Santorini Wine Tour: Taste 12 best wines & 3 beers with pairings

Discover Santorini’s Premier Wine and Beer Tasting Tour

The Santorini Wine Tour: Taste 12 best wines & 3 beers with pairings offers a flavorful exploration of the island’s renowned wine and beer scene. Priced at $184.38 per person and lasting approximately 4 to 5 hours, this tour is designed for those eager to understand Santorini’s unique viticulture and brewing traditions. It departs in the afternoon, starting at 3:00 pm, with convenient pickup at your hotel included, making it ideal for visitors who want an effortless, personalized experience.

What truly sets this tour apart is its intimate group size—capped at eight participants—which ensures a warm, engaging atmosphere. The tour visits three top-rated wineries and one craft brewery, with generous tastings and snacks at each stop. Numerous reviewers highlight its knowledgeable guides, excellent wine selections, and stunning scenery. However, some caution that the winery visits can feel a bit rushed, and the tasting spaces may be tight for larger groups.

This tour appeals most to wine and beer lovers who appreciate personalized experiences and enjoy learning about local production methods while sampling the best of Santorini’s beverages. It suits those looking for a relaxed, yet informative, afternoon with plenty of opportunities to savor authentic flavors and enjoy the island’s beautiful scenery.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of eight people for personalized attention
• Includes visits to three wineries and one craft brewery, with tastings of 12 wines and 3 beers
• Price of $184.38 per person for approximately 4 to 5 hours
• Pickup and hotel drop-off included for convenience
• Tastings include snacks to complement the beverages
• Highly praised for knowledgeable guides, stunning winery settings, and generous pours

The Tour Begins with Estate Argyros Winery

The tour starts at Estate Argyros, one of Santorini’s well-known wineries. Here, visitors enjoy a wine tasting and a guided tour of the winery, which lasts about one hour. This stop offers insight into local wine styles and production processes, with the opportunity to explore the winery’s facilities up close. The setting combines traditional architecture with breathtaking views, making it a memorable start for the day.

Sampling Local Beers at Santorini Brewing Company

Next, the group visits the Santorini Brewing Company for a 15-minute beer tasting. Here, Red, Yellow, and Crazy Donkey beers are sampled, showcasing the island’s craft brewing scene. This short stop provides a refreshing break from wine, with the guide explaining the brewing techniques and local flavors that influence these beers.

Art Space: A Unique Winery and Art Experience

The third stop is Art Space, where guests enjoy another wine tasting and winery tour lasting roughly 40 minutes. This venue is noteworthy for blending art and wine, with a focus on creativity and local craftsmanship. The setting offers a relaxed environment for tasting and learning, making it a favorite among many participants.

Exploring Anhydrous Winery and Ancient Techniques

The final winery visit is to Anhydrous Winery, founded by Mr. Apostolos Mountrichas of Avantis Estates. Here, the focus is on experimentations with ancient winemaking techniques, producing wines that emphasize purity and primary varietal characteristics. The visit lasts about one hour, giving ample time to taste distinctive Santorini wines and learn about innovative approaches to traditional methods.

Meeting Points and Pacing

The tour departs promptly at 3:00 pm, with pickup from your hotel, allowing for a leisurely afternoon. Despite some reviews indicating that visits can feel slightly hurried, the overall pace is balanced to maximize tasting time while maintaining a relaxed vibe. The group size ensures everyone has ample opportunity to ask questions and engage with guides.

Logistics and Group Dynamics

Greece Holiday Tours organizes the experience, with a maximum of 10 travelers per group for a comfortable, intimate setting. The transportation is arranged to be near public transportation, making pickup and drop-off convenient. The guides, including Billy, Giannis, Nick, and others, are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience enjoyable.

Tasting Experience and Food Pairings

Throughout the tour, participants enjoy a generous range of tastings, including 12 wines and 3 beers, paired with snacks at select locations. The tastings are described as delicious and unique, with some reviews mentioning wines that are not available elsewhere on the island. The snacks complement the beverages nicely, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

The Scenic and Cultural Setting

Each winery is set against beautiful Santorini landscapes, with some stops offering views of the caldera and surrounding landscapes. The combination of stunning scenery and authentic local flavors makes this tour a visually and sensorially rewarding experience.

Review Highlights and Common Feedback

Many participants praise the knowledgeable guides for their engaging storytelling and local expertise. The quality of wines and beers consistently receives high marks, with many noting the generous pours and distinctive flavors. The small-group setting fosters a friendly atmosphere, with some reviews highlighting the good company and relaxed pace.

A few comments mention that the winery visits can be a bit rushed or that the tasting spaces are cramped, especially when groups are larger. One review expressed disappointment at missing out on certain wineries, which underscores the unpredictable nature of the itinerary based on availability.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Santorini Wine and Beer Tour is ideal for adults who enjoy tasting local beverages and want an intimate, educational experience. It particularly appeals to those who value personalized attention from guides and are interested in understanding the winemaking and brewing processes. Visitors seeking a relaxed afternoon with scenic views and delicious drinks will find this tour a perfect addition to their Santorini itinerary.

Final Thoughts on the Santorini Wine Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Santorini’s wine and beer culture. The small-group format, expert guides, and quality tastings come together to create a pleasurable, informative experience. The inclusion of snacks and a variety of stops helps keep the pace lively and engaging.

While some may find the visit duration at wineries slightly rushed, the overall value and authenticity make this tour a highly recommended choice for wine enthusiasts and beer lovers alike. It is especially suited for those who appreciate personalized service and want to discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, starting at 3:00 pm with hotel pickup.

Are the tastings enough to get a good sense of Santorini wines and beers?
Yes, the tour includes 12 wines and 3 beers, with generous pours at each stop, complemented by snacks.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable, with a small-group setting for personalized attention.

What is included in the tour price?
The price of $184.38 includes all tastings, snacks, guided visits to four venues, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who organizes this tour?
The experience is provided by Greece Holiday Tours, known for well-organized, engaging tour experiences across Santorini.