Santorini: 5-Hour Private Wine Tour

Explore Santorini’s Private Wine Experience with a Local Sommelier

The Santorini: 5-Hour Private Wine Tour offers a personalized adventure through the island’s renowned wine country. Priced at $847 per group, this tour is perfect for up to 2 people seeking an intimate taste of Santorini’s unique viticulture. Over five hours, you’ll visit three traditional wineries, each with its own character, and sample up to 12 indigenous wine varieties. Led by an expert private guide, this experience combines wine tastings, cellar tours, and local snacks, all set against the stunning backdrop of Santorini’s rolling hills and charming villages.

This tour takes place in the daytime or afternoon, with flexible starting times based on availability. It includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, cruise port, or Santorini Airport, making logistics smooth for visitors. While the tour focuses on white and dessert wines, it offers a deep dive into the island’s volcanic soils, winemaking techniques, and local flavors—ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

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Key Points

• Private, customizable 5-hour experience with a knowledgeable guide
• Visit 3 traditional wineries across Santorini’s scenic landscape
• Taste 12 indigenous volcanic wines, including Assyrtiko varieties
• Enjoy private cellar tours and wine tasting tutorials
• Sample local cheese, olives, and snacks paired with wines
• All inclusive of taxes, tasting fees, and transportation

Santorini’s Exclusive Private Wine Tour and Its Unique Focus

This private tour emphasizes a personalized approach to discovering Santorini’s winemaking heritage. Led by a qualified sommelier, the guide offers insights into the island’s volcanic soils and how they shape the flavor profiles of the wines. The three wineries—Hatzidakis, Santo Wines, and Anhydrous—each bring something different, from modern facilities to historic cellars carved in volcanic rock.

The private cellar tours at each location allow close-up views of wine storage, and the tastings include up to 12 different wine styles. The experience is balanced with local snacks—cheeses, olives, and other nibbles—that complement the wines, making each tasting session a relaxed and informative event.

Visiting the Iconic Hatzidakis Winery in Santorini

The tour begins with a visit to Hatzidakis Winery, well known for its distinctive volcanic wines. Here, the private cellar tour reveals traditional and modern wine-making techniques. The wine tasting provides a chance to try several local varieties, with the guide explaining the characteristics of each.

Hatzidakis often receives praise for its impressive selection and the knowledgeable staff. The winery’s setting offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape, adding to the overall experience. This stop sets the tone for the day, showcasing Santorini’s prowess in producing award-winning wines from volcanic soils.

Santo Wines: Santorini’s Largest and Most Famous Producer

Next, the tour visits Santo Wines, a cooperative winery famous for its panoramic views overlooking the caldera. This spot allows visitors to admire Santorini’s scenic villages while sampling their extensive wine collection.

At Santo Wines, the focus is on diverse wine styles, including white, red, and dessert wines. The private tasting sessions here include a guided explanation of the wines’ volcanic influences, helping guests understand what makes Santorini’s wines unique. The winery’s reputation for high-quality wines makes it a highlight of the tour.

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Anhydrous Cellar Door and Its Modern Approach

The third stop, Anhydrous Cellar Door, offers a more contemporary take on Santorini wine-making. The tour at this winery features a private cellar tour where guests learn about the innovative techniques used to craft their wines.

The wine tasting at Anhydrous includes several varieties, with a focus on dessert wines and whites. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous views from the winery, along with local snacks that enhance the tasting experience. This stop adds a modern contrast to the more traditional wineries visited earlier in the day.

The Charm of Santorini’s Scenic Villages and Rolling Hills

Throughout the tour, the private guide shares insights into the history and culture of Santorini, as you drive between wineries. The scenic villages and vineyard-covered hills serve as a stunning backdrop.

The views of the caldera, along with the charming architecture of villages like Oia, give the experience a visual dimension beyond just wine. These vistas provide perfect photo opportunities and deepen the appreciation for the island’s unique landscape.

Flexibility in Pickup and Drop-Off Locations

The tour starts from seven pickup points across Santorini, including Mitropoleos Street, Thera, Akrotiri, Kamari, Oia, Perissa, and Imerovigli. Pickup is included at your hotel, Airbnb, cruise port, or Santorini Airport. If accommodation is inaccessible due to restrictions, a nearby pickup point is arranged with minimal walking.

Drop-off follows the same flexible pattern, returning guests to their original location. This ease of logistics makes the tour accessible whether arriving by cruise or staying in one of the island’s popular resorts.

Tasting Opportunities and Expert Guidance

The wine tasting sessions are led by a live English-speaking guide who explains each wine’s vineyard origin, production process, and flavor profile. The private cellar tours deepen understanding of Santorini’s volcanic terroir and wine craftsmanship.

Guests enjoy a tasting tutorial that demystifies Greek wines, particularly the indigenous Assyrtiko grape, which dominates Santorini’s white wines. The local snacks—like cheese and olives—are selected to pair perfectly with the wines, creating a well-rounded tasting experience.

The Experience for Small Groups and Wine Enthusiasts

This private tour accommodates up to 6 people, ensuring an intimate environment for learning and tasting. The small group size allows for personalized attention from the guide and flexibility to ask questions or explore particular interests.

The guide’s expertise and friendly manner receive high praise, with reviewers highlighting their knowledge and passion. The deliberate pacing provides enough time at each winery for a relaxed experience, avoiding the rushed feel of larger group tours.

Cost, Value, and Booking Flexibility

At $847 per group, this tour offers a premium experience suited for couples or small groups seeking exclusivity. The all-inclusive price covers tastings, cellar tours, snacks, taxes, and transportation.

A key benefit is the flexible booking policy—cancellable up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility for travel plans, especially in uncertain times.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private wine tour suits wine lovers eager to learn about Santorini’s volcanic wines, especially those interested in Assyrtiko and dessert wines. The tour’s personalized approach benefits couples or small groups seeking an exclusive experience.

It’s ideal for visitors who appreciate scenic drives, cultural insights, and delicious local snacks. However, those seeking a more physically active or extensive tour might find the five-hour duration gentle but well-paced, with ample time for relaxation and conversation.

Final Thoughts on Valuing a Private Santorini Wine Tour

The Santorini: 5-Hour Private Wine Tour stands out for its personalized approach, expert guidance, and carefully selected wineries. The combination of private cellar visits, up to 12 wine varieties, and local snacks makes it a comprehensive introduction to the island’s wine scene.

While the focus is primarily on white and dessert wines, the variety and quality of the tastings leave a lasting impression. The small group size and flexible logistics ensure a comfortable, intimate experience that pairs well with Santorini’s scenic beauty.

This tour offers great value for those wanting a luxurious, educational, and relaxed wine adventure, especially for couples or small groups looking to explore Santorini’s unique flavors in style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wines are served during the tour?
The tour mainly features white and dessert wines, including many indigenous Santorini varieties like Assyrtiko.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately five hours, with the possibility of flexible starting times depending on availability.

How many wineries are visited?
Guests visit three wineries: Hatzidakis, Santo Wines, and Anhydrous Cellar Door.

Are snacks included?
Yes, local cheese, olives, and snacks are served at each tasting, paired with the wines.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel, Airbnb, cruise port, or airport are included in the price.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who leads the tour?
An expert private guide who speaks English and provides wine tasting tutorials and insights.

Is this experience suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely, the guide offers a wine tasting tutorial, making it accessible for all levels.

What is the maximum group size?
This tour is limited to 6 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

Is the tour customizable?
It is a private, customizable experience, with flexibility in timing and stops based on your preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby