Private Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with 12 Tastings

An Authentic Taste of Santorini: Private Wine Tour in 3 Wineries

If you’re looking to truly experience the flavors of Santorini beyond the postcard-perfect sunsets, a private wine tour might be just what you need. This particular adventure takes you through three renowned wineries, with the chance to sample up to 12 different wines, all while learning about the island’s unique viticulture. What makes this tour stand out is its intimate setting — only your group accompanies you, led by a knowledgeable guide who’s passionate about Greek wines.

One of the best aspects of this experience is the chance to peek inside barrel rooms and grape-stomping areas, offering insight into traditional winemaking methods. Plus, the combination of scenic vineyard visits and expert-guided tastings ensures a well-rounded, educational, and delicious adventure. However, keep in mind that most wines served are whites and dessert wines, so this tour might not suit red wine enthusiasts.

It’s perfect for wine lovers, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone wanting an authentic, relaxed way to explore Santorini’s wine heritage in a small-group setting. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, this tour offers both education and enjoyment in equal measure.

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Small, private group ensures personalized attention and relaxed pace.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides share insider info about wine, vineyards, and Greek culture.
• Scenic Stops: Each winery offers stunning views and a peek into traditional winemaking processes.
• Diverse Tastings: Up to 12 wines, including sweet vinsanto, with snacks to match.
• Flexible Scheduling: Afternoon options include finishing with sunset sparkling wine.
• Value for Money: Combines multiple winery visits, tastings, snacks, and personal guidance for a competitive price.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Meeting Point

The tour kicks off at a convenient central location — McDonald’s on Martiou Street in Thira — with hotel or Airbnb pickup included. If your accommodation is inaccessible by car due to Santorini’s hilly or pedestrian-only streets, the tour providers will arrange a nearby meeting point. This flexibility helps make the experience smooth and hassle-free.

First Stop: Hatzidakis Winery

Your journey begins at Hatzidakis Winery, located in a picturesque setting. The one-hour visit here includes a guided tour and a tasting session. Visitors note that the guides are highly knowledgeable, sharing detailed information about the vineyard’s history, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques. One reviewer raved about how the guide, Marilyn, explained everything with enthusiasm and clarity, making complex topics like vineyard age and grape types easy to understand.

At Hatzidakis, you’ll likely get a sense of the traditional winemaking methods still used, combined with modern touches. The scenic views of the surrounding vineyards complement the tasting, offering a peaceful backdrop for your first encounter with Santorini’s wines.

Second Stop: Santo Wines

Next, the tour moves to Santo Wines, an iconic name in Santorini’s wine scene. This winery offers a slightly longer visit of about an hour, with guided tours through their cellars and production areas. Reviewers comment on the breathtaking views from Santo Wines — a highlight that allows you to enjoy your tastings while gazing over the caldera.

Here, the focus is on white wines and dessert wines, reflective of the island’s climate and volcanic soil. The winery provides an opportunity to see how the minerally-rich soil influences the flavor profiles and how the volcanic environment creates distinct wine varieties. Guests mention the tasting included a good variety of wines, with some reviewers describing the wines as “amazing,” and appreciating the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the nuances of Greek wine.

Final Stop: Anhydrous Winery

The final winery, Avantis Anhydrous Winery, is where you’ll wrap up your tour with another hour of guided tasting and exploration. Reviewers mention this stop as the highlight, with breathtaking views and a more intimate setting. The guide at Anhydrous was praised for their storytelling and patience, explaining the winemaking process in a way that was accessible yet informative.

At this stage, most guests are relaxed and ready to savor a glass of sparkling wine at sunset, especially if you took the afternoon option. It’s a perfect way to end the tour with a sense of contentment, surrounded by Santorini’s natural beauty.

What’s Included and Why It Matters

This tour is designed for maximum value — hotel pickups, three winery visits, guided tours, and tastings of up to 12 different wines are all included in the price. The small-group setting ensures that your experience feels personalized and engaging, with the guides sharing insights that only a true expert can provide.

Snacks are also part of the package — a selection of local cheeses and Greek snacks to enhance your tasting experience. This is a thoughtful touch, as pairing food with wine highlights the local flavors and makes the tasting more enjoyable and balanced.

Bottled water is provided, which is helpful given the amount of wine you’ll be sampling. And with the tour lasting roughly four hours, it’s a generous taste of Santorini’s wine scene without feeling rushed.

Vehicle and Accessibility

Santorini’s terrain is often a challenge for vehicles, especially in pedestrianized or steep areas. The tour providers accommodate this by setting meet-up points near your accommodation if necessary, making it accessible to most travelers. The transportation between wineries is included, so you don’t have to worry about navigating between locations yourself.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides, often mentioning staff by name — Vassi, Marilyn, Giannis, and Elena all received high marks for their personable approach and deep knowledge. Guests appreciate that the tour is “relaxing” and “not rushed,” with many saying it was the highlight of their trip.

The scenery receives many compliments; guests describe the views from Santo Wines and Anhydrous Winery as “breathtaking,” making the experience not just about wine but a visual feast as well.

Taste-wise, the wines are described as “delicious,” with a good variety of white, sweet, and dessert wines. Several guests mention being surprised by how much they learned about the volcanic soil’s influence on flavor, making this more than just a tasting — it’s an educational journey.

The value for money is evident in the reviews; paying around $473 for a comprehensive, guided experience with tastings, snacks, and scenic stops is seen as a worthwhile investment, especially given the intimate setting and expert insights.

A Few Considerations

If you’re a red wine lover, this tour might feel limiting since the wines served are mainly whites and desserts. Also, the tour duration is about four hours, which might be a little long if you prefer quick visits; however, many find the pace comfortable and thoroughly enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts interested in Greek wines and Santorini’s volcanic terroir. It’s also suited for travelers seeking an intimate, educational, and scenic experience, especially if they appreciate local snacks and stunning views. Those who prefer a guided, relaxed outing rather than a busy group tour will find this private experience particularly appealing.

Couples celebrating special occasions, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers who want a deeper connection to Santorini’s wine culture will benefit from the guided approach and personalized attention.

Final Thoughts

This private Santorini wine tour offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, expert guidance, and authentic tastings. You’ll visit three renowned wineries, learn about how the island’s volcanic soil shapes the wines, and enjoy up to 12 different styles paired with local snacks. The intimate setting, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views make it a standout experience.

While it’s mainly focused on whites and dessert wines, the overall value, personalized attention, and immersive environment make this tour a top choice for anyone wanting to explore Santorini’s winemaking heritage in a relaxed and memorable way.

If you’re a lover of good wine, scenic vistas, and cultural insights, this tour is a smart pick — a chance to enjoy Santorini beyond the beaches and sunsets, with the added bonus of tasting some of Greece’s finest wines.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off are included. If your accommodation isn’t accessible by car, a nearby meeting point will be arranged.

How many wines will I taste?
You’ll sample up to 12 different wines during the tour, including whites and dessert wines typical of Santorini.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the guide, but the itinerary is generally fixed to include three specific wineries.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking through vineyards and winery cellars. The tour lasts about four hours.

Are snacks included?
Yes, a selection of local cheeses and Greek snacks will be served alongside your tastings.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on wine, the tour is primarily tasting-based; non-drinkers can participate in the sightseeing and learn about the wine production process.

What if I only like red wines?
Most wines featured are whites and dessert wines, so if you prefer reds, this might not fully satisfy your palate. However, the educational aspect and scenery are still highlights.

This comprehensive and balanced review should help you decide if the Private Santorini Wine Adventure aligns with your travel style. Whether you’re here for the wine, the views, or the culture, it promises a delightful taste of Santorini’s vinicultural charm.