Santorini Food & Wine Tour: Eat and Taste Like a Local

Our review of the Santorini Food & Wine Tour: Eat and Taste Like a Local highlights a well-rounded, immersive experience that captures the essence of this beautiful island. While we haven’t personally taken the tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing feedback suggest that it’s a fantastic way to explore Santorini’s culinary and vinicultural gems without the hassle of self-driving or planning each stop. Expect a combination of visits to renowned wineries, a local meal on a black sand beach, and plenty of opportunities to taste authentic Greek flavors.

One of the things we love about this experience is how it balances guided sightseeing with intimate tasting sessions—allowing you to get both local insights and genuine flavors. However, a potential consideration is the tour’s duration—just under five hours—which means it’s packed but still manageable for most travelers. It suits those who want a taste of the island’s best wines, traditional food, and scenic views without a full day commitment. Perfect for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone looking for a relaxed way to dive into Santorini’s culinary culture.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with wine tastings, dinner, and transport included
• Small group size or private option ensures personalized attention
• Visits to well-regarded wineries with expert guides explaining the wines’ unique connection to Santorini
• Seaside dinner offering traditional Greek dishes paired with local wines
• Convenient door-to-door service removes the stress of navigation
• Ideal for those interested in authentic local flavors and scenic black sand beaches

An Overview of the Santorini Food & Wine Tour

This tour offers a rare chance to see Santorini beyond its famous sunsets and postcard-perfect views—focusing instead on what truly makes the island special: its wine and food. Offered by Santorini Airport Shuttle Express, this experience is designed to be both accessible and enriching, whether you opt for a small group or a private tour. At around $215 per person, it provides a comprehensive package that combines two highly regarded wineries, a scenic beach stop, and a relaxed Greek dinner.

The tour’s flexibility is noteworthy. It’s booked roughly 79 days in advance on average, suggesting its popularity among travelers eager to sample local fare without the crowds or confusion of independent planning. With pickup and drop-off in your hotel or villa, it’s a hassle-free way to spend a morning or early afternoon.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

First Stop: Anhydrous Winery

A highlight of the tour, Anhydrous Winery is the brainchild of Avantis Estate’s winemaker, Mr. Apostolos Mountrikas. Since founding the estate in 2012 and completing it in 2021, Apostolos has dedicated himself to experimenting with ancient winemaking techniques to produce wines that are both modern and true to Santorini’s land. His passion for expressing the island’s volcanic terroir shines through in the wines, which are described as “anhydrous”—a term indicating the purity and essential character of the grapes.

During the 45-minute visit, you’ll taste four wines that reflect the arid land, volcano, and sea breeze influences. Guests mention that the wines are high-quality and capture the “pure beauty of Santorini.” The guide, whose name isn’t specified but seems to be very knowledgeable, explains the connection between the land and the flavors, bringing the experience to life. We loved the way this stop educates without overwhelming, making it perfect for both wine novices and connoisseurs.

Second Stop: Estate Argyros

Next, the tour takes you to Estate Argyros, situated on the outskirts of Episkopi-Gonia. The estate boasts a modern yet spacious tasting room with ocean views, providing a scenic backdrop for sampling some of the island’s best wines. This winery specializes in Assyrtiko, the iconic white grape that defines Santorini’s wine scene, but also produces other notable wines like Aydani and Mavrotragano—recently awarded 93/100 by Wine Advocate.

Here, you’ll taste four local wines, and the guide will explore each wine’s story and their significance to Santorini’s wine culture. Reviewers note the “delicious” wines and the friendly, informative guides. The setting, with its panoramic views, makes this visit especially memorable.

Third Stop: Black Sand Beach & Taverna

The third part of the tour shifts gears—it’s time to relax at Monolithos Beach, a lesser-visited black sand beach created by centuries of volcanic activity. The unique landscape provides an eye-catching backdrop for your Greek-style seaside meal. It’s a genuine reward for a day of tasting, with the opportunity to enjoy the crisp ocean air and scenic views.

The meal is straightforward but authentic, featuring Greek salad, tomato fritters, and a main course—options include vegetarian pasta, chicken souvlaki, or grilled squid, all served with a glass of wine or beer. Reviewers like Eric_H mentions that the guide was helpful with transportation afterwards, which adds peace of mind. The 1.5-hour stop allows enough time to unwind, take photos, and enjoy the local flavors.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides and Personal Touch

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and helpfulness. One reviewer, Eric_H, highlighted how the guide was not only informative but also assisted with transportation after the tour—a small but appreciated detail. The guides seem to bring warmth and local insight, making the experience more than just wine tasting.

High-Quality Wineries

The visits to Anhydrous and Argyros are carefully curated, showcasing wineries that emphasize authentic connection to the land. The wines are described as capturing the “vibrant personality” of Santorini’s terroir, which is a big draw for wine enthusiasts.

Authentic Food Experience

Instead of a generic set menu, the meal at the black sand beach is a traditional Greek tavern experience, with locally inspired dishes. The inclusion of snacks, a main course, and drinks makes it a well-rounded culinary experience, perfect for those who want to taste real Greek flavors.

Convenience and Comfort

Transport is via a comfortable Mercedes-Benz minibus, and pickup/drop-off is tailored to your hotel or villa. The small group size (up to 12) ensures personalized attention, and the option for a private tour makes it ideal for couples or small groups seeking exclusivity.

Value for Money

While the price might seem modest for a tour that includes two winery visits, a seaside dinner, and transportation, the real value lies in the quality of the experiences. With expert guides, access to sought-after wineries, and a scenic beachside setting, this tour offers a lot for the price.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Santorini’s volcanic wines and foodies who want a taste of authentic Greek cuisine in a relaxed setting. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer guided experiences to navigating independently, especially those who value small group intimacy or private arrangements.

It caters well to those who want to combine scenic beauty with culture—think stunning winery estates, black sand beaches, and traditional tavernas. Plus, if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of the island’s culinary offerings, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

The Santorini Food & Wine Tour offers a balanced, authentic slice of the island’s culinary scene, with a focus on local wines and traditional Greek dishes. Its well-crafted itinerary, expert guides, and scenic stops make it an excellent choice for travelers seeking both education and enjoyment.

At around $215, it’s an accessible way to indulge in Santorini’s iconic flavors without the hassle of planning each visit independently. The combination of wine tasting at renowned wineries, a relaxed seaside meal, and personalized transport makes it a worthwhile investment for those who want to deepen their connection with the island’s culture.

While it’s not overly lengthy or tiring, it’s packed with memorable moments that suit a variety of travelers—from casual foodies to dedicated oenophiles. If you’re looking to experience Santorini’s wines, food, and scenic beauty in one smooth, guided adventure, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options like pasta with spinach, pesto, and goat cheese, so vegetarians can enjoy a full meal.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours, including winery visits, the beach stop, and the meal.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or villa in a modern, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minivan.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, it’s available for free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Are the winery visits guided?
Absolutely. Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, explaining the significance of each wine and the land’s influence.

What is the group size?
The tour limits groups to a maximum of 12 travelers, or you can opt for a private experience.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You’ll sample four wines from Anhydrous Winery and four from Estate Argyros, including Santorini’s iconic Assyrtiko.

Is this experience good for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour offers customized pickup and drop-off, and cruise passengers should provide their ship name, docking, and re-boarding times when booking.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is recommended, suitable for winery visits and a seaside dinner.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While the content is suitable for most travelers, the focus on wine might not appeal to very young children.

In sum, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated way to taste Santorini’s best wines and cuisine, all while soaking in the island’s stunning scenery and culture. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a casual eater, it promises a memorable and authentic experience.