Santorini: Small Group Tour of 3 Local Wineries

If you’re dreaming of sipping Greek wines amid stunning island scenery, a small group tour of Santorini’s wineries might be just the thing. This experience promises to bring you closer to the island’s vinicultural traditions, with visits to three distinctive wineries, tastings, and some beautiful views along the way. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Greek wine culture, this tour offers a relaxed, educational, and flavorful day out.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines knowledgeable guides with the chance to try a variety of wines cultivated in volcanic soil — an essential part of Santorini’s flavor profile. Plus, the inclusion of a cheese and charcuterie platter makes the tasting experience even more enjoyable. On the flip side, some might find that the wineries serve similar wines, which could feel repetitive after a while. Still, if you’re after a manageable, intimate introduction to Santorini wines, this tour is a solid pick.

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate a laid-back, small-group vibe, enjoy learning about local traditions, and want a taste of authentic Greek wines without the fuss of large tour crowds. It’s also well-suited for those who want to relax, enjoy stunning views, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Santorini’s terroir. Families with older children who appreciate wine or cultural outings might find it enjoyable, but it’s primarily a wine-focused experience for adult travelers.

Key Points

• Intimate Small Group: Limited to 15 participants, creating a personal atmosphere.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides share insights about Santorini’s wine production.
• Variety of Wineries: Visits to three different wineries, each with unique styles.
• Scenic Locations: Stunning vineyard and ocean vistas enhance the tasting experience.
• Cultural & Artistic Touches: One stop includes a winery museum and art gallery.
• Inclusive & Relaxed: Hotel transfers, a cheese platter, and Wi-Fi included for convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect on This Santorini Winery Tour

Starting with hotel pickups in Thera, this 4-hour tour takes you on a relaxed journey through some of Santorini’s most notable wineries. The small group size means you won’t be lost among crowds — instead, you’ll enjoy a more personal, engaging experience. Your driver-guide, who speaks English, will lead you through each stop, sharing insights about the island’s vineyards and traditions.

First Stop: Estate Argyros

Your first visit is to Estate Argyros, a well-regarded winery with a spectacular setting. The tasting room, set amidst their vineyard estate, offers sweeping views of the sea — a perfect backdrop for wine tasting. This stop lasts about 80 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore and learn. Here, the focus is on Assyrtiko, a white grape variety that thrives in Santorini’s volcanic soil, capturing the essence of the island’s terroir. You’ll also get to try Aidani, another local variety, which adds a different layer of flavor.

The reviews highlight how engaging the guide is, providing insights into the winery’s focus on cultivating these grapes and how they’re transformed into the wines you taste. One guest mentioned, “the winery offers a captivating experience for wine enthusiasts,” which rings true — it’s not just about tasting; it’s about understanding what makes Santorini wines unique.

Second Stop: Artemis Karamolegos Winery

Next, you’ll visit Artemis Karamolegos, which offers a broader range of wines, including white, red, rosé, and even sweet varieties. This stop also lasts about 80 minutes, during which you’ll have guided tastings of different styles. The variety here showcases the versatility of Santorini grapes and production techniques. It’s a chance to compare whites and reds, see how aging influences flavor, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Guests often comment on the friendliness of the staff and the diversity of the wines. One reviewer called the experience “fantastic,” noting how each winery was distinct and fascinating in its own way. This variety keeps the experience lively and engaging, especially if you’re curious about how different methods influence the final product.

Third Stop: Art Space Winery & Museum

The final visit is to Art Space Winery, a creative hub that combines wine tasting with art and history. Located in an old pumice stone chamber, it offers a unique setting for appreciating Greek art alongside wine. The winery also shows contemporary Greek artworks, sculptures, and paintings, giving a cultural layer to your wine exploration.

Here, you’ll experience more than just wine — you’ll get a glimpse into Greek artistic expression, which adds depth to your visit. The winery continues traditional production but also embraces modern art, making it a memorable conclusion to your day.

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Ending the Tour

After the third stop, you’ll be driven back to Thera, with your mind full of new knowledge about Santorini’s wine scene. The entire experience is about relaxed discovery — tasting, learning, and enjoying the scenic beauty along the way.

What’s Included and Practical Details

The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics. The vehicle is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable, especially under the Mediterranean sun. Your guide will be speaking English, sharing insights and answering questions along the way.

You’ll get to taste wines at each winery, along with a cheese and charcuterie platter that complements the wines beautifully, elevating the tasting experience. A bottle of water and Wi-Fi are also included, adding convenience.

At just around four hours, this tour offers a manageable but rich introduction to Santorini’s wine culture. It’s also limited to just 15 participants, which keeps the atmosphere friendly and intimate. The availability varies, so it’s best to check in advance for a start time that suits your plans.

The Value of This Tour

While the cost isn’t specified here, what matters most is the value you get. Three winery visits with guided tastings, a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and food all add up to a pretty complete wine experience without the hassle of organizing anything yourself. For wine lovers, this is a way to really understand what makes Santorini wines special — from the volcanic soils to traditional production methods.

Guests have praised the experience for the quality of the wineries, the guidance, and the stunning views. One reviewer mentioned that each winery was “perfectly combined” and that they would recommend booking with Makedas Travel, which shows the overall positive impression.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you love wine and want to explore Santorini’s vineyards in a relaxed, friendly setting, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a blend of education, scenic beauty, and local culture. The inclusion of art and historical elements at the last stop makes it appealing to travelers with a curiosity for Greece’s creative side as well.

It might not be the best choice if you’re after a deep dive into wine production techniques or prefer extremely exclusive or high-end experiences. Also, it’s primarily aimed at adults, so families with young children might not find it suitable unless they’re particularly interested in wine and art.

FAQs

How long is the tour? The tour lasts about 4 hours, including visits to three wineries and transportation.

What’s included in the price? Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, guided tastings at three wineries, a cheese and charcuterie platter, bottled water, and Wi-Fi.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions? The tour is mainly wine-focused, but the cheese and charcuterie platter is included. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

Can I reserve my spot and pay later? Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, which helps keep your plans flexible.

What should I bring? Sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and breathable layers are recommended because of the outdoor settings and sunny weather.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s primarily geared toward adults interested in wine and art, so it’s best suited for travelers over 18.

What makes Santorini wines special? They are cultivated in volcanic soil, especially the Assyrtiko grape, which gives the wines a distinctive mineral quality.

How do I know what time I’ll be picked up? You’ll receive an email the day before with your estimated pickup time, and please wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes early.

Final Thoughts

This small group winery tour in Santorini offers a delightful way to understand the island’s vinicultural traditions while enjoying stunning views and good company. It’s a balanced mix of education, tasting, and culture, making it perfect for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed experience without the pressure of large crowds.

If you value knowledgeable guides, scenic settings, and a variety of wines, this tour will likely meet your expectations. It’s a great way to deepen your appreciation for Santorini’s unique terroir, especially if you’re curious about how volcanic soil influences flavor.

For anyone looking for a manageable, enjoyable, and insightful wine experience on Santorini, this tour is worth considering — just be sure to check availability and fit it into your schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: