3 Wineries wine tasting & Greek Meal -Food and Wine pairing

Visiting Santorini and not indulging in its famous wines is like visiting Paris and skipping the croissants—simply not an option. This wine tasting tour, curated by Tour Operator Greece, promises a journey through the island’s diverse vineyards, combining both traditional and modern winemaking styles, with a delicious Greek meal to round out the experience. With a small group size of just six people, personalized attention, and insightful guides, it’s designed for wine lovers eager to learn about Santorini’s volcanic terroir.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is its balance between education and enjoyment. You’re not just sipping wine; you’re uncovering the stories behind each label, tasting ancient volcanic varieties, and understanding how the island’s unique landscape influences flavor. The food pairing at a local winery restaurant, crafted by an award-winning chef, elevates the experience from mere tasting to a true feast.

A potential consideration is the price point of $299.62 per person, which might seem steep for some, especially when compared to larger group tours, but the intimate setting, expert guides, and high-quality inclusions make it well worth the investment. This experience is ideal for serious wine enthusiasts, those seeking a deeper cultural connection, and travelers who want a relaxed, educational, and flavorful day in Santorini.

Key Points

• Small group size (up to 6 people) ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Expert guides at each winery provide detailed insights into Santorini’s unique wine heritage.
• Multiple winery styles—traditional, modern, and classic—highlight the diversity of Santorini’s wine production.
• Ancient volcanic wines and PDO indigenous varieties offer distinctive flavors you won’t find elsewhere.
• Food and wine pairing at a local winery restaurant by an acclaimed chef elevates the tasting experience.
• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off, and all transportation included.

Starting the Journey: From Vines to Glasses

Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel, ensuring a hassle-free start. Once aboard the air-conditioned vehicle, the small group (max 6 guests) creates a friendly, relaxed atmosphere perfect for learning and conversation. The first stop is a local vineyard, where you’ll see how vines are cultivated in Santorini’s rocky, anhydrous terrain. Here, the guides share how the island’s volcanic soil, high acidity, and minerality shape its wines—a feature that will become clear as you taste the different labels.

This initial visit sets the tone, offering a closer look at traditional cultivation methods that have persisted for centuries. Reviewers mention Emma and Alex, the guides, as being particularly engaging and full of stories about the island’s wine history. One guest noted Emma arrived with a birthday balloon and arranged dinner afterward, showing how personalized the experience can be.

Exploring the Wineries: From Traditional to Modern

The tour then advances through three distinct wineries, each with its own character:

Traditional Winery

Expect a charming, perhaps slightly rustic setting, where age-old techniques are still practiced. These wineries showcase the classic side of Santorini winemaking, often using indigenous grape varieties. Tasting these wines reveals their high acidity and minerality, a direct result of volcanic soil influence.

Modern Winery

Here, innovation takes center stage. Modern equipment and techniques are employed, yet the essence of Santorini’s terroir remains. This stop demonstrates how winemakers balance tradition with technology, appealing to wine enthusiasts interested in contemporary styles.

Classic Winery Restaurant

The final stop is a classic winery restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a degustation menu paired with wines. The chef, recognized for gourmet cuisine, crafts dishes that complement the wine tasting. Expect a curated selection of local dips and delicacies that enhance each sip.

Tasting & Food Pairing: Savoring Unique Flavors

Throughout the tour, guests sample a minimum of 12 different labels, including PDO and indigenous varieties. The flavors are generally characterized by bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas—a true reflection of Santorini’s volcanic landscape.

At the winery restaurant, the pairing elevates the experience. Reviewers mention the delicious tapas-style dishes and the skillful pairing of wines with local delicacies. The degustation menu is designed to highlight the unique qualities of the wines, making it a culinary journey as well as a wine exploration.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

• Inclusion of ancient varieties offers a taste of history, as some wines are made from grapes cultivated using techniques dating back centuries.
• Expert guides and sommelier presence at each winery provide a depth of knowledge that enriches the tasting experience.
• The small group format allows for personalized interaction and easier access to the winemakers.
• The comprehensive itinerary covers a broad spectrum of vintages and styles, giving a well-rounded understanding of Santorini’s wine landscape.
• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup/drop-off and all transportation included make for a seamless day.

Authenticity & Quality

This tour’s reviews consistently emphasize the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Kaye_I, for instance, praised Emma and Alex for their stories and fun personality, which made the experience both educational and entertaining. The wines sampled are often described as delicious and unique, especially the volcanic varieties, which tend to have a pronounced minerality and high acidity—a signature of Santorini wines.

The food component is also highly rated. The dinner at a local winery restaurant is not just a filler but a highlight, with reviewers mentioning the gourmet dishes paired with wines that complement each other beautifully.

Value for Money

Given the price of around $300 per person, this tour might seem premium. However, when you factor in the quality of the wineries, the expert guidance, the food, and the transportation, the value becomes clearer. The inclusion of at least 12 wines, many of which are from exclusive indigenous varieties, makes it a worthwhile investment for those passionate about wine and eager to deepen their understanding of Santorini’s vinicultural heritage.

This tour suits travelers who want more than just a tasting—those craving insight into the island’s winemaking traditions, a chance to taste rare and ancient wines, and a gourmet meal to match. It’s perfect for foodies and wine lovers who appreciate a personalized, relaxed setting and enjoy learning from passionate guides.

While not a budget option, the small group size and high-quality inclusions promise a memorable, engaging day that offers real value for those looking to explore Santorini’s wines in depth.

This 3 wineries wine tasting and Greek meal tour offers a well-rounded experience blending history, modern techniques, and authentic flavors. It gives you a chance to learn about the island’s volcanic terroir, taste a wide range of unique wines, and enjoy a gourmet meal in a relaxed setting. With knowledgeable guides and a small-group format, it’s a perfect choice for those who want a personal and immersive experience.

It’s especially suited for serious wine enthusiasts, culinary travelers, and anyone eager to discover Santorini beyond the typical postcard images. The combination of education, flavor, and personalized service makes this tour a standout activity for a memorable day on the island.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers free hotel pickup and drop-off, making the start and end of your day very convenient.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit three wineries and vineyards, each with its own ambiance and style.

How many wines will I taste?
Guests sample at least 12 different labels, including PDO and indigenous varieties.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, giving enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for all wine levels?
Yes, it’s designed for wine lovers and those eager to learn, but no prior knowledge is required.

Are there vegetarian options?
While not explicitly stated, the gourmet dinner likely offers vegetarian options, especially given the emphasis on local delicacies.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation is included, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking and possibly some outdoor vineyard visits.

Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the tour price but are always appreciated for guides and staff if you enjoyed the experience.

This tour offers a robust taste of Santorini’s wine heritage, with a focus on quality, authenticity, and personal connection. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or simply curious about Greece’s volcanic wines, you’ll find this experience both satisfying and memorable.