Megalochori is one of Santorini’s most charming villages—quiet, authentic, and full of character. It’s also a hotspot for wine tours that reveal the island’s rich viticultural traditions. The local wineries here tend to be small, family-run, and full of stories, making them ideal for travelers wanting an intimate, authentic experience. Some of our favorite options include visits to traditional wineries like Estate Argyros and Venetsanos, or more immersive experiences like a private wine journey with local lunch. If you’re ready to explore Santorini’s wine scene beyond the usual, Megalochori offers some excellent choices, each with its own special flavor.
For a full cultural experience, the Santorini: Cooking Class, Local Menu and Dessert with Wine (see details here) combines culinary skills with local wines, making it perfect for foodies. On the other hand, if you’re all about tasting the best wines directly from the vineyard, the Santorini: Wine Tasting with Local Guide (more info) offers an expertly guided, luxury experience. For those wanting a blend of wine, scenery, and a relaxed scenic drive, the Santorini: Explore the Island’s Beauty & Sunset Wine Tasting (check it out) hits the sweet spot. Below, we break down each tour to help you decide which one fits your style.
1. Santorini: Cooking Class, Local Menu and Dessert with Wine
At number 1, this hands-on cooking class combines culinary tradition with local wine. Hosted in a welcoming stone house, you’ll learn to cook classic Greek dishes alongside a private chef. The experience lasts about 3 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the aromas and flavors of Santorini’s authentic ingredients. You’ll prepare a full traditional menu, including a local dessert, and sip on Assyrtiko wine—one of the island’s most famous varieties—perfect for pairing.
What makes this tour stand out is the intimate setting in To Spitiko Mas, where you’ll cook and celebrate with others in a cozy cave-like environment. The reviews highlight Alexandra and Eleanor, who make the experience fun and insightful, sharing stories about the dishes and their cultural significance. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to take home a new skill and enjoy a full, delicious meal with wine. Keep in mind, this tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, social experience that combines food, wine, and local hospitality.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and those who love hands-on experiences, this tour offers a genuine taste of Santorini’s culinary culture along with excellent wine pairings.
2. Santorini: Wine Tasting with Local Guide
At number 2, this luxury wine tasting tour offers an immersive look at Santorini’s winemaking tradition. For around $144 per person, you’ll explore caved-in wineries, visit a high-end winery, and enjoy a guided visit to a wine museum—an experience that lasts about 3 to 4 hours. The highlight is the detailed explanations from a top sommelier, who shares insights into the island’s unique volcanic soil and how it influences the wines.
The tour includes a luxury Mercedes-Benz van, making the journey comfortable and stylish. You’ll sample premium wines at three different wineries—Estate Argyros, a renowned producer, among them—while learning about the production process and the history of Santorini wines. The tour also includes shopping time, so you can pick up bottles to take home.
The reviews are glowing, with one saying, “The best wine tour I’ve ever been on,” emphasizing the personalized experience and expert guidance. It’s suitable for wine enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of local vintages, especially those keen on visiting specific wineries and learning from professionals.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for serious wine lovers who appreciate in-depth tasting, expert narration, and a luxurious experience.
3. Private Santorini Wine Journey: 2 Top Wineries & Local Lunch
Number 3 offers a private, tailored experience that combines visits to two top wineries—Estate Argyros and Venetsanos Winery—and a delicious 4-course lunch paired with local wines. Lasting about 4 hours, this tour provides a relaxed pace with plenty of time to savor each wine and enjoy the views of the caldera from Venetsanos.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of wine tasting and a gourmet meal, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Santorini in a more leisurely way. During the visit to Venetsanos, you’ll enjoy a sit-down lunch with wine pairings, enhancing the tasting experience. The tour also includes a guided explanation of the winemaking process and regional history.
Guests love the personalized service and the stunning scenery, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the wines. It’s perfect for couples or small groups seeking a private, upscale experience with excellent food and wine.
Bottom Line: This private tour offers a refined, intimate experience that combines top-notch wines with a scenic meal, ideal for celebrating a special occasion or a romantic getaway.
4. Santorini: Explore the Island’s Beauty & Sunset Wine Tasting
Number 4 on our list is a full-day scenic tour blending island exploration with wine tasting. Over about six hours, you’ll visit the villages of Oia, Firostefani, and Megalochori, taking in breathtaking views and photographing iconic spots like the Blue Dome Church. The highlight is ending the day with a sunset wine tasting at a local winery as the sky turns orange.
Included are stops at the Prophet Elias Monastery and the traditional village of Megalochori, offering a taste of authentic caldera views and local life. The wine tasting occurs at a well-chosen winery, where you can enjoy local varieties while watching the sunset—arguably one of the most magical moments on the island.
While this tour offers great scenery and a relaxed pace, it’s more about the experience than deep wine education. Reviews mention the scenic drives and perfect sunset views, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, picture-perfect day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing, local culture, and a memorable sunset with wine, especially if you prefer a relaxed, scenic day.
5. Santorini: Private Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner
At number 5, this romantic private tour is all about savoring Santorini’s iconic sunset, wine, and local cuisine. Starting in Thera, you’ll visit Oia for an hour of wandering, then head to Santo Wines Winery for a 45-minute wine tasting perched on the cliffs. Later, a seaside tavern awaits for a fresh local dinner, and the tour concludes with a sunset in Megalochori.
The experience is about discovering the most intimate spots of Santorini, away from crowds. The highlight is the sunset at Megalochori, where you can capture stunning photos and enjoy a peaceful moment with your partner. The tour is highly rated, with reviews praising the hosts’ knowledge and the carefully curated stops.
Because it’s a private experience, it’s suitable for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting a personalized, romantic evening. It’s priced higher but includes dinner and wine, making it an all-in-one package.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or romantics seeking an elegant, personalized way to enjoy Santorini’s sunset, wine, and cuisine.
6. Santorini: Pyrgos and Megalochori Villages with Wine Tasting
Number 6 offers a private half-day tour focusing on two picturesque villages, Pyrgos and Megalochori. For up to 1 group, it includes small-group wine tasting, with a light meal of traditional Greek dishes. The tour emphasizes discovering local life and authentic villages rather than tourist crowds.
The tour’s key appeal is the combination of exploring traditional villages and tasting local wines in a relaxed setting. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, and hotel or cruise ship pickup makes logistics straightforward. It’s best for travelers who want an authentic, uncrowded experience and enjoy small-group tours.
Guests mention the convenience and the chance to see parts of Santorini less visited by travelers. It’s a good value for those interested in culture, scenery, and wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, village-focused experience with excellent wine and local dishes, in a small-group setting.
7. Santorini Wine & History Tour with 3 Expert Sommeliers
Finally, number 7 offers a comprehensive 4-hour tour with three sommeliers guiding you through three different wineries. You’ll taste 4 wines at each stop, learning about the island’s wine history and techniques along the way. The tour includes visits to Estate Argyros, Gaia Wines, and Gavalas Winery, with scenic drives between.
This experience appeals to serious wine lovers who want to deepen their knowledge and sample a broad range of vintages. The guides’ expertise is a standout feature, making the tour educational as well as enjoyable. The reviews note the engaging guides and the quality of the wines, making it a top choice for connoisseurs.
Due to its structure, it’s best for those eager to learn about Santorini’s wine heritage and enjoy multiple tastings in a manageable timeframe.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine aficionados who want an educational, immersive experience across multiple wineries with expert guidance.
How to Choose Your Ideal Wine Tour in Megalochori
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer a small-group or private experience. For example, if you’re passionate about wine and want to learn more, the Wine & History Tour with 3 Sommeliers (see details) offers an in-depth look. For a romantic sunset with wine and dinner, the Private Sunset Tour (more info) is ideal.
If you’re more interested in hands-on cooking and pairing local dishes with wine, the Cooking Class (check it out) provides a memorable, participatory experience. Travelers on a tighter schedule or seeking a scenic drive combined with wine can opt for the Explore the Island & Sunset Tasting (see details).
Booking early is highly recommended, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred date and experience.
To sum it up, Megalochori offers a diverse selection of wine tours ranging from intimate tastings and private journeys to full-day explorations combined with local cuisine. Whether you’re a dedicated wine connoisseur or a curious traveler seeking a taste of Santorini’s famous wines, there’s a tour tailored for you. Two or three standout options are the Wine Tasting with Local Guide for a luxurious, educational experience, and the Private Sunset Tour for a romantic, personalized evening. Whichever you choose, early booking guarantees a memorable sip of Santorini’s best wines.