Santorini: Private Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Tour

Discover the true taste of Santorini through this comprehensive 6-hour private culinary and wine tour offered by Santorini Day Tours. For $1,073 per group of up to 2 people, this experience combines visits to 2 traditional wineries, a hands-on Greek cooking class, and a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. The tour features 8 wine tastings led by an English-speaking wine expert, along with insights into Santorini’s unique viticulture. The experience is especially suitable for foodies and wine lovers looking for an authentic, intimate exploration of Greek traditions.

With perfect reviews averaging 5 out of 5 from 71 ratings, this tour stands out for its knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and interactive activities. A full-day adventure that balances wine, local cuisine, and culture, it appeals most to those who enjoy engaging, hands-on experiences. The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward, though it might be best suited for those comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and standing during the cooking session.

Key Points

• Private group experience for up to 2 people, ensuring personalized service.
• Visits to 2 traditional wineries in the Santorini countryside with 8 wine tastings.
• Learn to cook Greek dishes with guidance from a professional chef.
• Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch paired with wines and aperitifs.
• Pick-up and drop-off at hotel or Airbnb in Santorini included.
• The tour lasts 6 hours and is led in English by an experienced guide.

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Visiting Two Wineries in Santorini’s Countryside

This tour starts with a visit to volcanic vineyards, where basket vines grow in unique conditions. The guides explain the essence of Santorini viticulture, highlighting what makes the island’s wines special. You’ll visit two traditional wineries, where assyrtiko, nykteri, and vinsanto wines are sampled.

The focus during wine tastings is on white and dessert wines, which dominate the local production. Tastings include 8 different wine styles, offering a good variety for enthusiasts. Guided by a wine expert, you learn about the flavors, production methods, and history behind these acclaimed wines. Guests often find the views from the wineries to be stunning, adding to the overall enjoyment.

The Authentic Greek Cooking Experience

The highlight for many is the hands-on cooking class at a traditional Santorini restaurant. Under the guidance of a local chef, you’ll learn how to prepare classic Greek dishes, including dakas, fava puree, tomato fritters, and pork tenderloin.

The cooking session is interactive, involving plenty of Greek appetizers and a focus on local ingredients. The chef adapts the lesson to the group’s needs, making it accessible for all skill levels. After preparing your meals, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor in a lively, authentic setting, paired with wines from the vineyards visited earlier.

Tasting and Sampling at the Wineries

During the tour, you’ll get a mini wine-tasting tutorial from your guide, helping you understand how to appreciate each style. The 8 wine samples include assyrtiko, nykteri, and vinsanto, showcasing the diversity of Santorini’s wine scene.

Guests often praise the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides, who make the tasting enjoyable and informative. The views at each winery and the relaxed atmosphere contribute to a memorable experience. Afterwards, a shopping opportunity allows you to buy wine and olive oil at reduced prices.

The Traditional Greek Lunch

The lunch is served in a local restaurant, offering a variety of Greek dishes paired naturally with the wines tasted earlier. The meal includes Greek appetizers, and the bottled water and aperitifs are included in the tour package.

Guests appreciate the generous portions and the chance to sample authentic Greek cuisine in a cozy, traditional setting. The lunch provides a perfect way to relax and reflect on the morning’s wine and cooking activities.

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Logistics and Group Size

This private tour features hotel pickup and drop-off in Santorini, with pickup available from any hotel or Airbnb within the island. In case of access restrictions, pickup occurs nearby at a short walking distance.

The tour operates with a live English-speaking guide, ensuring clear communication and engaging storytelling. The group size is kept small and private, creating an intimate environment for learning and enjoyment.

Timing, Pacing, and Overall Duration

The entire experience lasts 6 hours, with specific start times available upon checking availability. The pacing balances wine tastings, learning, and cooking, ensuring each activity feels relaxed yet engaging.

Guests should be prepared for some standing during the cooking class, and comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour’s length and flow have received high praise for being well-paced, with many reviews noting how quickly and enjoyably the day passes.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This experience combines wine tasting with hands-on Greek cooking in a private setting, adding a personal touch to an already popular activity. The expert guides are consistently lauded for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience.

Plus, the scenic visits to volcanic vineyards and traditional wineries, alongside the authentic local cuisine, make this tour a comprehensive deep dive into Santorini’s food and wine culture. The all-inclusive package—covering tastings, meals, transportation, and taxes—delivers strong value for the quality.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour appeals most to foodies, wine aficionados, and couples seeking an intimate experience. It is ideal for those who want a personalized and interactive activity with professional guides sharing genuine knowledge.

It is also suitable for adults comfortable with standing and participating in a hands-on cooking class. Travelers aiming for a relaxed, culturally immersive day will find this experience highly satisfying.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Cooking and Wine Tour

The 6-hour private experience offers a rich combination of wine tasting, culinary skills, and local culture, all led by passionate guides. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, making it a great way to connect with Santorini’s traditions.

While the focus on white and dessert wines reflects local production, the interactive cooking class and delicious lunch stand out as highlights. The professional organization and positive reviews support its status as a top-rated activity.

This tour delivers value through expert guidance, authentic experiences, and stunning surroundings. It suits adventurous food and wine lovers eager to explore Santorini’s culinary and viticultural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Santorini are included, with arrangements made from any hotel or Airbnb on the island.

How many wineries do I visit?
You visit two wineries in the countryside, where you sample eight different wines.

What is the cooking class like?
The Greek cooking lesson is hands-on, led by a local chef, where you learn to prepare classic dishes like dakos, fava puree, and pork tenderloin.

Can I buy wine or olive oil after the tour?
Yes, guests have the opportunity to purchase wines and olive oil at reduced prices at the wineries visited during the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for the standing portions of the cooking class, and casual attire suitable for outdoor visits and cooking.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship travelers?
Yes, the meeting point for cruise travelers is in front of McDonald’s in Fira, with flexible options for delays or changes in schedule.

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