Santorini Food & Wine Tour: Eat and Taste Like a Local

Discovering Santorini’s Food & Wine Scene: A Practical Look at the Eat and Taste Like a Local Tour

If you’re considering a way to truly get a taste of Santorini beyond the postcard-perfect views and crowded hotspots, a food and wine tour like this one might be just what you’re after. Though I haven’t personally taken this specific experience, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of a well-rounded, engaging half-day adventure. It seems particularly good for those who want to combine wine tasting, local cuisine, and scenic beach stops without the hassle of driving or planning all the logistics.

What I really like about this tour is its focus on local wines—not just the popular Assyrtiko but also lesser-known varieties—and the chance to visit less-visited beaches like Monolithos. Plus, the fact that it includes hotel pickup and drop-off makes it straightforward and more relaxing. One thing to consider is the overall duration—at just under five hours, it’s a relatively short experience, so if you’re craving a full day of indulgence, you might want to supplement it with other activities.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want an educational, relaxed way to explore Santorini’s culinary and wine culture. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good food, quality wine, and scenic settings, and who prefer to leave the driving to someone else. If you’re a small group or a couple looking for an intimate experience, the option to upgrade to a private tour adds an extra layer of flexibility.

Key Points

• Wine Lovers Will Appreciate: Visiting two top wineries, Anhydrous and Argyros, with tastings of four wines each, offers a genuine insight into Santorini’s volcanic wines.
• Scenic Beach Visits: Exploring the black sand beaches of Monolithos provides a striking contrast to the vineyards and a chance to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
• Local Cuisine and Authentic Vibes: Dinner at a traditional taverna includes Greek snacks, a main course, and a drink, giving a taste of authentic Greek flavors.
• Convenience Matters: The hotel pickup and drop-off, combined with transport in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz minibus, smooths out the logistics.
• Group Size: Max 12 travelers means more personalized attention, whether in a small group or private setting, which many travelers find adds to the experience.
• Value for the Price: At $215 per person, considering the wine tastings, dinner, transportation, and guide, it appears to be a solid value for those interested in wine and local cuisine.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Stop 1: Anhydrous Winery

Your first stop is at Anhydrous Winery, founded in 2012 by Avantis Estate winemaker Apostolos Mountrikas. His love for Santorini and its unique Assyrtiko grapes shows in wines that experiment with ancient techniques, aiming to produce modern, authentic flavors. Since the tour is about understanding local wine culture, you’ll spend around 45 minutes tasting four wines that showcase Santorini’s volcanic character.

The wines you sample reflect the arid land, the volcano, and the sea breeze—a true expression of Santorini’s PDO land. The guide will likely share insights into how these wines are made and what makes them special, which is perfect if you’re keen to deepen your wine knowledge. According to reviews, the guide’s expertise really enhances this part of the trip, making the tasting both informative and enjoyable.

Stop 2: Estate Argyros

Next, you’ll visit the modern and spacious Argyros winery estate, located on the outskirts of Episkopi-Gonia. The estate’s ocean-view tasting room sets the scene for sampling four more local wines, including the famous Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano, which has earned high praise (93/100 points). The winery balances traditional grape varieties with innovative winemaking, and the guide’s explanations help you appreciate what makes each wine unique.

This stop gives you a chance to compare styles and get a broader sense of Santorini’s wine landscape. The tasting experience here lasts about 45 minutes, and once again, the focus is on high-quality, authentic wines that mirror the volcanic soil.

Stop 3: Black Sand Beaches & Traditional Greek Dinner

After the wineries, the tour shifts to relax and indulge on Monolithos Beach, famous for its striking black sand. It’s a pretty incredible sight that’s quite different from most beaches, thanks to centuries of volcanic activity. Here, you get to enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at a taverna with views of the black sand, combining local flavors with relaxing scenery.

The menu includes Greek salad, tomato fritters, and a choice of main courses—vegetarian pasta, chicken souvlaki, or grilled squid—each served with a glass of wine or beer. The meal lasts about an hour and a half, and the relaxed environment makes it easy to savor both the food and the views.

The Practical Side: What It Means for You

The tour’s duration of roughly 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy meaningful tastings and scenery without feeling rushed. The small-group size (up to 12 people) ensures a more intimate experience, and the option for private bookings makes it adaptable for those seeking privacy or special arrangements.

Transportation in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz minivan adds comfort and makes the logistics straightforward—no worries about navigating or parking. Plus, the pickup and drop-off service at your hotel or villa takes a lot of the hassle out of your day, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport or just want to relax.

The overall value is quite reasonable considering the included wine tastings, dinner, guide, and transport. For wine enthusiasts or those who love trying authentic Greek cuisine, this experience offers a good mix of education, scenery, and relaxation.

What Could Be Better?

One aspect to keep in mind is the shorter duration—if you’re looking for a full-day experience or want to explore more beaches or sites, you might find this tour too compact. Also, since the tour is primarily about wine, it might not appeal as much if you’re not interested in sampling wines or prefer a more active exploration.

Weather can influence the experience—if it’s poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, which is standard for outdoor activities. Luckily, the tour provider offers full refunds if canceled due to weather, so you don’t need to worry about losing your booking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to combine wine tasting with scenic views and local food in a relaxed setting. It’s well-suited for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy learning about local traditions and flavors without the fuss of planning every detail. If you’re a wine connoisseur or just curious about Santorini’s volcanic wines, you’ll find this tour informative and enjoyable.

It’s also a good choice if you value convenience and comfort, thanks to hotel pickup, private transport, and a small-group environment. However, if you’re after an all-day adventure or have specific dietary needs, you might want to look for something more tailored.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers customized hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours, covering winery visits, beach time, and dinner.

Can I upgrade to a private tour?
Absolutely, the tour can be booked as a private experience, which is perfect for small groups or special occasions.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers winery tastings (eight wines total), dinner at a traditional taverna, transportation in a Mercedes minivan, bottled water, and the guide.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
It’s generally geared toward adults interested in wine and local cuisine. If you’re traveling with children, consider their interest in wine tasting and the adult-oriented environment.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended, especially for the winery visits and dinner. Dress comfortably but appropriately for outdoor and indoor settings.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 79 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular, especially during peak seasons.

To sum it up, this Santorini Food & Wine Tour offers a well-balanced experience for those eager to explore the island’s wine and culinary culture without the stress of planning. You’ll get to taste quality wines, enjoy a meal with beautiful views, and relax with transportation all arranged for you. It’s an experience that suits curious travelers who appreciate good food, great wines, and a touch of local charm—making it a memorable way to spend part of your Santorini trip.