Exclusive Santorini Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience

If exploring Santorini’s wine scene while enjoying a delicious Greek meal sounds appealing, the Exclusive Santorini Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience offers a refined way to discover the island’s viticulture. Priced at $372.34 per person and lasting approximately 4 to 5 hours, this private tour promises an intimate exploration of two top wineries, paired with a traditional Greek lunch. The tour includes pickup, a guide, and air-conditioned transportation, making it suitable for those seeking a comfortable, personalized experience focused on wine, food, and local culture.

From the moment the tour begins at 10:00 am, guests are taken on a journey through Santorini’s vineyards, learning about the island’s unique grape varieties and organic viticulture methods. The tour’s standout feature is the opportunity to visit Hatzidakis Winery, established in 1997, where the focus is on indigenous grapes like Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri, and Mavrotragano. The guides explain the winemaking process and tailor the tasting to showcase each wine’s distinct qualities. Following this, the group moves to Anhydrous Winery—a notable Fira location with an amphitheatrical tasting area that once served as an open-air cinema. Here, guests enjoy a Greek lunch with courses carefully paired with local wines.

While this tour is tailored for wine enthusiasts and food lovers, it also offers insights into Santorini’s unique terroir and sustainable viticulture practices. The small-group, private format ensures a relaxed, engaging atmosphere ideal for those who appreciate personalized attention and in-depth knowledge.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience focusing on Santorini’s renowned wineries
• Visits to Hatzidakis Winery and Anhydrous Winery with expert guidance
• Includes a traditional Greek lunch with wine pairings
• Approximately 4 to 5 hours in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Suitable for vegetarians and pescatarians, with pickup and guide included
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from three reviews emphasizing excellent hosts and memorable wine tastings

Visiting Hatzidakis Winery: A Deep Dive into Indigenous Grapes

The tour kicks off at Hatzidakis Winery, founded in 1997 by Haridimos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chryssou. This winery is dedicated to producing wines that express the unique terroir of Santorini. They grow indigenous grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri, and Mavrotragano, with a focus on organic and biodynamic practices.

Visitors walk into this family-run estate, where guides explain the winemaking process and the significance of each grape. The tasting session here is tailored to highlight the distinct flavors of the wines, providing an educational component that appeals to those interested in sustainable viticulture and local traditions. The two-hour visit includes a detailed explanation of each wine’s production and tasting.

This stop is particularly attractive for wine lovers who want to understand how Santorini’s volcanic soil influences the taste of the wines. The focus on indigenous grapes makes this experience authentic and deeply connected to the island’s viticultural heritage.

Exploring Anhydrous Winery: Fira’s Amphitheatrical Winery

Next, the tour visits Anhydrous Winery, located right in Fira. Run by Apostolos Mountrichas, one of Santorini’s newer winemakers, this winery’s name means “without water,” referencing the land’s arid conditions. The tasting area is uniquely designed as an amphitheater, a remnant of its past as an open-air cinema.

Here, visitors get to sample a variety of local wines in a setting that combines history and landscape. The Greek lunch served during this part of the tour features multiple courses, each paired with wines produced on the island. The pairing emphasizes the classic flavors of Greek cuisine—focusing on fresh ingredients—complemented by the wines from Anhydrous.

This stop offers a relaxed environment to appreciate the local wine culture while enjoying the scenic views of Fira. The three-hour duration allows ample time for tasting, eating, and soaking in the atmosphere.

The Greek Lunch: A Flavourful Pairing

One of the highlights of this tour is the Greek lunch served at the second winery. Guests indulge in traditional dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Each course is thoughtfully paired with wines from the estate, enhancing the flavors of both the food and the drinks.

The lunch is a chance to relax and connect with the local culinary tradition, with the guide providing insights into Greek ingredients and wine pairing principles. This meal is so well integrated into the experience that it feels like a natural extension of the wine tastings, allowing a full appreciation of Greek gastronomy.

The pairing elevates the tasting experience, making it not just about sampling wines but about understanding how local flavors complement the wines’ profiles.

Logistics and Comfort: Smooth and Convenient

This private tour includes pickup and drop-off at a designated meeting point, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. The small-group setting ensures a comfortable, intimate atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer personalized attention and a less crowded experience.

Starting at 10:00 am, the tour maintains a good pace, balancing wine tasting, sightseeing, and dining. The guide leads the group through each stop, providing context and answering questions, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Guests should note that gratuities are not included, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including vegetarians and pescetarians. The tour’s duration is flexible between 4 and 5 hours, giving enough time to enjoy each aspect without feeling rushed.

Authenticity and Unique Features of the Tour

What sets this experience apart is the focus on Santorini’s indigenous grape varieties and the personalized approach. Visiting both a historic winery founded over two decades ago and a modern, scenic winery in Fira offers a well-rounded perspective of the island’s wine culture.

The amphitheatrical tasting area at Anhydrous Winery adds a scenic and historic touch, transforming a simple tasting into a memorable experience. The Greek lunch, paired with wines, makes this tour a comprehensive package for lovers of food and drink.

The guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor are frequently praised in reviews, with many noting how they create a relaxed and informative environment. The small group size fosters interaction and personalized attention, enhancing the overall experience.

Suitability and Considerations

This exclusive private experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking a relaxed, personalized tour. It is especially suitable for travelers who want to learn about Santorini’s local viticulture and enjoy a Greek meal with wine pairings.

The tour is designed to be accessible for most, including vegetarians and pescetarians, but guests should plan for a moderate pace with walking and tasting involved. The $372.34 price point reflects the private, high-quality nature of the experience, making it a good value for those seeking an in-depth, intimate visit.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Taste of Santorini’s Vineyards and Cuisine

The Exclusive Santorini Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience offers a sophisticated exploration of the island’s indigenous grapes and wine-making traditions, combined with a flavorful Greek meal. Its private setting, expert guides, and scenic wineries create a memorable day for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Santorini’s wine culture.

The experience’s strength lies in its personalized attention, authenticity, and delicious pairing, making it well-suited for travelers who appreciate quality, comfort, and insight. While the cost is higher than group tours, the private format ensures a tailored, relaxed atmosphere that many find well worth the investment.

This tour provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy Santorini’s wines and cuisine in a way that feels exclusive and genuine, offering a well-rounded and satisfying day on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or pescetarians?
Yes, the Greek lunch includes options suitable for vegetarians and pescetarians, as recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, with flexible timing depending on the group’s pace.

Are transportation and pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What wineries are visited during this tour?
Guests visit Hatzidakis Winery and Anhydrous Winery, both notable for their contributions to Santorini’s wine culture.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but some activities involve walking and tasting, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity.

What makes this tour stand out from other wine experiences?
Its private, personalized format, focus on local indigenous grapes, and Greek lunch pairing make it a comprehensive and authentic experience.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not included in the tour price.