Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini

A 4-hour Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini offers an intimate and educational experience for those eager to explore the island’s iconic wines and scenic vistas. Priced at $173.47 per person, this tour includes visits to three renowned wineries, each showcasing unique aspects of Santorini’s volcanic terroir. The tour departs at 12:00 pm, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and features 12 wine tastings—4 at each winery—along with a Greek Meze-style meal. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a well-paced, personalized wine adventure with a maximum of 15 participants.

While the tour combines scenic vineyard visits, historical insights, and wine tasting, it’s worth noting that most reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the quality of wine, though the number of tastings may be fewer than initially expected. This experience appeals most to those with a genuine interest in wine, scenic views, and learning about Santorini’s winemaking traditions.

Key Points

• Exclusive visits to three top Santorini wineries: Estate Argyros, Artemis Karamolegos, and Art Space Winery Museum.
• Includes 12 tastings, 4 at each winery, focusing on Assyrtiko and other volcanic wines.
• Price of $173.47 per person, with hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and a Greek Meze meal included.
• Guided experience with an English-speaking driver, offering insights into the island’s viticulture.
• Tour duration of approximately 4 hours, departing at 12:00 pm from shared meeting points.
• Small group size (max 15), ensuring personal attention and relaxed pace.

Starting the Santorini Wine Journey at Estate Argyros

The tour kicks off at Estate Argyros, located about 5.5 km southeast of Fira, in the area of Episkopi Gonia. This estate is notable for hosting the largest vineyard on the island and features a spacious tasting room with spectacular ocean views. Here, the focus is on Assyrtiko grapes, which thrive in Santorini’s volcanic soil, imparting a distinctive character to the wine. The estate also offers Aidani and Mavrotraga wines, adding variety to the tasting experience.

Guests can expect to learn about the island’s traditional winemaking practices as they sample well-curated wines in a picturesque setting. The visit lasts about 1 hour, with the opportunity to enjoy the scenic vineyard surroundings while tasting. This stop provides a solid introduction to Santorini’s white wines and the island’s winemaking heritage.

Exploring Volcanic Wines at Artemis Karamolegos Winery

Next, the group visits Artemis Karamolegos Winery, a family-run operation that embodies Santorini’s volcanic terroir. The winery emphasizes blend of tradition and innovation, with Assyrtiko wines that showcase the diversity and expressiveness of the grape across various regions of the island. The winery’s museum highlights the history of winemaking in Santorini, offering a deeper understanding of how volcanic soil influences wine flavor.

This stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving ample time for tasting and exploring the vineyards. The owner, Artemis, is deeply familiar with the volcanic soil, and his passion shines through in the high-quality wines offered. The dynamics of volcanic winemaking are explained in clear terms, making it a favorite for those interested in the specific impact of volcanic soil on wine.

Art Space Winery Museum Art Gallery: A Cultural Twist

The tour then moves to Art Space Winery Museum Art Gallery in Exo Gonia, a location that uniquely combines art and winemaking. The original 1861 winery is carved into pumice rock, creating an atmospheric setting for viewing contemporary Greek art alongside traditional winemaking. The museum displays works of painting and sculpture, providing a cultural layer to the wine experience.

Visitors have the chance to explore art exhibits and learn about the modern Greek art scene while enjoying tastings of Art Space’s own wines. The wine production continues traditionally on-site, and the visit lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This stop offers a blend of cultural and gustatory exploration that appeals to those who appreciate art alongside their wines.

The Scenic Setting and Panoramic Views

Throughout the tour, the scenic vistas of Santorini’s caldera serve as a stunning backdrop to each stop. At Estate Argyros, the ocean and vineyard views enhance the tasting experience, while the volcanic landscape at Artemis Karamolegos offers a dramatic setting for wine exploration. The Art Space winery, carved into pumice rock, provides a uniquely atmospheric environment that emphasizes the island’s volcanic origins.

The tour’s overall pacing ensures enough time to enjoy these breathtaking settings without feeling rushed, making the experience both relaxing and visually captivating.

The Wine Tasting Experience and Varieties

This tour features 12 small wine glasses, divided evenly across the three wineries. You’ll sample a range of volcanic wines, primarily focused on Assyrtiko, which is celebrated for its crispness and minerality. The tasting includes delightful Aidani and ruby-red Mavrotraga, adding diversity to the experience.

While some reviews mention that the number of tastings might be fewer than anticipated—only 10 tastings instead of 12—the quality of each glass remains high. The wines are described as distinctive and well-selected, with some reviewers highlighting the high-quality offerings at Art Winery and Argyros Estate.

The Guided Tour and Group Size

Led by an English-speaking driver and guide, the tour offers personalized attention thanks to its small group size of up to 15 passengers. The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and knowledge, with some reviews specifically mentioning guide Spyros for his brilliant storytelling and local expertise.

Transport is provided via air-conditioned minivans, making the journey comfortable and convenient. The pickup and drop-off arrangements are straightforward, and the Wi-Fi and bottled water add to the overall comfort.

The Meal and Additional Inclusions

A highlight of this experience is the inclusion of a Greek Meze-style meal. While reviews note that the wineries do not include a sit-down meal during tastings, the tour compensates with a meze platter, which complements the wines and provides a satisfying taste of local flavors. This is a good value addition, especially after multiple tastings.

Additional amenities include a bottle of water and free Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and connectivity throughout the tour.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour is available most travelers can participate, with service animals allowed. It operates near public transportation, making it accessible for many visitors. The confirmation is received at the time of booking, and travelers are advised to inform about food allergies or dietary needs.

Most people book the tour 27 days in advance, indicating solid interest. The full cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if plans change.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Santorini

The combination of scenic vineyard visits, exceptional volcanic wines, and artistic surroundings makes this tour a unique offering. The personalized experience, with small groups and expert guides, enhances the overall quality. The inclusion of a cultural art gallery, alongside wine tasting, adds a distinctive twist that appeals to both wine lovers and art enthusiasts.

While the number of tastings may sometimes be slightly fewer than expected, the quality and variety of wines, combined with stunning vistas and engaging guides**, make this a value-rich experience. It’s perfect for visitors who want a relaxed, informative, and scenic wine adventure in Santorini.

Visiting Santorini’s Wine Heritage with Makedas Travel

Operated by Makedas Travel, this tour offers a professional and friendly approach to exploring Santorini’s wines. Many reviews praise the driver’s friendliness and knowledgeable commentary, which enrich the experience without feeling hurried.

The tour’s pricing of $173.47 per person reflects the inclusion of three wine tastings, hotel transfers, and cultural visits, providing a balanced experience of wine, history, and scenery. This carefully curated itinerary ensures that visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for Santorini’s volcanic wines and their unique flavor profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries are visited during this tour?
You visit three wineries: Estate Argyros, Artemis Karamolegos, and Art Space Winery Museum.

What wines are typically sampled?
The focus is on Assyrtiko, with additional tastings of Aidani and Mavrotraga, showcasing the island’s volcanic terroir.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but alcoholic drinks are served only to those 21 and above. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for younger guests.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, 12 wine tastings, a Greek Meze meal, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and transport in air-conditioned minivans.

Are the tasting stops accessible?
Yes, the stops are accessible, with no specific physical restrictions mentioned. The environments are friendly for most visitors.

Can I customize dietary needs?
Yes, it’s advised to inform the provider if you have food allergies or special dietary requirements.

This Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini offers a well-rounded, scenic, and flavorful exploration of the island’s volcanic wines. With knowledgeable guides, intimate settings, and cultural experiences, it’s a rewarding choice for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper connection to Santorini’s viticulture.