The Winery – Oia Sunset Tour offers a well-curated half-day exploration of Santorini’s best wine venues combined with breathtaking sunset views in the iconic village of Oia. Priced at $127.45 per person, this 5-hour tour includes visits to two wineries and a scenic stop at a popular sunset bar, capped at just 15 travelers for an intimate experience. Starting around 3:30 pm, the tour combines wine tasting, cultural insights, and spectacular scenery—perfect for those seeking a relaxed but enriching afternoon in Santorini.

While the tour provides a solid introduction to the island’s wines and offers memorable views of the caldera and sunset, it’s important to note that on less favorable weather days, the sunset viewing may be affected. This makes it especially suitable for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, small groups, and scenic locations. The inclusion of transfers, food, and guided commentary adds value, though some may find the mezzé plate less impressive compared to other experiences.

Key Points

Small-group experience limited to 15 travelers for a more personal touch
Two wineries visited, including Venetsanos Winery with caldera views and Santorini Wine Museum with volcanic wines
Sunset viewing at Oia’s Sun Spirit Cocktail Bar offers iconic scenery and photo opportunities
Includes guided wine tastings, food assortments, and transfers from your hotel
Weather-dependent sunset may affect the experience on rainy days
Suitable for adults seeking wine, scenic views, and cultural insights

Starting at Venetsanos Winery: Santorini’s Architectural Wonder

The tour kicks off at Venetsanos Winery, situated in one of the most spectacular locations on the island. This unconventional structure is built on the hillside, offering panoramic views of the caldera and volcanic islands. The guide explains its unique architectural design, which moves from above and downwards, adding an intriguing visual element before tasting three esteemed wines produced here. This stop lasts about one hour and includes admission, making it a perfect introduction to Santorini’s winemaking scene.

The caldera backdrop at Venetsanos creates an ideal setting for wine tasting, and the informative guide helps visitors understand the winery’s history and production methods. The wines sampled here are highlight features of the tour, setting a high standard for the rest of the experience.

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Exploring the Santorini Wine Museum: Tradition Meets Modernity

Next, the tour moves to the Santorini Wine Museum, located centrally on the island. This family-run winery blends ancient traditions with modern winemaking technology, showcasing the island’s volcanic white wines and desert wine. Visitors have the chance to sample four wines here, experiencing the unique flavors that volcanic soils impart. The one-hour visit features a walk through the museum, which offers insights into local wine history and production processes.

This stop provides a deeper understanding of Santorini’s wine heritage, with tastings that highlight the island’s distinctive volcanic white wines and dessert wines. The authenticity of a family-owned winery adds a personal touch, making this stop both educational and flavorful.

Watching the Sunset from Oia’s Sun Spirit Cocktail Bar

The final stop is in the cliff-top village of Oia, where the Sun Spirit Cocktail Bar offers unmatched sunset views. As the sky darkens and the sun dips into the Aegean, guests enjoy a final glass of wine in this scenic setting. This one-hour segment is the perfect way to end the tour, with panoramic views that are famous worldwide.

The sunset experience is highly praised for its breathtaking scenery, often described as a highlight of any trip to Santorini. The bar’s scenic location makes it an ideal spot for photo opportunities and relaxing after the wine tastings.

Convenient Logistics with Transfers and Guided Service

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transfers, with pickup and drop-off service from your hotel, simplifying logistics for travelers. The guided commentary enriches the experience, with explanations about each winery’s history and the island’s winemaking traditions.

Starting at 3:30 pm, the schedule allows guests to visit both wineries and enjoy the sunset comfortably within approximately five hours. The group size is limited to 15 guests, which encourages a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the tour are wine tastings at two wineries, food assortments, the guide, and the transfers. The admission tickets to the wineries are covered, streamlining the experience. The sunset time at Oia is arranged as part of the tour, ensuring you get a designated window to enjoy the scenic views.

However, personal expenses such as additional drinks or souvenirs are not included, and the mezzé plate served during the tour has been described as underwhelming by some. Also, children are not permitted, making this an adults-only activity.

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The Impact of Weather on the Sunset Experience

Rainy weather has been noted to limit the sunset viewing or shorten the experience, as seen in one review where the sunset was missed due to rain. This highlights the importance of checking weather conditions before booking, especially if witnessing the sunset is a priority.

The Pacing and Duration of the Tour

This tour lasts about five hours, with a well-paced schedule that balances wine tastings, sightseeing, and relaxing at Oia. The stops are each approximately one hour, providing enough time to enjoy the wines without feeling rushed. The pacing is generally appreciated, though some may find the mezzé plate less satisfying for a tour of this length.

Comparing This Tour to Other Experiences

While the value for money has received mixed reviews, the combination of scenic locations, guided wine tastings, and sunset views makes this tour stand out. Alternatives include full-day volcano and hot springs tours or private wine tastings, but those may differ in focus and pricing.

The tour’s small-group format and curated stops make it a good choice for romantic couples, wine enthusiasts, and those eager to explore Santorini’s scenic villages.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Winery – Oia Sunset Tour offers a balanced mix of wine tasting, cultural exploration, and stunning scenery. It’s especially suited for adults who enjoy guided experiences, small groups, and iconic sunset views. The visit to two different wineries provides a good variety of flavors, and the scenic sunset at Oia leaves a lasting impression.

While weather can influence the sunset experience, the guided visits to Venetsanos Winery and the Wine Museum are strong highlights, offering insights into Santorini’s wine-making traditions. For those who value personalized service, beautiful vistas, and educational wine tastings, this tour makes a dependable choice.

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Winery – Oia Sunset Tour

4.5

“Rainy day did not go to OIA or see the sunset and we got finished much earlier than sunset. Good wine and informative. Though we go picked up at ou…”

— Ruth L, May 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this is an adults-only tour, focusing on wine tasting and scenic experiences suitable for guests aged 18 and above.

What is the cost per person?
The tour is priced at $127.45 per person, including visits to two wineries, tastings, food, guide, and transfers.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately five hours, starting around 3:30 pm.

Are transfers included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in air-conditioned vehicles.

What are the stops during the tour?
Stops include Venetsanos Winery, Santorini Wine Museum, and Oia’s Sun Spirit Cocktail Bar for sunset views.

What wines are tasted during the tour?
Guests sample three wines at Venetsanos Winery and four wines at the Wine Museum, including volcanic white wines and desert wine.

Is the sunset viewing guaranteed?
Not entirely, as weather conditions can affect sunset visibility. Rainy days may limit this part of the experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor scenic stops is recommended. The tour provides food, but bring cash or cards for additional personal expenses.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund.

What makes this tour different from other wine tours?
Its small-group format, combination of two distinct wineries, and the iconic sunset at Oia set it apart.

Is the tour worth the price?
Most reviews highlight good value for money, especially considering guided tastings, transfers, and the scenic experience included.