Santorini Wine Tour: Taste 12 best wines & 3 beers with pairings

Santorini Wine Tour: Taste 12 Best Wines & 3 Beers with Pairings

If you’re dreaming of Santorini—with its iconic caldera, breathtaking sunsets, and charming villages—you’ll also want to explore its lesser-known but equally impressive wine and beer culture. This small-group tour offers a fantastic way to experience the island’s culinary spirit, visiting three wineries and a craft brewery, all while enjoying expert-guided tastings.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the personalized atmosphere—the tour is capped at only eight participants, ensuring you aren’t just another face in a crowd. You get to relax, learn, and indulge without feeling hurried or overwhelmed. The inclusion of local beers alongside wines also adds a fun twist, appealing to those who enjoy a broader tasting experience.

A possible consideration is the cramped tasting rooms some reviewers mention, which might affect those who prefer more spacious, leisurely tastings. Still, many say that the quality of wines, the stunning scenery, and the engaging guides more than compensate. This tour is ideal for travelers who love wine, beer, authentic experiences, and want a relaxed adventure that fits easily into an afternoon.

Overall, if you’re after a guided, intimate exploration of Santorini’s wine and beer scene, combined with stunning views and knowledgeable hosts, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Limited Group Size: Max 8 people for a more personalized, engaging experience
• Diverse Tastings: 12 wines and 3 beers, with pairings and snacks included
• Visiting Top-rated Spots: Three wineries and a craft brewery, each with unique features
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly hosts who bring the experience to life
• Beautiful scenery: Enjoy stunning views and authentic, atmospheric wineries
• Value for Money: The tour offers a comprehensive tasting experience at a reasonable price

A Deep Dive into the Santorini Wine & Beer Experience

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded taste of what Santorini has to offer beyond its famous caldera views. Starting in the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel—convenience that many reviewers appreciate—and driven around the island in a comfortable vehicle with a small group, capped at just eight travelers. This limits the crowd and fosters more meaningful interactions, whether with your guide or fellow wine lovers.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Estate Argyros
Our journey begins at Estate Argyros, one of the island’s renowned wineries. Here, a guided tour offers insights into the winemaking process, with a focus on the unique climate and volcanic soil that influence the wines. The tasting features a selection of local wines, and many travelers comment on the stunning winery setting—a perfect start to the day. From reviews, it’s clear that this stop leaves a strong impression, with guests describing the experience as “beautiful” and “informative”.

Second Stop: Santorini Brewing Company
Next, it’s time for a change of pace—craft beers. The Santorini Brewing Company introduces you to three distinct local options: Red, Yellow, and Crazy Donkey. In just 15 minutes, you get to sample these beers, which many say are “delicious” and “a fun addition” to the tour. Reviewers have noted that the beer tasting is brief but enjoyable, often paired with snacks that help balance the flavors.

Third Stop: Art Space
The third visit is to Art Space, a winery that combines wine tasting with art and creativity. Many visitors describe this as their favorite part—“divine wine,” “breath-taking caves,” and “beautiful scenery” are common phrases. You’ll get a tour of the winery and sample some of the best local wines, often appreciating the distinct personality of Santorini’s Assyrtiko grapes. Reviewers frequently mention the personalized attention and the chance to see behind the scenes.

Fourth Stop: Anhydrous Winery
The final visit is to Anhydrous Winery, founded by Avantis Estates’ winemaker, Mr. Apostolos Mountrichas. His approach emphasizes experimentation with ancient techniques, resulting in wines that showcase purity and primary varietal characteristics. Guests often highlight the quality of the wines and the “passion” behind this boutique winery, with some noting that the experience here is “more intimate” and “less commercial.”

What to Expect During Tastings

Many reviews praise the generous pours and the variety of wines and beers on offer. The inclusion of snacks at some stops enhances the tasting experience, making it more enjoyable and balanced. The guides are noted for their knowledgeability—not just about the wines but also about Santorini’s history and culture—which adds depth to each visit.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The tour offers hotel pickup, which many guests find a real perk. The vehicle is described as comfortable and punctual, and the small group size ensures a cozy atmosphere. Guests have often appreciated the personalized service and the opportunity for questions and conversation.

The Authenticity and Value Factor

At around $184 per person, many reviewers feel this tour offers good value—a full afternoon of tastings, expert guidance, and visits to top wineries and a brewery. Considering the number of tastings and the personalized experience, it’s a solid option for those wanting a rundown of Santorini’s alcohol scene without breaking the bank.

The Downside? A Few Things to Consider

While most reviews rave about the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, some mention cramped tasting rooms and a rushed pace, especially during the winery tours. If you prefer more leisurely, spacious tastings or a more relaxed schedule, this might be a minor drawback. However, many find that the quality of wines and the beautiful scenery more than makes up for this.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine and beer lovers wanting to explore the local flavors with a knowledgeable guide. It’s also great for those wanting a small-group, intimate setting—ideal for couples, honeymooners, or friends traveling together. If you’re after a fun, educational, and scenic afternoon that combines tasting with cultural insights, this tour is a solid pick.

If you’re seeking a more relaxed, spacious tasting experience, or have specific winery preferences, you might want to check the details or consider private options. But overall, this tour offers authentic experiences, impressive quality, and friendly hosts that many consider a highlight of their Santorini visit.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini wine and beer tour balances fun, education, and breathtaking scenery. The combination of visits to three diverse wineries and a craft brewery ensures you’ll sample a wide array of local beverages, all guided by experts who genuinely care about sharing their passion.

The small group size and hotel pickup make it easy and personal, while the quality of tastings and scenic stops make it worth the price. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking to enjoy some authentic local flavors, this experience offers a memorable, taste-filled slice of Santorini life.

For travelers who love learning about local culture through its beverages, enjoy beautiful vistas, and appreciate good company, this tour hits the mark. It’s an excellent way to spend an afternoon, discovering Santorini beyond its famous vistas but still with plenty of stunning views to enjoy along the way.

FAQs

How many wineries and breweries are visited on this tour?
You visit three wineries and one craft brewery, with the possibility of some variation depending on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel is offered, making the experience more convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 4 to 5 hours in total, starting around 3:00 pm.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are tastings included in the price?
Yes, tastings of 12 wines and 3 beers are included, along with snacks at some stops.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those sensitive to crowded spaces might find the winery tastings a little tight.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of intimate group size, diverse tastings, scenic winery visits, and engaging guides like Billy and Nicholas make it stand out.

This tour delivers a well-balanced blend of culture, flavor, and scenery—a true highlight for those eager to savor Santorini’s local drinks in a relaxed, friendly setting.