Santorini: Tour of Wineries with Wine Tasting & Food

Discovering Santorini’s Wineries: A Deep Dive into the Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and love a good glass of wine, this tour of wineries with tasting and food promises to be a memorable part of your stay. While I haven’t personally taken this exact experience, I’ve looked into what makes it special, along with honest insights from travelers who’ve done it. It’s a carefully curated way to learn about Santorini’s unique wines, enjoy some spectacular vistas, and indulge in a delicious meal—all with a small, friendly group.

One of the standout features of this tour is the knowledgeable guides—many reviews mention how guides like Rafael and Nikolas bring the experience to life with their passion and expertise. Plus, the set of wineries visited are praised for their charm, scenery, and the chance to explore underground cellars.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the price point—at $169 per person, it’s an investment, but many feel the value justifies it, especially given the quality of the wine and food. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, in-depth look at Santorini’s winemaking scene, especially if they appreciate good wine, food, and scenic views.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided experiences that combine education, flavor, and stunning landscapes, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s also great for those who want a small group vibe, making the experience more personal and engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert guidance enhances the understanding of Santorini’s volcanic wines
• Includes visits to 3 wineries with cellar tours and tastings
• Tastings of up to 10 different local wines like Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto
• A memorable meal paired with wines, often described as delicious and filling
• Sunset views add a magical touch, especially on the evening tour
• Small group size (limited to 8 participants) makes it intimate and personalized

Why This Wine Tour Stands Out

Santorini is famous for its striking landscapes—white buildings, blue domes, and caldera views—yet it’s also renowned for its volcanic wines. The island’s soil, climate, and unique terroir create wines that are unlike anywhere else in the world. This tour takes you into that story, not just through tastings but by showing how local winemaking traditions have persisted for centuries.

The experience begins with pickup and transportation by a comfortable minivan, which makes the day stress-free and easy to organize. You’re picked up from numerous locations, and the small group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours, with a flexible schedule that allows you to savor each moment—whether exploring wineries, sampling wine, or enjoying the sunset.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Pickup and Introduction

Your adventure begins with pickup from one of numerous convenient locations around Santorini. This flexibility is helpful, especially if your hotel is in a pedestrian zone. Once you’re on board, the journey starts with a scenic drive that sets the tone for the day—a chance to soak in the island’s beauty even before the wineries.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 2: Short Break

After about 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at your first winery. This is a good warm-up to the day’s tasting experience, with some time to stretch and get ready for the cellar visits. Travelers report the guides are friendly and engaging, setting a relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Stop 3: First Winery Visit

Here, you’ll explore the underground cellars and see how wine is bottled and matured. This part is often highlighted as a fascinating glimpse into traditional winemaking. You’ll sample about 10 different wines, including Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto—each offering a taste of Santorini’s volcanic soil. Many reviews mention the wines are surprisingly good, even for those who aren’t heavy drinkers.

At this point, you’ll also try some local snacks—bread sticks and tomato paste—to complement the tasting. The pairing enhances the flavors and helps you appreciate how closely wine and food are linked in Greek tradition.

Stop 4: Second Winery – Photo Stop and Tasting

You’ll have a quick 15-minute transfer to your next winery, which often boasts stunning views. Here, you may take some photos, enjoy a guided tour, and taste more wines. Travelers often comment on the beauty of these locations, with some wineries right by the ocean or in lush gardens.

Stop 5: Third Winery – Dinner and Extended Tasting

The highlight for many is the dinner at this winery, which is included in the tour price. Expect a multi-course meal—often five courses—and wine pairings with each dish. Many describe the food as exceptional, and the relaxed pace allows you to savor your meal without feeling rushed. The dinner experience elevates the tour from just tasting to truly enjoying Santorini’s culinary traditions.

Some reviews mention that the dinner is filling and well paired, with a good variety of wines offered alongside. This part of the trip often earns glowing praise for its quality and the personal attention from guides.

Stop 6: Sunset and Final Tasting

If you opt for the sunset tour, your last stop offers a perfect vantage point to watch the sun dip into the caldera. You’ll likely enjoy one more wine tasting here, with some travelers describing the sunset as a magical end to the day.

Drop-off: Returning to Your Hotel

After this, a short drive back will bring you to your original pick-up point or a nearby location. The entire experience, from start to finish, lasts around 4 to 5 hours, making it a substantial yet manageable half-day activity.

The Experience That Travelers Love

Based on countless reviews, what truly makes this tour special is the combination of expert guides, beautiful wineries, and the opportunity to learn about Santorini’s winemaking heritage. Guides like Rafael and Nikolas receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable—whether they’re wine novices or connoisseurs.

Many reviewers talk about how the wines exceeded expectations, especially the unique volcanic varieties. The dinner is also a standout, often described as a “sensational five-course meal” that pairs perfectly with the wines. For those who love good food and wine, this part of the tour elevates the overall experience.

The sunset views are another highlight, with several travelers noting that watching the sun set over the caldera while sipping wine is one of the most memorable moments of their trip.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the experience is highly regarded, it’s worth noting that the price of $169 per person might seem steep for some travelers, especially if you’re on a tight budget. However, many feel that the quality of wines, food, and the personalized experience justify the cost.

Another consideration is the length of the tour—at about 4 to 5 hours, it is quite full, and some may prefer a more leisurely pace. Also, if you’re not a big wine drinker, the focus on multiple tastings might be less appealing, though many reviews suggest there’s plenty to enjoy even for casual drinkers.

Lastly, the tour involves a fair amount of walking, cellar exploration, and some emotional investment in the tasting process. Suitable footwear and comfortable clothes are recommended, especially if you plan to stay for sunset.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience tends to suit adventurous food and wine lovers who appreciate learnings and scenic views. It’s also ideal if you want an intimate, small-group setting—most tours are limited to 8 participants—allowing for a more personalized experience. Travelers who value knowledgeable guides and high-quality food/wine pairings will find this tour particularly rewarding.

It’s perfect for honeymooners, couples, or groups of friends looking for a memorable, engaging activity that combines the best of Santorini’s scenery, wine, and culinary culture.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off, a local guide or sommelier, a 4-5 hour experience, visits to 3 wineries, tastings of up to 10 wines, a meal (lunch or dinner), snack plate, water, and entrance fees to wineries.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will explore three wineries during the tour, with opportunities to see cellars, taste wines, and take photos.

Is the tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
While the focus is on wine tastings, many travelers find the experience enjoyable for the scenery, food, and guided insights, even if they’re not heavy wine drinkers.

What wines will I taste?
Expect to try local varieties such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto, which are unique to Santorini’s volcanic soil.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially since you’ll be exploring wineries and walking on varied terrain.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically runs for about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the schedule and group size.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance.

Is there a sunset option?
Yes, there’s a sunset version of the tour, which includes a final tasting at a scenic spot to watch the sunset.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation by minivan is included throughout the tour.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, this Santorini winery tour with tasting and food offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that combines scenic drives, educational winery visits, excellent wine tastings, and a delicious meal. The guides’ knowledge and the stunning views make it a standout activity on the island.

It’s best suited for those who appreciate good wine, love learning about local traditions, and want a social, intimate experience. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Santorini’s wines and enjoy a culinary journey, this tour is likely to tick those boxes—and maybe even become one of your trip’s highlights.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, a wine enthusiast, or simply eager to experience Santorini beyond its beaches, this tour offers a nice blend of scenic beauty, flavor, and cultural insight—all in a manageable, friendly package.

You can check availability for your dates here: