Santorini: Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting

If you’re heading to Santorini and want to experience more than just the usual postcard views, a Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting might just be the highlight of your trip. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money. From engaging cooking sessions to incredible wine pairings, this tour offers a genuine taste of Greek culture — with a few things to keep in mind.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the stunning vineyard views that set the perfect scene for a relaxed day and the knowledgeable guides who make the entire process both fun and educational. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy your own freshly prepared meal with local wines elevates the experience. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the organization can be slightly inconsistent, like late pickups or limited hands-on cooking. But overall, this tour suits travellers eager to learn about Greek cuisine, savor local wines, and enjoy a picturesque setting.

If you’re someone who loves good food, curious about Greek wine, or simply looking for a memorable activity off the beaten path, this experience could be a great fit. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy small-group settings and are open to trying new recipes in a friendly, scenic environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek Experience: Learn traditional recipes and wine techniques directly from local chefs and sommeliers.
• Beautiful Setting: The class faces a lush vineyard, making the entire experience visually appealing and serene.
• All-Inclusive Value: The tour includes not only the cooking class but also lunch, wine, and transportation, making it a convenient package.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Small group sizes (limited to 10) ensure personalized attention and a friendly vibe.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay-later options add peace of mind to your planning.
• Authentic Tasting: Enjoy a variety of Santorini wines, including a special dessert wine (Vinsanto), during and with your meal.

This experience combines culture, gastronomic education, and scenic beauty in one neat package. It lasts about four hours, during which you’ll not only learn how to prepare four traditional Greek dishes but also get a behind-the-scenes look at local agricultural products and wine-making techniques.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Scenic Venue

The class is set facing a picturesque vineyard with views that stretch over the idyllic Santorini countryside. As you look out over the farmland, you’ll understand why locals are proud of their land — and why Santorini’s produce and wines are so renowned. The environment immediately puts you at ease, making it easier to absorb the cooking tips and wine knowledge shared by your guides.

The Itinerary Breakdown

While the exact schedule can vary, the main highlights include:

• Introduction to Local Products: You’ll start with a brief tour that covers tomato paste production, fava bean cultivation, and traditional wine-making methods, often at a nearby museum. This sets the context for the dishes you’ll prepare.
• Hands-On Cooking: Under the guidance of a friendly Greek chef, you’ll get to participate in preparing four dishes. Although some reviews mention that the level of hands-on involvement varies, the focus is on learning, tasting, and having fun. The chef’s instructions are generally clear and easy to follow, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Enjoy Your Meal: After cooking, you’ll settle in and savor everything you’ve made, paired with a local wine. The views, the good company, and the delicious food make for a memorable meal.

The Wine Component

One of the most praised aspects is the wine tasting. You’ll sample wines directly from a Santorini winery, with the guide explaining each variety’s characteristics. During the lunch, a bottle of wine is shared between every two people, ensuring everyone gets a chance to savor the local flavors.

Particularly notable is the dessert wine, Vinsanto, which many guests rave about. Lazarus, the sommelier, is praised for his wine knowledge, offering insights that make the tasting more engaging. The wines tend to be on the dry side, but the dessert wine offers a sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the Greek sweets or yogurt.

The Food and Recipes

Guests consistently mention how tasty the dishes are — fresh, flavorful, and authentic. Many appreciate that they receive the recipes afterward, encouraging them to recreate the dishes at home. While some reviews suggest there could be more involvement in the cooking process, the overall consensus is that the end result is satisfying, and the opportunity to eat what you prepare is a big plus.

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The Overall Atmosphere

The small group size (limited to 10) fosters a friendly environment. Many reviews mention the guides and chefs as knowledgeable, engaging, and warm. The outdoor setting, often with the gentle sea breeze and the sound of nature, adds to the relaxed vibe. However, because it is outdoors, be prepared for potential heat in peak summer months.

Practical Details

Pricing is around $90 per person, which many find reasonable considering the inclusion of lunch, wine, and transportation. The tour lasts about four hours, with flexible starting times based on availability. Transfers are included, making it easy to get to and from your hotel without extra hassle.

Book in advance, especially during high season, as the small group size makes this experience quite popular. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours beforehand, adding a layer of flexibility to your plans.

Based on feedback, this tour offers excellent value, particularly in its combination of learning, tasting, and scenic beauty. You get a taste of authentic Greek cuisine, paired with local wines, in a setting that’s both gorgeous and relaxed.

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, which makes the experience feel personal and genuine. The food is consistently rated as delicious, and the chance to recreate your favorite dishes later at home is a big bonus.

One thing to note is that the level of hands-on cooking can vary — some guests wish they had more involvement — but overall, most find it a fun, engaging activity. The wine tasting, especially with Lazarus’s insights, adds depth and enjoyment that complements the cooking.

This experience is particularly suited for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to learn about Greek culture in a relaxed environment. It’s not the best choice if you’re expecting a highly participatory cooking class with lots of chopping and stirring—some guests mention a bit of a “show and tell” style — but if you’re happy to observe, learn, snack, and sip, you’ll likely come away satisfied.

If you’re looking for an authentic, scenic, and educational activity in Santorini, this Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting offers a well-rounded experience. The combination of beautiful vineyard views, friendly guides, and tasty food makes it more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a chance to connect with Greek culture in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy good food and wine, want to learn some authentic recipes, and appreciate scenic outdoor settings. The small group size and inclusion of transportation make it convenient and intimate, perfect for making new friends or enjoying a peaceful day with loved ones.

While some may wish for a more hands-on approach, the overall atmosphere, quality of guides, and delicious tasting experiences outweigh these minor drawbacks. If that sounds like what you’re after, this tour could be a highlight of your Santorini trip.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This experience is not recommended for children under 10, mainly because of the length and focus on adult wine tasting and cooking.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately four hours, giving you plenty of time for learning, tasting, and enjoying the scenery.

Are transfers included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation to and from your hotel in a luxury minivan, making it very convenient.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for being outdoors and in the kitchen are recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the price?
The experience costs about $90 per person, which includes the cooking class, lunch, wine, and transfers.

Do I get the recipes afterward?
Most reviews mention that recipes are provided following the class, which is great for recreating the dishes at home.

Is the wine tasting part of the cooking class?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting during the class, with guides sharing insights about Santorini wines, including a notable dessert wine.

Are there any specific things I should bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, and if you want to take photos or jot down recipes, a small notebook could be handy.

This Santorini cooking class combines culture, cuisine, and scenery into one memorable experience. If you’re keen to learn, taste, and enjoy a relaxed day amidst vineyards and delicious food, it’s well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: