Private Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re thinking about adding a culinary and wine experience to your Santorini trip, this Private Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what to expect. With a perfect 5-star rating and glowing feedback from travelers, it seems to deliver an authentic taste of Greek hospitality, culture, and flavors.

What immediately appeals to us about this tour are two key aspects: first, the chance to visit two different wineries and taste up to eight glasses of local wine, including varieties like assyrtiko and nykteri—which are some of the island’s finest. Second, the hands-on cooking class where you’ll help prepare classic dishes like Greek salad and caramelized pork, all under the guidance of a local chef. The experience’s small-group setup, limited to just eight participants, promises an intimate, personalized touch that many larger tours can’t match.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is the price point—at around $592 per person—which is on the higher side for a half-day. But considering the quality of the experience, the expert guides, and the inclusions, many feel it’s worth the splurge. This experience suits travelers who enjoy food and wine, appreciate learning in a relaxed environment, and want a memorable, culturally rich activity that’s more than just sightseeing.

Key Points

• Small-group setting ensures personal attention and a more relaxed vibe.
• Multiple winery visits provide a detailed look into Santorini’s volcanic viticulture.
• Wine tasting includes up to eight glasses, featuring local varieties.
• Cooking class offers hands-on preparation of Greek dishes, with a focus on authentic flavors.
• In-depth guide commentary enhances understanding of local wine production and cuisine.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, especially if staying outside central areas.

Why You’ll Love This Santorini Experience

The appeal of this tour lies in its blend of wine tasting and cooking, giving you a full sensory immersion into Santorini’s culinary culture. The visit to two different wineries means you get to see the variety of wines produced here, especially those born from the island’s unique volcanic soil. As one reviewer noted, “Our guide was very knowledgeable and super enjoyable to be around,” which hints at how much you can learn when someone genuinely loves sharing their expertise.

The wine tastings are thoughtfully paced, with guides explaining how the volcanic soil influences the flavor profile of the wines. For instance, tasting the assyrtiko varietal, famous for its crispness and mineral notes, becomes even more meaningful when you know its unique origin. And tasting up to eight glasses means you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Greek wine, as several reviews mention how much they learned about proper tasting, pairing, and even wine history.

The second big highlight is the cooking class. Unlike some tours that simply demonstrate cooking, this one involves helping out with actual preparation. You might find yourself dicing onions or assembling dishes, which makes the meal all the more satisfying. One reviewer described the food as “amazing,” and appreciated the chance to learn recipes like Greek salad and pork fillet caramelized with vinsanto wine. Sitting down afterward to enjoy your creations with wine in a convivial atmosphere really wraps up the experience.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Estate Argyros Winery

Your journey begins with a visit to Estate Argyros, where you’ll spend about an hour exploring and sampling four different wines, along with some cheeses. This small winery offers a glimpse into volcanic viticulture, with guides explaining how the island’s aspra (volcanic soil) imparts mineral flavors to the wines. Travelers tend to enjoy this first stop for its intimate setting and knowledgeable staff. One reviewer remarked, “Visited 3 wineries, the first, a small winery was the best, tasting inside a cave,” highlighting the unique atmosphere.

Stop 2: Santo Winery

Next, you’ll head to Santo Winery for another hour of tasting four more wines. This stop allows you to learn about different varietals like assyrtiko, nykteri, and vinsanto. The guide will shed light on how these wines are crafted and what makes Santorini’s terroir special. The views from Santo Winery are often praised for their beauty, providing an excellent backdrop for your wine appreciation.

Stop 3: Anhydrous Winery & Cooking Class

Finally, the tour shifts gears to a cooking class at Anhydrous Winery. Here, you’ll spend about two hours both tasting wine and preparing a traditional meal, which might include tomato fritters, Greek salad, and caramelized pork. The emphasis is on participation—”more of a participatory demonstration,” as one review described, but that’s part of the fun. The chef and staff create a friendly environment, making everyone feel involved, regardless of cooking skills.

Once the dishes are ready, you’ll sit down to enjoy them with wine, including a glass of vinsanto for dessert. Many reviews rave about the deliciousness of the food and how satisfying it is to eat what you’ve helped prepare. Afterward, you’ll receive recipes to take home, a nice keepsake from the day.

The Experience: What to Expect and How It Feels

From start to finish, this tour is designed to be engaging and informative without feeling rushed. The hotel pickup service adds convenience, especially if your accommodation is not directly accessible by vehicle. Expect to spend about six hours immersed in Santorini’s flavors, scenery, and stories.

The small group size makes conversations flow naturally, and you’ll find guides eager to answer questions and share insights. Several reviewers mentioned how knowledgeable, funny, and personable their guides were, transforming what could be a simple tasting into a lively, memorable lesson about Greek wine and cuisine.

The wine tastings are thorough, with guides explaining how each varietal differs and how the volcanic soil influences flavor. One reviewer pointed out, “We tasted around 15 variations,” and appreciated the detailed tasting instructions they received. You also get to learn pairing tips, which can elevate your future wine-drinking experiences.

The cooking part is less about culinary perfection and more about participation and fun—helping chop, stir, and assemble dishes. The chef’s enthusiasm shines through, making even novice cooks feel welcome. The meal itself, paired with the wines you’ve sampled earlier, feels like a genuine celebration of Greek food.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At nearly $600 per person, this experience isn’t cheap. But many reviewers feel it’s justified for the quality and depth of the experience. You’re not just tasting wine—you’re learning about it, understanding its nuances, and creating a meal, all guided by friendly locals and experts.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate educational experiences, love good food and wine, and want a more personal, immersive activity. The tour’s reviews make it clear that many find it’s worth every euro, especially when making new friends and enjoying the natural beauty of Santorini.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy wine, food, and learning in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something more interactive than a traditional tasting or sightseeing trip. Because it involves some participation in cooking, it’s suitable for those comfortable with hands-on activities, but no prior culinary skills are necessary.

While not specifically aimed at families or children, adult groups and couples will find a lot to love. If you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply want to connect with local culture in a meaningful way, this tour hits all those notes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered from the nearest accessible location if your accommodation isn’t reachable by vehicle, making logistics easier.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately six hours, including visits to wineries and the cooking class.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample up to eight glasses, including varieties like assyrtiko, nykteri, and vinsanto.

Do I need cooking experience?
No prior experience is required. The cooking class is participatory, and everyone is encouraged to help out, regardless of skill level.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
The information provided doesn’t specify, so it might be best to check directly with the tour provider if you have specific dietary needs.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes winery visits, tastings, the cooking class, the meal, recipes to take home, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled early, you’ll get a full refund.

Is this experience family-friendly?
It’s mainly aimed at adults. Children might not find the wine tastings engaging, and the nature of the activity is more suited to grown-ups.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through the provider, and most travelers tend to reserve about 89 days in advance due to popularity.

Wrapping Up

If you’re after a well-rounded, engaging way to learn about Santorini’s wines and cuisine, this small-group cooking and wine tasting tour offers a genuinely memorable experience. The combination of expert guides, stunning winery visits, and a fun, participatory cooking class makes it stand out from more traditional tours. It’s a perfect fit for those who want to deepen their appreciation for Greek food and wine, connect with local culture, and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The experience’s genuine warmth, beautiful scenery, and delicious food make it a highlight for many travelers—especially those eager to go beyond sightseeing and truly taste what Santorini has to offer. Just remember, it’s a bit of a splurge, but if you value learning, good wine, and authentic food, it’s likely to be worth every penny.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enrich your trip, this tour promises a rich taste of Greek hospitality. Plan ahead, prepare for a fun day, and get ready to leave with new knowledge and a full belly.