Fira, the heart of Santorini, is a natural hub for exploring island wines and culture. Its strategic location overlooking the caldera means you can enjoy spectacular views while sipping some of Greece’s finest volcanic wines. Many tours combine history, scenery, and a taste of local life, making Fira a perfect starting point for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. For example, the Santorini: Culture & Highlight Tour with Wine Tasting offers a fantastic blend of ancient ruins, traditional villages, and underground wine tastings. It’s well-loved for its insightful guide and the chance to explore iconic sites like Akrotiri and Oia. Whether you’re on a cruise or staying a few days, these tours promise a rich experience.
If you’re looking for fun, active days that mix wine with adventure, the Santorini Fun day: Horseriding- Wine Tasting – Tapas delivers a lively mix of scenery, local culture, and great food. For those wanting a more intimate experience, the Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with Certified Sommelier offers personalized visits to three unique wineries with expert insights. And if luxury and scenery are your priorities, a private Santorini: Private Island Tour with Lunch at a Famous Winery provides a relaxed way to enjoy stunning views and excellent wines in style. Below, we explore each of these top options in detail.
1. Santorini: Culture & Highlight Tour with Wine Tasting
At number 1, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience paired with delicious wine tasting. It’s designed for travelers who want to combine history, scenery, and local flavors in just four hours. The tour includes walking through ancient Akrotiri ruins, often called the Pompeii of the Aegean, where volcanic ash has preserved frescoes and artifacts. You’ll also visit the traditional village of Megalochori, known for its peaceful streets and old-world charm, before heading underground to taste volcanic wines at a specialized museum. The tour is especially popular among cruise passengers and short-stay visitors because of its efficient itinerary and highlight stops.
What sets this tour apart is the balance of guided sightseeing and free time. You’ll enjoy a photo stop at the Three Bells of Fira and a scenic visit to Oia where you can relax, grab lunch, or explore at your own pace. The guide, often noted as knowledgeable and personable—like Nikos, who gets rave reviews for his photography tips—makes the experience more memorable. The van rides between sites are short, allowing more time for exploring and tasting. It’s a well-rounded option for those wanting a taste of Santorini’s archaeological and vinicultural treasures without spending all day on a tour.
Bottom line: This is your best choice if you want a concise but meaningful cultural and wine experience with expert guides and flexible timing.
2. Santorini Fun day: Horseriding- Wine Tasting – Tapas
At number 2, this lively tour combines horseback riding, wine tasting, and local tapas into a fun, active day. Priced at $281 per person, it’s perfect for travelers who like to mix physical activity with culinary delights. The horses are well-cared for and suited to all levels, making it accessible even if you’ve never ridden before. The scenery during the ride offers excellent photo opportunities, including views of beaches, churches, and cave houses, which are mentioned as “amazing for iconic photos” by previous guests.
The wine pairing experience is surprisingly substantial—comparable to a full four-course meal—and the wines are paired with local dishes like olives, cheeses, and traditional snacks. Guests often comment that the wines and tapas are among the best they’ve had anywhere. The driver/guide is both friendly and knowledgeable, providing context about the island’s culture and history during the day. Reviewers mention how much they loved the Aged Vinsanto dessert wine, shipping bottles home as a souvenir.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for active travelers looking for a fun, social day that includes scenic rides and authentic local flavors in a relaxed setting.
3. Santorini Private Daytime Wine Tour with Certified Sommelier
Number 3 ranks as one of the most personalized wine experiences on the island. This private tour visits three distinguished wineries with an expert sommelier guiding the way. You’ll enjoy tasting 12 different wines, including famous Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, while learning about the island’s unique volcanic terroir and wine-making techniques. The emphasis here is on customization; the guide adjusts the experience based on your preferences, and the intimate setting allows for in-depth conversations about Santorini’s wine history.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on personal attention and the chance to visit some of the island’s most renowned wineries. Guests have raved about the guide Yiannis, who “exceeded expectations” and made the tour unforgettable. The itinerary is flexible, starting and ending at convenient locations like Pyrgos or Oia. At around $305 per person, it’s a premium experience but offers excellent value for wine lovers eager for a deeper dive into Santorini’s viniculture.
Bottom line: Perfect for serious wine enthusiasts or couples seeking a private, educational, and luxurious tasting experience.
4. Private 5hrs Santorini Cruise with Wine Tasting in Thirasia
Number 4 is all about luxury and scenery with a private cruise around the caldera. This 6-hour journey combines sailing past volcanic islands, swimming in hot springs, and tasting wines on the quiet island of Thirasia. The cruise allows you to see the volcano up close and enjoy panoramic views that you just can’t get from land. The highlight is the authentic wine tasting on Thirasia, where fewer travelers means a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll also pass by traditional fisherman’s houses and the rugged, striking elephant skin rocks.
Guests love the combination of snacks, drinks, and snorkeling, making it a full-day adventure. The private nature means you can tailor the experience—whether you want a romantic outing or a small group gathering. The review mentions the “luxury, nature, and flavor in one seamless Aegean adventure,” which perfectly captures this tour’s appeal.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a private, scenic cruise with a touch of wine and the chance to see Santorini’s volcano from a unique perspective.
5. Santorini: Private Island Tour with Lunch at a Famous Winery
Number 5 offers a luxurious, personalized tour that combines sightseeing with a special lunch at a renowned winery. This five-hour experience is ideal for travelers who want a taste of Santorini’s landscape and culinary scene in comfort. The tour includes visits to famous wineries like ANHYDROUS, where you’ll enjoy a lunch paired with wine tasting. The focus here is on quality and relaxation, with plenty of time to explore picturesque villages like Oia or Thera along the way.
Guests appreciate the famous winery lunch as a highlight, providing a memorable dining experience with local wines. At $282 per person, it offers a fine balance between exclusive access and value, especially if you enjoy combining wine with scenic dining.
Bottom line: This tour suits those who prioritize gastronomic experiences and beautiful views over structured sightseeing.
6. Santorini: Family Island Tour with Winery Museum Experience
Number 6 is designed for families wanting a fun, educational day. It covers major sights like the Three Bells of Fira, Oia, Pyrgos, and more, with a visit to the Koutsogiannopoulos Winery and Museum. Kids get to explore the exhibits while parents enjoy wine tastings, making it a well-rounded family outing. The tour lasts five hours, with stops at scenic locations and photo opportunities.
The guide’s friendly approach and the inclusion of a winery museum make it engaging for children and adults alike. The stops include scenic views, with the option to relax or explore at your leisure. The tour provides a good value for families wanting a mix of sightseeing and cultural learning.
Bottom line: Ideal for families wanting a flexible, fun-filled day that combines wine tasting with sightseeing.
7. Santorini: Volcanic Wine Tour to 2 or 3 Wineries
Number 7 takes you on a semi-private tour exploring two or three wineries concentrated on volcanic wines. It’s a shorter tour—around 4.5 to 5.5 hours—that focuses on underground wine cellars carved into volcanic rock and the kouloura vine technique. The tour includes tastings at acclaimed wineries like Artemis Karamolegos and Estate Argyros, paired with local bites.
Guests love the insight into volcanic wine production and the peaceful atmosphere away from the busy crowds. The highlight is ending the day with a stunning secret sunset view at a quiet spot. The tour strikes a good balance between education and relaxation.
Bottom line: Best for wine lovers interested in volcanic varieties who appreciate a more intimate experience.
8. Taste & Create: Santorini Wine & Cooking Experience
Number 8 offers a hands-on culinary and wine experience. Over about 6.5 hours, you’ll visit two wineries and then learn to cook traditional Santorini dishes with a local chef. The class takes place in a vineyard restaurant, allowing you to dine on your own creations paired with local wines. It’s ideal for foodies who want to deepen their appreciation of the island’s flavors.
Guests mention preparing four authentic dishes and then enjoying a sunset at the iconic Three Bells of Fira. The experience emphasizes interaction and learning, making it more than just a tasting. For $ as much as it costs, you gain a culinary memory that’s hard to beat.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a full day of wine tasting combined with cooking, especially if you enjoy participating in the process.
9. Santorini: Akrotiri & Local Wine Tasting e-TUK Tour
Finally, number 9 is a fun, eco-friendly way to explore with an electric e-TUK. You’ll visit historically significant sites like Akrotiri and experience local wines at acclaimed wineries. The tour offers private rides in style and comfort, making it perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing and tasting without the hassle of large groups.
It includes visits to one of Greece’s oldest wineries, established in 1879, and the first industrial winery from 1947. The tour emphasizes sustainability and personalized service, making it appealing for conscious travelers.
Bottom line: This is a great pick if you want a stylish, eco-friendly experience with a focus on history, wine, and comfort.
How to Choose Your Perfect Fira Wine Tour
Choosing the right wine tour depends on your budget, interests, and time. Want a quick, cultural trip? The Santorini: Culture & Highlight Tour offers a balance of history and wine in a few hours. If you’re more active or traveling with family, the Family Island Tour or the horseback Fun Day might be better suited.
Looking for a personalized experience? The Private Sommelier Tour is perfect for wine connoisseurs. For those wanting scenic adventure, the Cruise with Wine Tasting offers stunning caldera views from the water.
Consider whether you prefer a guided group, a private tour, or an interactive cooking experience. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular dates and private options, in order to secure the best times and guides.
In summary, Fira and Santorini offer a wide array of wine tours that suit different tastes and schedules. For a quick overview, the Culture & Highlight Tour and the private Sommelier experience stand out for their blend of culture and personalized attention. If you’re seeking adventure, active, or family-friendly options, tours like the Horseback Ride and Family Island Tour are excellent choices. Whichever you pick, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on the perfect experience in this stunning island setting.