Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets and volcanic vistas, but its wine culture is a hidden gem worth exploring. This small-group wine tasting tour offers a cozy, insider look into some of the island’s top wineries, making it an ideal choice for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we love about this tour is its personalized approach, the chance to visit three distinct estates, and the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides, like Maria and Kostas. Plus, the stunning views from the wineries and the chance to savor authentic Greek wines paired with local snacks make it truly special.

A potential consideration is the duration of about four hours, which may feel rushed if you’re a slow sipper or like to linger longer at each stop. However, for most, the balance of sightseeing, tasting, and comfort hits the mark perfectly.

This tour suits travelers who are keen to explore Santorini’s wine scene with an intimate group, enjoy stunning scenery, and appreciate good company and local flavors. It’s especially great for those who want a mix of culture, education, and leisure in a manageable half-day experience.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers a more personalized, engaging tour
• Visiting three renowned wineries with vineyard tours and tastings
• Expert guides provide deep insights into Santorini’s wine history and techniques
• Tastings include 10-12 glasses of local wines paired with cheese, olives, and salami
• Comfortable round-trip transfers ensure hassle-free logistics
• Ideal duration of about 4 hours balances sightseeing and tasting

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting the Journey: Convenient Pickups and Introduction

The tour begins in the early evening around 3:30 pm with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb—covering all car-accessible locations across Santorini. This is a real plus, because it means you don’t have to worry about navigating or finding parking, especially if you’re staying outside Fira or Oia. The transportation is in a sleek Mercedes-Benz, with air conditioning to keep everyone comfortable.

Our experience reviews highlight guides like Maria and Kostas, who are praised for their extensive knowledge and friendly manner. One reviewer even noted that their guide, Mary, was “very knowledgeable and we learned so much about Santorini wine and its history.” That’s a big deal if you’re keen on understanding the cultural context behind each sip.

Visiting Estate Argyros: Modern Elegance with Ocean Views

The first stop is the Estate Argyros, located about 5.5 km southeast of Fira, on the outskirts of Episkopi-Gonia. This estate is modern and spacious, with a tasting room that boasts sweeping ocean views—an ideal starting point to set the scene for your wine journey.

Here, you’ll get a 45-minute visit that includes a vineyard tour and tastings of their signature wines, notably the Assyrtiko grape, which is a hallmark of Santorini. One reviewer described it as “a beautiful and modern estate,” and many appreciated the opportunity to see the vineyard up close while tasting a variety of wines. The estate is also known for their Mavrotragano, which scored 93/100 from Wine Advocate—so if you’re a wine geek, this is a highlight.

Anhydrous Winery: Experimentation and Purity

Next, you’ll visit Anhydrous Winery, founded by Avantis Estate’s winemaker, Apostolos Mountrikas, in 2021. This stop is particularly interesting because of its emphasis on ancient winemaking techniques and wines that reflect the arid land and volcanic soil of Santorini.

The tasting here is about purity and essential varietal characteristics, and the wines are described as anhydrous, meaning made without water, emphasizing their strength and authenticity. One reviewer called these high-quality wines that “capture the pure beauty of Santorini.” The 45-minute visit offers insights into experimental approaches that marry tradition with modern winemaking, which wine enthusiasts will find fascinating.

Artemis Karamolegos Winery: Tradition Meets Modernity

The final stop is the Artemis Karamolegos Winery, set amidst the countryside with views of the volcanic landscape. This part of the tour includes a walk through part of a real vineyard on volcanic soil, a key feature that gives Santorini wines their distinct mineral character.

During this visit, you’ll sample up to 12 wine styles—an impressive variety. Plus, the tasting is complemented by local cheese and olives, adding to the sensory experience. Reviewers mention that the wineries visited were beautiful, and the overall atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. One guest noted that their guide, Kostas, was “kind and very knowledgeable,” making the experience enjoyable.

What You Can Expect During the Experience

The Wines and Tasting Experience

The tour includes sampling 10-12 glasses of wines from the three estates, which allows you to explore a broad spectrum of Santorini’s unique varietals. Expect to taste classics like Assyrtiko and Aydani, along with some Mavrotragano—a rare, bold red that has received high praise among critics.

Reviewers consistently mention that the guides provide insightful commentary on each wine’s origin, flavor profile, and pairing suggestions. One guest said, “Our guide, Muriel, was so knowledgeable about the wines of Santorini and made the tour both informative and fun.”

Food Pairings and Snacks

Complementing the wines are local bites such as cheese, olives, and salami, which are thoughtfully included to enhance the tasting experience. Several reviews highlighted how these bites made the tasting more substantial and enjoyable, preventing the experience from feeling rushed or overly focused on just wine.

The Atmosphere and Group Size

The small-group format—limited to 2 to 10 people—means more interaction with guides and a relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers emphasize that this creates a more personalized experience where questions are encouraged and the guides can tailor the experience slightly based on the group’s interests.

The Transportation and Logistics

The luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicle with air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable, especially during the warm afternoon hours. Pickup and drop-off are included, which takes away the hassle of navigating public transport or hiring a car. The tour is flexible in terms of timing if availability allows, making it suitable for different schedules.

Duration and Value

The four-hour duration strikes a good balance: enough time to visit three wineries, learn about their history and techniques, and enjoy ample tastings and bites. The cost of around $185 per person is reasonable considering the number of tastings, guided insight, and the premium quality of the wineries visited.

Real Feedback from Guests

Many reviewers praised the expert guides—noting their friendliness, knowledge, and engaging storytelling. For example, one said, “George was funny and interactive and also very kind,” while another appreciated that their guide, Maria, “made the tour both informative and fun.”

Some feedback pointed out that the experience could feel a bit rushed if you’re short on time or need to be back for a cruise, but overall, guests found the value for money high given the quality and variety of wines.

Why This Tour Works

This tour is an excellent choice for wine aficionados who want to go beyond standard tastings and learn about Santorini’s winemaking traditions. It’s equally suited for first-time visitors eager to understand the island’s unique terroir and for those simply looking to relax and enjoy some fine wines with stunning views.

The combination of beautiful wineries, expert guides, generous tastings, and local bites makes it a well-rounded, memorable experience. Plus, the small-group setting ensures a more intimate and engaging atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories and asking questions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

• Travelers seeking a personalized wine experience with expert insights
• Visitors eager to explore Santorini’s top wineries without the hassle of planning
• Wine lovers wanting to sample a broad variety of local and regional wines
• Foodies who appreciate local Greek bites paired with their tasting
• Small groups or couples who prefer a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere

It’s especially ideal if you value comfort, convenience, and quality, and if you want to combine sightseeing with a cultural deep-dive into Santorini’s wine-making heritage.

FAQs

How early should I book?
Most people book around 59 days in advance—particularly in peak months from April to November—to secure a spot, especially if you want a specific date or guide.

Is pickup offered at my hotel?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available at all car-accessible locations across Santorini, including hotels and Airbnbs.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, 10-12 wine tastings, local nibbles, and visits to three wineries with vineyard tours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Are children allowed?
The tour is most suitable for adults, but most travelers can participate unless restrictions apply at the wineries.

How long is the tour?
Approximately four hours, starting at 3:30 pm, allowing plenty of time for wine tasting and sightseeing.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample regional wines like Assyrtiko, Aydani, and Mavrotragano, along with local Greek varieties.

Are food and snacks included?
Yes, local cheese, olives, and salami are served alongside the wine tastings to enhance your experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is this tour private or shared?
It’s designed for small groups of 2 to 10 people, providing an intimate experience with plenty of guide interaction.

This Santorini wine tasting tour hits many marks: it’s well-paced, informative, and set against the backdrop of some of the island’s most picturesque vineyards. The guides’ expertise, combined with the chance to taste a variety of wines paired with local bites, creates a memorable and valuable experience.

It’s perfect for those who want to discover Santorini’s wine story without the stress of planning multiple visits and transport. If you’re looking for a relaxed, engaging, and wine-focused half-day, this tour offers excellent value and a taste of authentic Greek hospitality.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulge in your love of wine, this tour will deepen your appreciation for Santorini’s unique terroir and passionate winemakers. It’s a delicious way to spend an afternoon on this stunning island.