Santorini: Wine Tasting Tour with Snacks

If you’re considering a wine tasting experience in Santorini, this tour caught our attention for its highly-rated reputation (a stellar 4.9 out of 5 from over 600 reviews) and its promise of exploring three acclaimed wineries in just four hours. It’s a popular choice for visitors eager to combine stunning scenery with the island’s renowned wines, and from what we’ve gathered, it tends to deliver on both fronts.

What we especially like about this tour is how it balances intimate group size with personalized attention—most reviews highlight knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and educational. Plus, the views at the Santo Winery are described as simply spectacular, making the tasting feel all the more special.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the snacks are quite consistent across stops—mainly cheese, breadsticks, and small bites—so if you’re craving variety or a more substantial meal, you might find the offerings a bit repetitive. Also, keep in mind that the tour is around four hours, which is enough time for a decent taste of Santorini’s wine but might feel a bit rushed if you’re a slow sipper or want to linger longer at each spot.

This tour seems best suited for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups who want a well-organized, informative outing with stunning views, great wines, and a relaxed vibe. It’s an experience that’s more about quality than quantity, and it seems to hit the sweet spot for many travelers.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: The tour limits to about 10 guests, ensuring personalized attention.
• Wide Wine Selection: You’ll taste 12 different award-winning volcanic wines, including major styles like Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.
• Beautiful Settings: Highlights include cellar tours and a tasting at Santo Winery with waterfront views, plus visits to three unique wineries.
• Educational & Fun Guides: Reviews consistently praise guides who are knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging.
• Value for Money: For $181, you get a comprehensive tasting experience with snacks, transportation, and expert insights.
• Flexible Options: Morning or sunset tours are available, with pickup from all major locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What’s Included and How It All Comes Together

This 4-hour tour offers a smooth, relaxed way to explore Santorini’s wine scene without feeling overwhelmed. The price of $181 per person covers pickup and drop-off, visits to three wineries, tasting 12 different wines, and local snacks and cheese at each stop. The transportation is air-conditioned, which is a relief, especially in the warmer months, and the small group size maximizes interaction with your guide.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

You’ll start by being picked up from your hotel or a nearby location—seven pickup points cover most popular areas like Thera, Imerovigli, Oia, and Kamari. Expect a short 30-minute drive to the first winery, where cellar tours give you a glimpse into Santorini’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.

The tour typically visits Estate Argyros first, known for its scenic vineyard on volcanic soils, then moves to Domaine Sigalas with its renowned reputation, and concludes at Santo Winery, famous for its stunning waterfront views and sunset magic (if you choose the evening option).

Wineries and Tastings

Each stop offers a chance to sample major styles of Santorini wine, like Assyrtiko (a crisp white with mineral notes), Nykteri (a dry white), and Vinsanto (a rich dessert wine). The guides are praised for their expertise, providing insights into how these wines are made and what makes them special.

One review notes, “Our guide was super knowledgeable about the wine and we got to try more than 12 wines,” which shows how generous the tastings are. The accompanying snacks, mostly cheese and tapas, complement the wine tasting nicely, making it easier to appreciate the different flavors.

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The Views and Atmosphere

The highlight for many is the scenic setting—the view at Santo Winery during sunset is often called breathtaking, providing a perfect backdrop for enjoying Greek cheese and wine. Several reviews mention the spectacular sunset views and the relaxing atmosphere, which makes this tour not just about wine but about soaking in the beauty of Santorini.

The Guide Experience

Reviews spotlight guides like Elena, Penny, and Marilyn, who are repeatedly praised for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable. They balance education with fun, sharing stories about the island, its vineyards, and wine-making traditions, which adds depth to the tasting.

The Value Proposition

Considering the inclusions—three wineries, 12 wines, snacks, transportation, and expert guides—the price feels reasonable. Many reviewers mention that it’s “well worth the cost,” especially since you get to try a good variety of wines without the hassle of planning each visit yourself.

Potential Drawbacks and Tips

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that the snacks could be more varied. If you’re a foodie expecting a full meal, this might not satisfy your hunger. Also, the duration is just enough for a relaxed experience — if you’re an especially slow wine taster or want to linger at each stop, it might feel a bit quick.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the wines served are mainly dry white and dessert wines, with a couple of reds, so if you prefer sweet or sparkling wines, you might want to check if those are available separately.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers, especially those interested in learning about Santorini’s volcanic wines. It’s also great for couples seeking a romantic activity with stunning views, or small groups wanting a social, educational outing. If you have limited time but want a comprehensive taste of the island’s wine culture, this tour delivers.

This isn’t necessarily aimed at families with young children, but if you’re traveling with older teens who appreciate wine or enjoy scenic outings, it might suit them too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, intimate wine tasting that pairs excellent wines with breathtaking views, this tour ticks many boxes. Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, and the chance to visit three different wineries in just a few hours makes it both convenient and enriching.

The combination of educational cellar tours, generous tastings, and spectacular settings makes this a worthwhile experience, especially if you’re eager to understand why Santorini’s wines are so celebrated worldwide. While the snacks might be somewhat repetitive, the overall value, especially considering the reviews, suggests this tour offers a memorable way to spend part of your Santorini trip.

If you want a relaxed, scenic, wine-focused outing that leaves you with great stories and a few bottles to remember the island by, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While primarily a wine tasting, the experience focuses on sampling wines alongside snacks, so if you’re not drinking alcohol, you might find it less engaging. However, the knowledgeable guides may offer non-alcoholic alternatives or insights into the wine-making process.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 4 hours, including pickup, visits, tastings, and drop-off. It’s designed to be a relaxed experience without feeling rushed.

Are the wineries all in close proximity?
Yes, all three wineries are part of the organized route, and visits are scheduled to maximize efficiency and scenery. The final stop at Santo Winery offers waterfront views.

What wines will I taste?
Expect mainly dry white wines like Assyrtiko and Nykteri, plus some dessert wines such as Vinsanto. A couple of dry reds are also served.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from your hotel or designated pickup points and back, making logistics easy.

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

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s best suited for adults or older teens, as the focus is on wine tasting. For families with children, it may not be the ideal outing.

Can I choose a different time of day?
Yes, options for morning or sunset tours are available, allowing you to select the timing that best fits your schedule.

This Santorini wine tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, educational value, and delicious tastings. Whether you’re a dedicated wine aficionado or just looking to enjoy a memorable experience, it’s worth adding to your list. Just remember to pace yourself and savor every sip—and the stunning views that come along with them.

You can check availability for your dates here: