Fira, the lively capital of Santorini, isn’t just about stunning sunsets and cliffside views. It’s also a fantastic spot to explore Santorini’s renowned volcanic wines — thanks to its proximity to top wineries, scenic landscapes, and authentic tasting experiences. Several tours stand out for their unique offerings, whether you’re after a deep dive into wine-making, a family-friendly outing, or a private tasting with personalized attention. For example, the Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with Certified Sommelier offers a personalized journey through three distinctive wine estates, perfect for those wanting an intimate experience with expert guidance.
What makes Fira ideal for wine tours is its central location and access to top wineries, including underground caves, vineyard visits, and scenic viewpoints. Plus, many tours include visits to iconic spots like Black Beach, Pyrgos Village, or the Prophet Elias Monastery. Whether you’re interested in learning about how volcanic soil influences wine or tasting Vinsanto and Assyrtiko, there’s a tour to match your curiosity. Among the options, I particularly like tours that combine cultural sightseeing with wine tasting, creating a well-rounded day.
Below, you’ll find a detailed review of the six best wine tours in Fira, highlighting what makes each special, who they’re best suited for, and practical tips for booking.
1. Santorini: Lost Atlantis, Beaches & Wine Tasting Tour
At number 1 on our list, this Lost Atlantis, Beaches & Wine Tasting Tour offers a 6-hour journey that combines mythic storytelling with scenic stops and tastings. It’s perfect for travelers who want a bit of everything — history, beaches, and wine — all in one package. The tour kicks off with a visit to the prehistoric town that inspired the Atlantis legend, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the island’s ancient past.
What makes this tour stand out is its structured itinerary that covers the Red Beach for photos, Pyrgos Village for local charm, and Black Beach for relaxation. The highlight is visiting a winery for wine and food tasting, where you can sample local dishes paired with Santorini’s famous wines. The tour also includes scenic stops at Prophet Elias Monastery and Fira Spirits, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities.
The guide’s storytelling about the prehistoric site and the island’s volcanic wines adds depth to the experience. The 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews reflects its popularity among travelers seeking a rundown of Santorini’s culture and flavors. The tour’s flexibility with free cancellation and wheelchair accessibility makes it a practical choice for most visitors.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a good balance of history, scenery, and wine, making it ideal for curious travelers who want a well-rounded day.
2. Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with Certified Sommelier
For those seeking a truly tailored experience, the Private Daytime Wine Tour with a Certified Sommelier is a top pick. Limited to small groups or private bookings, this 5-hour tour dives deep into Santorini’s volcanic wines, including tastings of 12 different sips such as Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.
What makes this tour unique is the personalized attention from the guide, Yiannis, who adjusts the itinerary based on your interests. It includes visits to three carefully selected wineries, where you get behind-the-scenes insights into wine-making and the chance to explore the vines themselves. The tour covers key locations like Pyrgos Kallistis, Akrotiri, and Oia, with convenient pickup and drop-off points.
Guests have praised Yiannis for his knowledge and personable approach. “Our private tour with Yiannis exceeded our expectations,” writes one review. At $305 per person, it’s a premium experience, but the value lies in the depth of knowledge, customization, and exclusive tastings.
Bottom Line: If you’re a wine lover after an intimate, expert-led tour with maximum flexibility, this private experience should be on your list.
3. Santorini: Private Island Tour with Lunch at a Famous Winery
A perfect option for those who want to combine scenic sightseeing with a leisurely lunch, the Private Island Tour with Lunch at a Famous Winery offers a 5-hour exploration of Santorini’s highlights. Starting from Thera or Oia, you’ll visit the renowned ANHYDROUS winery where you’ll enjoy a wine and lunch experience that showcases the best of Santorini’s local produce.
The tour’s focus on sightseeing and culinary delights makes it ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, in-depth look at the island’s landscapes paired with delicious food and wine. The visit to the winery includes tastings paired with a sit-down lunch, giving you a true taste of local flavors.
This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a slower pace and want to enjoy the scenery without rushing. It’s a good value for its combination of sightseeing, wine tasting, and a quality lunch. The inclusion of two pickup options adds flexibility.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts who want a scenic, gastronomic experience in a small-group setting.
4. Santorini: Family Island Tour with Winery Museum Experience
If you’re traveling with family and want a mix of fun and education, this Family Island Tour with Winery Museum offers five hours of sightseeing suited for all ages. The itinerary includes stops at famous sites like the Three Bells of Fira, Oia, Pyrgos, and Prophet Elias Monastery, with scenic drives and plenty of photo opportunities.
What makes this tour unique is the visit to the Koutsogiannopoulos Winery Museum, where kids can explore exhibits about wine-making history while adults enjoy tastings of local wines. The tour balances scenic views, cultural insights, and family-friendly activities, making it suitable for a wide age range.
Reviews highlight the engaging guide and the opportunity for kids to learn about the island’s viticultural history firsthand. The tour’s flexibility with stops and guided visits adds value for families wanting an educational yet relaxed day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for families who want to explore Santorini’s sights and heritage while enjoying a wine tasting experience that’s fun for kids too.
5. Santorini: Hidden Gems Tour and Wine Experience with Tasting
For travelers craving an authentic look at Santorini’s lesser-known spots, this Hidden Gems Tour and Wine Experience offers a 6-hour private exploration. It focuses on discovering picturesque villages like Oia and Imerovigli, as well as visiting the Koutsogianopoulos Winery Museum.
What makes this tour distinct is its focus on off-the-beaten-path sights combined with wine tasting at a historic winery. It’s ideal for those interested in local culture, scenic drives, and authentic wines that aren’t available in tourist-heavy spots. The tour emphasizes exploring the “heart of Santorini” with personalized attention.
Rated 5/5, this experience is praised for its intimate feel and the chance to visit hidden corners of the island. If you want a more exclusive, less commercialized day, this tour offers great value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who prefer a more personalized, less crowded experience that pairs scenic exploration with top-quality wines.
6. Uncork Santorini – A Premium Wine Tasting Experience
Rounding out the list is Uncork Santorini, a 4-hour premium tour designed for wine connoisseurs. It focuses on exploring iconic wineries and underground wine caves, offering a refined tasting experience with local, volcanic wines.
The tour includes visits to three top wineries, sampling premium varieties that showcase the island’s terroir. The highlight is exploring underground wine caves, where the cool, dark environment preserves the unique flavors of Santorini’s volcanic wines. This tour is tailored for VIP guests or anyone interested in a sophisticated, culture-rich wine tasting.
Priced for a more upscale experience, it’s highly rated for its blend of culture, history, and premium wines. The guide’s insights into the production process add depth for wine lovers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a more upscale, immersive tasting experience in a shorter timeframe.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Fira
When selecting the best wine tour for your trip, consider your interests and travel style. If you want a comprehensive experience that includes myth and scenery, the Lost Atlantis tour is a safe bet. For a personalized, in-depth wine experience, the private tour with a sommelier offers unmatched customization. Families or travelers seeking a relaxed mix of scenery and wine should consider the Family Island Tour, while those interested in off-the-beaten-path sights will love the Hidden Gems Tour.
Budget also plays a role: Private tours tend to be more expensive but offer tailored insights, while group tours like the Lost Atlantis experience provide good value for a full day of sightseeing. Book early during peak season, and check cancellation policies if your plans might change.
Final Thoughts
Santorini offers an array of wine tours that cater to different tastes and budgets. From immersive private tastings with expert guides to more relaxed scenic trips, there’s something for all. For a rundown of history and wine, the Lost Atlantis Tour provides a well-rounded experience. For personalized attention, the private sommelier tour delivers depth and exclusivity. Families will appreciate the educational and fun focus of the Family Island Tour, while those seeking a sophisticated tasting should consider Uncork Santorini.
No matter which experience you choose, booking early and planning your day around the best weather will ensure you enjoy the island’s volcanic wines and stunning scenery to the fullest. Cheers to discovering the flavors of Santorini!
