Santorini Private Wine Tasting Tour: Up to 4 Wineries & Lunch

Thinking about exploring Santorini’s wines but want more than just a quick tasting? This 5-hour private wine tour promises an in-depth look at the island’s renowned vineyards, complemented by a delicious lunch and spectacular views. It’s designed for those who truly want to understand what makes Santorini’s wine scene so special while enjoying a relaxed, personalized experience.

What really stands out about this tour is the chance to visit up to four different traditional wineries, each offering its own story and style. You’ll also sample between 9 and 18 wines—yes, quite a variety—plus enjoy a delightful “meze” style lunch. And since it’s a private experience, it’s flexible and tailored to your interests, making it ideal for wine lovers who want to go beyond the usual tasting room visit.

One potential snag? The tour is on the longer side and involves quite a bit of wine tasting, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sipping and sightseeing. It’s also booked about a month in advance on average, so planning ahead is wise. This experience is perfect if you’re keen on learning about Santorini’s unique viticulture in an intimate setting, or if you simply want a memorable, laid-back day exploring Greek wines with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• In-Depth Experience: Visit up to four wineries, exploring their unique stories and approaches.
• Tasting Variety: Sample between 9 and 18 wines, including some aged Vinsanto and Assyrtiko.
• Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy a lavish meze-style lunch paired with wines, with options like cheese, cold cuts, and local delicacies.
• Scenic Settings: The stops include breathtaking views, especially at Venetsanos Winery overlooking the Caldera.
• Expert Guidance: The tour is led by passionate local guides who share deep knowledge about wines and the island.
• Convenient & Private: Includes hotel/airbnb pickup and drop-off, making it a seamless experience.

A Closer Look at the Santorini Private Wine Tour

If you’re like most wine enthusiasts, the thought of visiting a vineyard and tasting a handful of wines is exciting but often quite rushed. This tour breaks that mold by offering a comprehensive, relaxed itinerary that allows you to truly savor the experience. It’s not just about drinking but about understanding the story behind each label, the process of winemaking, and the unique qualities of Santorini’s volcanic terroir.

The Itinerary and Why It Matters

Start at Estate Argyros, where you’ll explore the estate and taste four different types of wine, including a 20-year-old Vinsanto. The older vintages are a real treat for those wanting to see how Greek wines age, and the cheese and cold cuts platter perfectly complement the tasting. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes glance at the production process, which adds depth to your experience. Reviewers have raved about how insightful this part is; one said, “we got to see how they make their wines and learned so much,” making the visit valuable even for seasoned wine lovers.

Next is Gavalas Winery, a family-run operation with three generations of experience. Here, you’ll learn about barrel-making and the history of their winemaking, which makes the tasting more meaningful. Expect to sample Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, with a Greek cheese platter to round out the experience. Reviewers mention that the guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive, and many appreciated the personal touch.

The highlight for many is Venetsanos Winery, which offers not just excellent wines—including Assyrtiko—but also views that are hard to beat. Sitting with a glass of wine and a tapas-style lunch while overlooking the Caldera is a memorable moment. The lunch menu features local favorites like Santorinian salad, tomato fritters, and Fava, which pair beautifully with the wines. Guests love the combination of stunning scenery and flavorful food; one reviewer called the view “terrific,” and the lunch “amazing.”

The final stop is Gaia Winery, situated right by the sea. Here, you’ll relax and enjoy four glasses of Santorini reds and some Nemean Greeks. It’s a fitting end to a day filled with diverse wines and spectacular vistas. The relaxed atmosphere, paired with the sea breeze, makes this stop a favorite for many.

What the Experience Feels Like

The fact that this is a private tour adds a lot of value. You get to customize your pace and focus on what interests you most, whether that’s wine production, tasting different styles, or simply soaking up the views. The transportation is air-conditioned and comfortable, and the guide—like many reviewers mention—knows their stuff and keeps things engaging.

Reviewers consistently mention how knowledgeable and enthusiastic the guides are. One said, “Stratos was amazing, giving so much information and making the day fun,” which sums up the overall vibe. The personal touch makes a difference—this isn’t a cookie-cutter tour but a curated experience designed to make you feel like a local.

The Food & Wine Pairings

The lunch setup is a highlight for many. It’s more than just snacks; it’s a well-curated meal that pairs perfectly with the wines. The cheese, cold cuts, and local dishes like tomato fritters and Fava are a great way to balance the alcohol and enjoy genuine flavors. Several reviews describe the lunch as “amazing,” and the views during the meal are often called “breathtaking.”

How Does the Price Stack Up?

At $295.51 per person, this tour might seem a bit steep, but when you consider the quality of the wineries visited, the delicious lunch, the private transportation, and the fact that it’s a fully guided experience, the value is clear. It’s a more immersive, personalized alternative to group tastings or self-guided visits, which often lack the storytelling and scenic moments.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who genuinely want to learn about Santorini’s wines while enjoying a relaxed day of sightseeing. It’s perfect for wine lovers of all levels, from casual sippers to connoisseurs. Since it involves quite a bit of wine tasting, it’s best for those comfortable with a day of drinking and who appreciate good food and stunning scenery.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for an intimate, educational, and scenic wine experience in Santorini, this tour fits the bill. You’ll visit up to four wineries, sample a broad range of wines, and enjoy a delicious, thoughtfully curated lunch with views that will stay with you long after the trip ends. The personalized nature and expert guides make this a top choice for those wanting more than just a tasting—this is about discovering the stories and passion behind each glass.

However, keep in mind that the entire day is filled with wine and sightseeing, so pace yourself if you’re not used to a lot of alcohol or prefer a more relaxed approach to winery visits. It’s also advisable to book in advance, as it appears popular and is typically reserved about a month beforehand.

This tour is best suited for adventurous wine enthusiasts eager to explore Santorini’s vineyards in depth, those who appreciate high-quality food and views, and travelers who value a private, guided experience that lets them absorb the island’s charm at their own pace.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with limited wine knowledge?
Absolutely. The tour is guided by passionate locals who share plenty of information, making it enjoyable whether you’re a novice or a wine expert.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 5 hours, including visits to four wineries, a meal, and scenic stops.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, it includes hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the day stress-free.

How many wines will I taste?
You can expect to sample between 9 and 18 wines across the stops—covering a variety of styles and ages.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a generous “meze” style lunch with local cheeses, cold cuts, and other traditional dishes, paired with wines.

What are the main highlights?
The stunning views from Venetsanos Winery, the chance to try a 20-year-old Vinsanto, and the in-depth stories about Santorini’s winemaking heritage.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, the guide can tailor the pace and focus, making it flexible for your interests.

Are children or non-drinkers allowed?
The tour is focused on wine and food tasting, so it’s best suited for adult participants.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

If you’re after a detailed, relaxed, and scenic way to discover Santorini’s wines, this private tour is a fantastic choice. It combines the best of Greek viticulture, gorgeous landscapes, and personal storytelling, creating an experience that’s both educational and truly memorable.