-hour tour centers around the Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos, built deep underground in a labyrinth of natural caves. Here, you can browse exhibits that trace Santorini’s winemaking from the 1600s through the 1950s, making it a perfect choice for history buffs and wine enthusiasts alike.
What makes this experience special is the setting: tasting three different Santorini wines crafted from ancient, pre-phylloxera vines in a cool, atmospheric cave. The shuttle pickup is smooth, and the staff friendly, making for a relaxed and educational experience. Visitors often appreciate the ability to listen to commentary via radios while exploring at their own pace.
Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff, punctual pickups, and quality wines — with a 5/5 rating from three reviews. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a quick, authentic taste of Santorini’s wine history without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those short on time but eager to learn about and taste exceptional local wines in a memorable setting.
2. Santorini: Authentic Private Wine Tasting Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Santorini: Authentic Private Wine Tasting Tour. For around $440 per group (up to two people), this 4-hour experience offers a personalized journey through three top wineries. It’s perfect for couples or small groups seeking an intimate, in-depth look at Santorini’s wine culture.
The tour kicks off at the Koutsogianopoulos wine museum, where you sample four wines and get a taste of the island’s ancient grape varieties. The second stop is at the Art Space Museum, featuring six wine samples and an art gallery, blending wine tasting with local creativity. The final visit is to the Argyros winery, one of the oldest on the island, offering four more wine samples and insights into traditional winemaking methods.
A key highlight is the personalized guided experience—your guide shares insights in an informal and friendly manner. Reviews praise the attention to detail and the quality of wines, with a 4.8/5 rating. The tour offers a deeper, more relaxed experience compared to group tours, making it ideal for those who want a more luxurious, unhurried taste of Santorini.
Bottom Line: This private tour is perfect for couples or small groups willing to invest a bit more for a tailored, high-quality wine experience with personal attention.
$440 per group up to 2
3. Santorini: 3 Wineries Visit with 11/12 Wines Premium Tasting
Number 3 is the Santorini: 3 Wineries Visit with 11/12 Wines Premium Tasting. Priced at $154 per person, this 3.5-hour tour is ideal for serious wine lovers eager to explore multiple wineries and taste a broad range of local wines.
The itinerary includes visits to Santo Winery, Estate Argyros, and the Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos. You’ll sample 9 Greek wines during intimate tastings, paired with local snacks and cheese. The experience includes walking through vineyards, visiting a wine museum, and learning from local experts.
This tour is notable for its comprehensive approach—covering historic wineries and offering detailed insights into Greek winemaking. The reviews are highly positive, with a 4.9/5 rating, and visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides and generous tastings.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for wine enthusiasts wanting to sample a variety of wines and learn about Greek winemaking traditions in a relaxed setting.
$154 per person
4. Santorini: Wine Tasting in Local Wineries
Number 4 is the Santorini: Wine Tasting in Local Wineries. This 3 to 4-hour tour is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive wine journey with flexibility and local flavor.
Starting with a pick-up from 12 locations around Thera, the tour visits key sites like Estate Argyros, with a guided tour, wine, and cheese tasting, and the Art Space Winery, also offering guided tastings. The highlight is the Santorini Wine Museum, where you learn about wine production through reenactments, and enjoy additional tastings.
The tour balances educational demonstrations with tastings in unique settings — including caves and luxury wineries. Reviewers give it a 4.6/5, noting the insightful guides and varied stops.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a flexible, full-day experience that combines cultural insights with multiple tastings in different types of wineries.
How to Choose
When deciding among these wine tours, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. For a brief, immersive introduction, the Cave Wine Museum is perfect. If you’re looking for privacy and personalized attention, the Private Wine Tasting is ideal. Serious wine fans should consider the multi-winery premium tour, which offers a comprehensive tasting experience. Finally, for a full-day, flexible exploration with local flavor, the Wineries Tour with multiple stops provides the most variety.
Booking early is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
Vothonas offers a surprisingly wide array of wine experiences that cater to different tastes and schedules. Whether you want a quick taste of history, a private guided session, or an extensive multi-winery tour, you’ll find something that fits your vibe. For most visitors, a combination of short visits plus a private tasting provides a good balance, giving plenty of insight without being overwhelming. Remember, booking early is your best bet for securing a spot. Cheers to discovering Santorini’s best wines!