Small-Group Greek Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini

If you’re looking to truly get a taste of what makes Santorini special—beyond the stunning views and iconic sunsets—this small-group Greek food and wine tasting tour might just be your cup of ouzo. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a clear picture of a memorable experience. It’s tailored for those who enjoy good wine, delicious local dishes, and a touch of authentic island charm, all wrapped in an intimate setting.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines educational wine tastings at two family-run wineries with a hearty, traditional Greek meal. Plus, the small group size promises personal attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions or chat with guides about Santorini’s unique winemaking traditions. The only potential downside? For some, the price of around $217 per person could seem steep, but considering the inclusions—wine tastings, a 3-course dinner, and door-to-door pickup—it’s likely a worthwhile splurge for lovers of good food and drink.

This tour is ideal for adventurous foodies, wine enthusiasts, and travelers who want a relaxed, immersive experience. If you’re after a deeper understanding of local cuisine and vino, and prefer traveling in a small, friendly group rather than a large bus, then this one’s worth considering. It’s also great if you’re staying in Santorini and want a seamless, curated experience that takes you behind the scenes of island winemaking.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small group of no more than 8 ensures personalized service and a friendly atmosphere.
• Authentic Wineries: Visit two family-run wineries to learn about local viticulture and volcanic wines.
• Tasting & Dining: Sample Greek reds and whites followed by a generous 3-course meze dinner paired with local wine.
• Convenient & Hassle-Free: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple.
• Educational & Enjoyable: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both fun and informative.
• Ideal for Food & Wine Lovers: Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, authentic taste of Santorini.

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting Your Journey in Santorini

Your day begins with a pickup around 3:30 pm from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. The tour uses a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle, so traveling between stops is comfortable and smooth. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the atmosphere is intimate, allowing you to relax and really connect with your guide.

Visiting Two Family Wineries

The core of the tour is a visit to two family-run wineries. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how winemaking is shaped by Santorini’s unique volcanic soil and climate. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, will walk you through the history of each estate and explain how local grapes create distinctive flavors. Expect about 30 minutes at each winery for tasting.

The wine tastings are not just about sipping—it’s a chance to learn about the island’s viticulture. You’ll taste both red and white Greek varietals, and many reviews mention how the wines are surprisingly good—some are even described as “unbelievable” regarding their quality considering the volcanic terroir.

The Meze Dinner

As the evening progresses, you’ll head to a traditional restaurant for a hearty Greek meze meal. The menu features familiar favorites like Santorinian salad, tzatziki, eggplant spreads, pita chips, and grilled meats. Vegetarian options are available if you prefer. This is more than just a meal; it’s a social experience where you share food and wine with new friends, often made easier by the friendly guides.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the food—calling it the best they had in Santorini—and the generous portions. Paired with local wines, it’s a satisfying end to a day of tasting and exploring.

Closing the Tour

After about an hour of dining, the tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your hotel. The entire experience lasts around 4-5 hours, offering enough time to enjoy the sights, flavors, and conversations without feeling rushed.

Analyzing the Value

While $217 might seem like a fair amount for a few hours of activity, it’s important to look at what’s included: entrance fees at two wineries, wine tastings, a multi-course dinner, and transportation. These are often the main costs when doing a wine tour independently, especially if you factor in the cost of quality wines at the wineries.

The reviews reinforce that many guests find this tour excellent value for money. One reviewer mentions, “Nicholas was AMAZING, knowledgeable and FUN,” highlighting the quality of guides and overall experience. Others appreciated the personalized service and authentic feel that larger tours often lack.

The Experience in Detail: Why It Works

The Winery Visits

Visiting family-run wineries is a highlight. These estates often don’t have the commercial feel of larger wineries, giving you a more authentic connection to local winemaking traditions. The guides are praised for their depth of knowledge, making learning about volcanic wines and local grapes engaging, not dry.

The Food and Wine Pairing

The meze-style dinner is thoughtfully curated, showcasing local ingredients and traditional recipes. The pairing with local wines enhances the flavors and offers a genuine taste of Greek hospitality. Many reviews call the dinner “fantastic,” and some mention how it’s the best food they had in Santorini, which is high praise given how many good eateries the island offers.

Personal Service & Small Group Dynamic

The small group size allows for a more relaxed, personable experience. Guides like Elsa, Nicholas, and Stavros are repeatedly praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable. This setup fosters conversations and makes the whole experience more memorable.

Logistics & Comfort

The hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which is especially convenient on an island where taxis or public transport can be less predictable. The luxury vehicle ensures a comfortable ride between stops, so you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy each part of the tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for adventurous food lovers and wine connoisseurs who want a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at Santorini’s winemaking scene. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer small-group, personalized experiences rather than large, impersonal tours. The included meal makes it appealing to those who want to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine with their wines.

While it’s not explicitly designed for families with young children, adults of legal drinking age will find this tour a delightful way to deepen their appreciation of Santorini’s culinary traditions. It caters especially to those who enjoy cultural insights paired with tasting experiences and value quality over quantity.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel or designated meeting points, making logistics simple.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 4-5 hours, starting around 3:30 pm and concluding back at your hotel.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers entrance and wine tasting fees at two wineries, a 3-course meze dinner paired with local wine, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a bottle of water.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. It’s best to advise the tour provider at the time of booking.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You’ll sample local red and white Greek varietals, many of which are crafted using volcanic soils unique to Santorini.

Is this tour suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, making it accessible whether you’re a wine expert or just starting to explore.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to no more than 8 people, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours’ notice will not be refunded.

Is this tour good for families?
While suited primarily for adults due to wine tasting, mature teenagers interested in wine and food could enjoy it, but note the minimum age is 18.

Final Thoughts

This small-group Greek food and wine tour in Santorini offers a well-rounded, authentic peek into the island’s viticultural and culinary traditions. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, educational experience with plenty of tastings, paired with the charm of family-run wineries and traditional Greek hospitality.

While the price might give some pause, the inclusions—tastings, a hearty meal, and personalized service—make it a worthwhile splurge for lovers of good food, wine, and genuine connections. If you’re after a memorable, behind-the-scenes look at Santorini’s wine culture in a friendly setting, this tour could be just the thing.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply eager to deepen your understanding of Greek cuisine, this experience is likely to leave you with delightful memories and a new appreciation for the island’s flavors.