Santorini: Small Group Tour of 3 Local Wineries

Key Points

• Small group experience limited to 15 participants for personalized attention
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned transport across Thera
• Visits three renowned wineries: Estate Argyros, Artemis Karamolegos, and Art Space Winery
• Tastings feature Santorini specialties such as Assyrtiko and Mandilaria grapes
• Tasting session lasts approximately 80 minutes at each winery
• Includes a Greek meze-style meal, water, and Wi-Fi for convenience

You can check availability for your dates here:

Santorini Small Group Wine Tour: An Intimate Exploration of Local Wineries

This 4-hour tour offers a focused look at Santorini’s vibrant wine scene, led by an English-speaking driver-guide. Starting from Thera (Fira), it combines hotel transfers with visits to three distinguished wineries, providing an ideal balance of tasting, education, and picturesque scenery. The tour is limited to 15 participants, creating an intimate setting that fosters engaging conversations and personalized attention.

Guests appreciate the small group size, which makes for a relaxed experience, and the hotel pickup ensures a smooth start. The tour’s duration of approximately 4 hours suits those who want a taste of Santorini’s wine culture without a full day commitment. The inclusion of a cheese and charcuterie platter, water, and Wi-Fi adds extra value and comfort.

Visiting Estate Argyros: Center of Assyrtiko Excellence

Your wine journey begins at Estate Argyros, renowned for its focus on cultivating and utilizing the white Assyrtiko grape, which reflects the volcanic soil and unique terroir of Santorini. The expansive tasting room provides a stunning backdrop with ocean views, setting a scenic scene for your guided wine tasting.

During the 80-minute visit, you’ll learn how Estate Argyros specializes in Assyrtiko wines, capturing the essence of the island. They also showcase their Aidani wines, adding further variety to their offerings. The setting and expertise make this stop a highlight for those interested in Santorini’s signature white wines.

Exploring Artemis Karamolegos Winery’s Diverse Portfolio

Next, the Artemis Karamolegos Winery offers a wide selection of wines, categorized as white, red, rosé, semisweet, and sweet. This guided tour provides an opportunity to sample varieties from young to mature, giving a broader picture of the island’s wine craftsmanship.

The 80-minute visit allows guests to appreciate the differences between wine styles and get a sense of Santorini’s versatility. The winery’s varied offerings make it particularly appealing for those curious about both dry and sweet wines and how they are made on the island.

Discovering Art Space Winery Museum’s Artistic Charm

The third stop is Art Space Winery Museum, a unique blend of winery and art gallery. Located in Exo Gonia, it is housed within pumice rock chambers, combining winemaking traditions with contemporary Greek art. The 1861 old winery displays paintings and sculptures, making this stop a cultural as well as oenological experience.

This guides you through a setting where art and wine coexist, showcasing renowned Greek artworks and a modern winery. The 80-minute visit emphasizes traditional winemaking and introduces guests to artistic expressions linked to Santorini’s history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tasting Wines from Volcanic Soil: Assyrtiko and Mandilaria

Throughout the tour, guests sample wines made from grapes grown in volcanic soil, a defining feature of Santorini wines. Assyrtiko is celebrated for its crispness and minerality, capturing the island’s unique terroir. The Mandilaria grape, cultivated alongside, offers a contrasting red wine experience with bold flavors.

These distinctive varietals showcase the distinctive character of Santorini wines and explain why they have gained international recognition. The tastings are complemented by a cheese and charcuterie platter, enhancing the flavor profiles and making for a satisfying experience.

The Art of Greek Wine: Traditional and Contemporary Practices

The tour provides insight into local wine production traditions, especially at Estate Argyros and Art Space Winery. Guests learn how winemaking techniques have evolved while still honoring ancient practices. The Art Space Winery highlights how artistic expression and winemaking have merged in modern Greece, reflecting cultural creativity.

This blend of history, tradition, and modernity offers a well-rounded understanding of what makes Santorini wines truly special. The guide’s explanations help decode the complexities of volcanic terroir and wine styles.

The Role of the Volcanic Soil in Wine Character

Santorini’s volcanic soil plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor profile of the wines tasted during this tour. The Assyrtiko grapes thrive in this environment, resulting in high acidity and minerality. The Mandilaria reds also benefit from these mineral-rich soils, leading to distinctive flavor notes.

Understanding this geological influence enhances appreciation of the unique qualities of Santorini wines. It’s a key takeaway for anyone eager to learn what makes Greek wines different from others globally.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

This tour departs from Thera (Fira) with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Transportation takes place in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort even during warm days. The small group size, capped at 15 participants, allows for more interaction with the guide and a less crowded experience at each winery.

Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable, breathable clothing, and to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The activity is suitable for most guests, with minimal physical requirements, and provides Wi-Fi onboard for added convenience.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

Booking this small group tour offers the flexibility of reserve now, pay later, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The cost includes all tastings, hotel transfers, a meze-style meal, bottled water, and Wi-Fi—making it a straightforward, stress-free experience for those looking to explore Santorini’s wineries without surprises.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This 4-hour experience appeals to wine enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those wanting a personalized, educational tour of Santorini’s signature wineries. It’s particularly suited for guests who appreciate small group settings and want to learn about local wine traditions while sampling a variety of distinctive wines in a relaxed atmosphere.

The inclusion of art and history at the third stop adds an extra dimension for visitors interested in Greek culture beyond the wine glass.

The Sum Up: An Authentic and Intimate Winetasting Experience in Santorini

The Santorini Small Group Tour of 3 Local Wineries offers a well-balanced glimpse into the island’s wine-making and cultural traditions. With visits to Estate Argyros, Artemis Karamolegos, and Art Space Winery, guests enjoy diverse wine styles from volcanic soil and artistic settings.

The personalized attention, stunning views, and educational insights make this tour a smart choice for anyone keen to expand their wine knowledge while enjoying Santorini’s scenic beauty. The limited group size ensures a relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer a more intimate experience.

While the wineries serve similar wines, the variety of styles and settings keeps the experience engaging. The inclusion of a cheese and charcuterie platter and convenient logistics enhance the overall value.

This tour resonates most with wine lovers, culture seekers, and those wanting a manageable, insightful taste of Santorini’s renowned wineries. It’s a great option for a half-day escape into the island’s oenological and artistic worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

What is included in the price?
The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, visits to 3 wineries, guided tastings, a Greek meze-style meal, bottled water, and Wi-Fi.

Which wineries are visited?
Guests visit Estate Argyros, Artemis Karamolegos, and Art Space Winery.

What wines will I taste?
Tastings feature Assyrtiko and Mandilaria grapes, alongside various white, red, rosé, and sweet wines.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on wine tasting and the moderate duration suggest it’s best suited for adults.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and breathable attire.

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

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 15 participants for a more personalized experience.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code is mentioned, but comfortable, breathable clothes are recommended.

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