Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with Certified Sommelier

A detailed look at the Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with a Certified Sommelier

If you’re craving a taste of Santorini beyond its iconic sunsets and postcard-perfect villages, this private wine tour offers a unique window into the island’s viticultural soul. Guided by a knowledgeable sommelier, you’ll visit three of Santorini’s most distinctive wineries, tasting more than a dozen wines nestled amid breathtaking scenery. It’s a curated experience that combines culture, flavor, and stunning landscapes in just five hours.

What we love about this tour? First, the expert guidance from a certified sommelier makes all the difference — you’re learning from someone who genuinely knows the ins and outs of volcanic wines. Second, the chance to sample 12+ different wines, including the famed Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, offers a real sense of the island’s wine diversity. Third, the private format ensures personalized attention, making the day feel tailored just for you.

One consideration? The tour’s schedule depends on availability and weather, which could mean some wineries might be swapped or unavailable. Still, this flexibility is understandable given the nature of island logistics.

This experience fits best for travelers who appreciate fine wine, enjoy learning about local traditions, and want a more intimate, immersive way to explore Santorini’s vineyards. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a luxurious, authentic taste of the island’s wine culture.

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Key Points

Expert-led experience: Guidance from a certified sommelier enhances the tasting and learning process.
Exclusive visits: Tour includes three carefully selected wineries with behind-the-scenes cellar tours.
Local and volcanic wines: Focus on Santorini’s unique volcanic terroir, including Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.
Personalized service: Private tour ensures a tailored experience with attention to your preferences.
Stunning scenery: Expect plenty of gorgeous views around the island’s vineyards and landscapes.
Value for price: Sampling over 12 wines in a scenic half-day offers impressive quality and variety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Santorini Wine Tour

This five-hour journey is crafted to stimulate your senses and deepen your appreciation for Santorini’s wines, which are unlike anything produced elsewhere. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or a nearby designated meeting point—options are available across key locations like Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and even the airport. Because of Santorini’s steep streets and narrow pathways, the transport is arranged to get as close as possible to your accommodation, making logistics smoother.

The itinerary involves visits to three wineries, each with its own character and specialties. For example, at Anhydrous Winery, you’ll discover wines crafted from volcanic rocks, where the earth’s minerals produce smoky notes and high acidity. Gavalas Winery, a family-run estate now in its fourth generation, emphasizes authentic, traditional methods, reflecting the island’s long winemaking history.

Gaia Winery, situated on the east coast near the sea, has a fascinating history—its building was once a tomato factory, now transformed into a modern winery with high-tech equipment. Their focus on innovative production complements Santorini’s natural volcanic influence.

Other esteemed estates like Hatzidakis, Artemis Karamolegkos, Venetsanos, OENO, and Estate Argyros are part of the rotating list depending on availability. These wineries are not just tasting rooms but include cellar tours, where you’ll see how wines are produced, bottled, and aged, and hear stories about local viticulture.

Throughout the tour, your sommelier will guide you through each tasting, sharing insights into how volcanic soils influence flavor profiles and what makes Santorini wines so distinctive. Expect a tasting of 12+ wines, including renowned Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, paired with Cycladic cheeses and local bites to enhance the experience.

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The Wineries: Each with Its Own Charm

Anhydrous Winery stands out for creating wines inspired by the volcanic landscape, emphasizing mineral-rich profiles that balance smoky undertones with fresh acidity. Its philosophy of “without water” highlights a commitment to purity and expression.

Gavalas Winery offers a traditional experience, with generations of winemaking embedded in its DNA. Their commitment to authenticity results in wines that reflect the island’s terroir and history.

Gaia Winery’s location by the sea and its industrial past as a tomato factory add layers of story and scenery, making it a visual highlight. The combination of modern facilities and a historic building makes for an engaging visit.

Hatzidakis Winery, founded in 1997, cultivates organic vineyards, emphasizing sustainability and quality. Their focus on organic practices appeals to eco-conscious travelers.

Artemis Karamolegkos traces its roots back to 1952 and is known for prize-winning wines that continue to earn recognition at international competitions. It’s a sizable operation with a deep commitment to tradition.

Venetsanos Winery, built in 1947, offers panoramic views of the caldera and a sense of island industrial heritage, blending history with spectacular vistas.

OENO in Oia, with its sea-front location, provides a memorable setting to taste wines directly overlooking the volcano.

Estate Argyros is the largest private vineyard owner on the island, with over 120 hectares, producing wines that showcase the full scope of Santorini’s volcanic terroir.

The Experience in Action

Reviews highlight how much guests appreciate guides like Yiannis, who make the experience both educational and personable. One guest commented, “Yiannis is exceptional,” noting his ability to tailor tastings to personal preferences and giving behind-the-scenes insights into wine production. Others mentioned how the tour surpassed their expectations, with “an unforgettable experience” that was the highlight of their trip.

The private format ensures that your group’s interests direct the pace and focus, whether you want to learn more about the winemaking process or simply savor the flavors. The combination of scenic drives, expert commentary, and exclusive visits makes this a well-rounded, high-value experience.

Practicalities & Logistics

At $305 per person, the tour offers good value considering the number of wineries visited, the quality of tastings, and personalized attention. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially given Santorini’s challenging parking situations.

It’s worth noting that the tour includes guidance and wine presentation by an experienced sommelier, who will help you understand what makes each wine special, as well as pairing it with local cheeses and bites for a more rounded experience.

The tour duration—five hours—is just enough to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed. Since the availability of wineries can vary, flexibility in scheduling and location choices is part of the experience’s charm.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers eager to explore Santorini’s volcanic wines in depth. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate guided, small-group experiences and want to learn about local viticulture from a certified expert. Couples looking for a romantic, educational outing will find it perfect, as will small groups seeking a personalized adventure.

Also, if you enjoy scenic drives and picturesque vineyard vistas, this tour combines all those elements seamlessly. It’s less suitable for travelers on a very tight schedule or those uninterested in wine, but for everyone else, it offers a memorable taste of Santorini’s wine culture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, including visits to three wineries, tastings, and scenic driving.

What wineries are included?
Depending on availability, you might visit Anhydrous Winery, Gavalas Winery, Gaia Winery, Hatzidakis Winery, Artemis Karamolegkos, Venetsanos, OENO, and Estate Argyros, among others.

Is the wine tasting included in the price?
Yes, you will taste over 12 different wines, including local varieties like Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, paired with local cheese and bites.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. Exact locations depend on availability and access.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
If you have specific winery preferences, it’s best to inform the tour provider in advance, and they will do their best to accommodate.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
While the tour includes local bites and cheese, special dietary needs should be communicated beforehand; staff will try to accommodate.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking through cellars and vineyards.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s wise to inform the provider beforehand to ensure smooth arrangements.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Final thoughts

A private daytime wine tour in Santorini offers a refined yet authentic way to experience the island’s volcanic terroir. With expert guidance, exclusive winery visits, and panoramic views, it’s an experience that elevates any trip.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about local wines, this tour balances education, indulgence, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those craving a personalized, behind-the-scenes look at Santorini’s winemaking treasures.

This carefully curated journey ensures you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique wines—and plenty of memorable moments. For lovers of good wine, stunning vistas, and intimate experiences, this tour proves to be a worthwhile highlight of your Santorini adventure.