Santorini: Vineyard and Winery Tour with Cooking Class

If you’re considering adding a blend of wine tasting and culinary discovery to your Santorini trip, this tour offers a pretty charming way to do it. From exploring ancient vineyards to cooking traditional dishes with a local chef, it promises a well-rounded taste of Santorini’s rich flavors. We haven’t done this exact experience ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it looks like a lovely option for travelers who want a more intimate, hands-on taste of Greek culture.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines wine and food, two of the best ways to understand any local cuisine. Plus, the small-group size (limited to 8 people) means you’ll get personalized attention, which makes the experience more relaxed and engaging. On the flip side, one potential consideration is the tour’s emphasis on guided visits and tasting — if you’re seeking a very in-depth wine education, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more detail. Still, this tour strikes a good balance for most travelers looking for a flavorful, enjoyable day.

This experience works best for food and wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups wanting an authentic, interactive way to experience Santorini’s culinary scene. If you’re after a fun, educational, and delicious half-day, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines visiting traditional wineries with a cooking class led by a Greek chef.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, offering a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Includes Tasting and Cooking: Taste up to 8 different wines and learn to prepare local dishes.
• Unique Locations: Visits to 2 wineries and exploration of ancient vineyards and cellars.
• Taste of Local Culture: Focuses on traditional Santorinian viticulture and cuisine.
• Duration & Flexibility: A 4.5-hour experience with flexible start times and hotel pickup.

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Santorini’s wine heritage alongside a hands-on cooking experience. It’s perfect if you want to see the island from a more local perspective, away from the busy tourist spots. You’ll start with a pickup from one of 83 potential locations, all conveniently spread around popular areas like Kamari, Firostefani, and Oia. The transportation is comfortable and air-conditioned, which is always a plus after a morning in the sun.

Once you arrive at the first vineyard, you’ll get an introduction to Santorini’s unique viticulture. The volcanic soil here produces distinct wines, notably Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, which you’ll sample during visits to two traditional wineries. You’ll go behind the scenes into the cellars, see where wines are stored and bottled, and learn about the island’s wine-making methods. Expect to try up to 8 different wines, which makes this more than just a quick sip — it’s an opportunity to really taste the variety.

Following the wine tasting, you’ll switch gears to the kitchen, where a Greek chef will guide you through preparing traditional Santorinian dishes. The focus here is on learning authentic recipes and techniques, not just quick bites. The dishes you make will be served at the end, giving you a chance to enjoy your own culinary creations in a cozy setting.

Finally, the day wraps up with a relaxed meal of your homemade dishes, paired with the wines you’ve learned about. This combination of tasting, cooking, and eating makes for a very satisfying experience — one that fills your belly and your mind with local flavors and stories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Vineyard Visits and Wine Tasting

The tour kicks off with visits to two traditional wineries. These are not big commercial operations but rather family-run, authentic spots where the wine-making process is a cherished craft. Exploring their cellars allows you to see where the wine is bottled and stored, adding a tangible connection to the product.

One reviewer mentioned that the last winery’s setting, “by the beach,” felt like a hidden gem, which hints at the scenic locations these visits might include. Expect to taste some of the island’s most renowned wines, including Assyrtiko, known for its crisp, mineral-rich profile, and Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine. The opportunity to see where the wine is matured and bottled adds a layer of transparency and appreciation for what you’re drinking.

The Cooking Class

After the wine exploration, you’ll head to a local restaurant or cooking space, where the chef will teach you how to prepare traditional dishes. The focus is on authenticity, so you might find yourself learning recipes that have been passed down through generations. You’ll be actively involved, not just observing, which makes the experience memorable and more meaningful.

One review highlights how Chef Chris was engaging, informative, and fun, making the session enjoyable and educational. The dishes are served at the end, giving you a delightful meal that directly ties into the flavors you’ve been tasting during the wine tour. It’s a great way to connect food and drink, especially if you’re a fan of cooking or want to pick up some Greek culinary skills.

The Whole Experience

The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours, making it a nicely paced half-day activity. Pickup and drop-off are included, and the limited group size creates an intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation and personal attention.

The tour is designed to be flexible — you can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still unfolding. Plus, with a full refund available if you cancel 24 hours in advance, it offers peace of mind for spontaneous travelers.

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What We Love

The real strength of this tour lies in the authenticity and hands-on nature. Visiting family-run wineries, exploring their cellars, and tasting a variety of wines means you get a genuine sense of Santorini’s vinicultural traditions. Pair that with a cooking class led by a friendly local chef, and you’re immersed in the island’s culinary soul.

The reviews echo this sentiment. One traveler called the cooking class “very fun,” praising Chef Chris for making it engaging and tasty. The wine tastings are also appreciated, with at least one review hinting at the setting being particularly memorable — especially the last winery by the beach.

The Value

At $260 per person, this experience might seem a little on the premium side, but considering the inclusions — multiple wine tastings, a cooking lesson, hotel pickup, and a guided tour — it offers good value for those wanting a more personal, crafted experience. For wine lovers or foodies eager to learn about Santorini’s local specialties in a relaxed setting, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Drawbacks or Considerations

While the overall experience is well-rated, a few small points are worth noting. One reviewer mentioned they would have appreciated more detailed tips on how to do proper wine tastings, suggesting that if you’re seeking a deep dive into wine education, you might need extra resources.

Also, the tour’s focus on guided visits and tastings means it’s more about tasting and learning rather than intense wine-making or culinary techniques. If you’re after a very comprehensive wine course or a full-on cooking immersion, this might feel a bit light.

Lastly, it’s a half-day tour, so if you’re looking for a full-day experience or want to include other activities, you might need to supplement this with additional plans.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is especially suited for wine and food lovers who want to enjoy an authentic slice of Santorini life. It’s perfect for small groups or couples who enjoy interactive, hands-on activities and are looking for a local, immersive experience.

Those interested in learning about the island’s unique viticulture will appreciate the visits to traditional wineries and cellar explorations. If you’re intrigued by Greek cuisine and want to leave with new recipes, this is a great choice.

It’s less ideal for travelers seeking a very detailed wine education or those wanting a full-day tour. Nonetheless, if you enjoy good food, quality wines, and the camaraderie of small-group experiences, you’ll likely find this tour very satisfying.

In the end, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of Santorini’s wine and culinary scene. It’s a chance to see hidden gems, taste some of the island’s best wines, and learn how to cook traditional dishes in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

The small-group setup makes it intimate, and the combination of vineyard visits and hands-on cooking keeps things lively and engaging. For travelers eager to connect with local traditions and enjoy delicious flavors, this is a solid choice.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just someone who loves good food and new experiences, this tour has enough charm and authenticity to make your Santorini visit even more memorable.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 4.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that can fit into most itineraries.

What is included in the price?
Your package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, a guided wine tasting at two wineries, visits to the cellars, up to 8 different wines, a cooking class with a local chef, and your homemade meal at the end.

Are there specific wines I will taste?
Yes, you’ll taste wines like Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, which are typical of Santorini. The tastings are guided and aim to showcase the island’s best offerings.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
The tour is designed for adults interested in wine and food. Since it’s a small group and involves wine tasting, it’s best suited for travelers of legal drinking age.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes are recommended since you’ll be walking through vineyards and possibly spending time in a kitchen or cellar environment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

Is there a specific start time I need to be aware of?
Start times vary, so you should check availability when booking. The experience is scheduled to fit your schedule within the day.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic taste of Santorini’s wine and food culture with the bonus of a hands-on cooking class, this tour is a smart pick. It’s a chance to connect with local traditions in a friendly, intimate setting that leaves you with both knowledge and a delicious meal to enjoy.

You can check availability for your dates here: