Santorini Private Wine Tasting Tour: Up to 4 Wineries & Lunch

This Santorini Private Wine Tasting Tour offers a deeply personalized way to explore the island’s renowned wineries. Priced at $295.51 per person, this 5-hour experience is ideal for those eager to sample a wide range of Santorini wines and enjoy an authentic local atmosphere. Guided by Santorini Local Guides, the tour covers up to 4 wineries, where participants taste 9 to 18 wines, including vintage Vinsanto aged 20 years. The tour’s inclusion of an impressive lunch paired with wines, plus hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off, makes for a seamless and comfortable adventure.

The tour is particularly suited for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers who appreciate guided experiences with local insight. While the pace is relaxed and the focus is on quality, it suits those willing to spend around five hours discovering Santorini’s wine landscape. This tour’s reputation is stellar, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 14 reviews, and consistent praise for knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and excellent wine and food pairing.

Key Points

• Up to 4 wineries visited, tasting 9 to 18 wines, including rare vintages like 20-year-old Vinsanto
• 5-hour private tour with hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off
• Lavish “meze” style lunch paired with wines, featuring local cheese and snacks
• Guided by locals with in-depth knowledge of Santorini’s viticulture and history
• Breathtaking views of the Caldera at Venetsanos Winery and other scenic stops
• Highly praised for expert guiding, authentic experience, and tasty food

The Private Tour Setup and Logistics

This private wine tour starts with hotel or Airbnb pickup, ensuring ease of access regardless of your accommodation choice. The air-conditioned vehicle transports the group between stops, which are carefully selected for their authenticity and scenic value. The most booked dates are about 34 days in advance, indicating its popularity among visitors seeking a well-organized and personalized wine experience.

The tour duration is approximately 5 hours, a length that balances in-depth tasting with relaxed pacing. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, allowing for a more tailored experience and flexible scheduling if needed.

Visiting Estate Argyros: Classic Santorini Wines and Vintages

The first stop, Estate Argyros, introduces guests to 4 different wine styles, including a 20-year-old Vinsanto, one of the island’s most celebrated sweet wines. Visitors explore the production area and vineyard, gaining insight into Santorini’s unique viticulture and traditional methods.

A tasting of local cheeses and cold cuts complements the wines, offering a flavorful start. The setting provides a great introduction to the island’s winemaking, and the 1 hour 15 minutes spent here is enough to appreciate the craft behind Santorini’s wines without feeling rushed.

Gavalas Winery: Family Tradition and Barrel-Making

The second stop, Gavalas Winery, is renowned for its three generations of winemaking and barrel-making expertise. Guests tour the production area to see how wine is crafted on the island, learning about the winemaking process from experienced local artisans.

Participants sample 4 different wines, including Assyrtiko—Santorini’s flagship grape—and Vinsanto, with cheese platters enhancing the tasting. This 1 hour 15 minutes visit emphasizes family tradition and local craftsmanship, making it a highlight for those interested in Greece’s wine heritage.

Venetsanos Winery: Scenic Views and Cutting-Edge Techniques

The third stop, Venetsanos Winery, is famous not only for its innovative winemaking techniques but also for its spectacular views of the Caldera. Guests walk through the vineyard, learning about Santorini’s unique pruning methods suited to the volcanic terrain.

The winery’s revolutionary approach to wine production is explained, and guests taste 5 different wines, mainly Assyrtiko, paired with a tapas-style lunch that includes Santorinian salad, tomato fritters, Fava, and a platter of cheese and cold cuts. The 1 hour 30 minutes here combines educational insights with stunning scenery.

Gaia Winery: Coastal Relaxation and Red Varietals

The final stop, Gaia Winery, offers a relaxing atmosphere next to the sea. Guests sample 4 glasses of Santorini wines plus some reds from Nemea, Greece, in a beautiful setting that overlooks the water. This hour-long tasting emphasizes variety and the pleasure of slow sipping.

Gaia Winery’s location provides peaceful views after a day of sightseeing, rounding out the experience with additional wine options that showcase Greece’s diverse vinicultural landscape.

The Meal and Pairing Experience

Throughout the tour, lunch is a key highlight. The tapas-style meal includes Santorinian salad, tomato fritters, Fava, and a cheese and cold cuts platter. Each dish is carefully paired with the wines tasted during the stops, enhancing the overall experience.

The lunch at Venetsanos Winery features breathtaking views of the Caldera, making it a memorable part of the day. The food and wine pairing is frequently praised as delicious and well-curated.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Guests consistently praise the guides, especially Stratos, for his extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendly attitude. Reviews highlight the guide’s ability to explain wine-making processes and share local insights, which add depth to the tour.

The personalized approach and attention to detail ensure that even those with limited wine experience leave with a greater appreciation of Santorini’s wine culture.

Overall Experience and Value

With a perfect 5.0/5 rating across 14 reviews, this tour clearly resonates with participants. The private setup, expert guides, scenic stops, and excellent food and wine combine to create a balanced, immersive experience.

While the length and price may seem substantial, the inclusion of up to 18 wines, a full lunch, and transportation make it a comprehensive value for those passionate about wine and Greek culture.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Private Wine Tour

This 5-hour private tour stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking a personalized, educational, and scenic exploration of Santorini’s winemaking scene. It balances wine tasting with cultural insights, offering rare vintages, stunning views, and a relaxed pace.

Suitable for wine lovers, foodies, and those wanting to learn about Greek viticulture, this experience delivers authenticity and quality. The expert guides and thoughtfully curated stops ensure that participants leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Santorini’s unique wines, plus memories of breathtaking vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is accessible for those with limited wine knowledge, thanks to guides who explain each wine and process clearly.

What is included in the lunch?
The meal features Santorinian salad, tomato fritters, Fava, and a cheese and cold cuts platter. It is paired with wines tasted during the tour.

Can I customize the tour?
This is a private tour, so flexibility in stops and timing may be available with prior arrangements.

Are all wines included in the price?
Yes, up to 18 wines are sampled during the tour, with admission tickets included at each winery.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 34 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private, air-conditioned transportation is included, with hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off.

What makes this tour different from others?
It is locally operated by passionate guides with extensive wine knowledge and a focus on authentic, personalized experiences.

Is the tour physically demanding?
The tour involves walking through vineyards and wineries, but the pace is relaxed, suitable for most.

What is the duration of each stop?
Stops range from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, providing an in-depth look without feeling rushed.

Is this a group or private experience?
It is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, ensuring a more intimate experience.