Santorini: Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia

Planning a trip to Santorini often involves breathtaking sunsets, iconic blue-domed churches, and delicious food. But if you’re a wine lover or simply curious about the island’s viniculture, the Santorini Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia offers a delightful way to combine all these elements into one memorable experience. This 5-hour guided excursion takes you through two local wineries, a fascinating wine museum, and finishes with an unbeatable sunset view in Oia.

We appreciate that this tour is designed to give a well-rounded taste of Santorini’s wine scene—both the tradition and the modern-day craftsmanship—while also offering some truly picture-perfect moments. The tour’s key strength lies in its knowledgeable guides and the chance to sample about 8 different wines. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour involves a good amount of walking and waiting, which might not be ideal for those with mobility issues or tight schedules.

If you’re someone who loves exploring local flavors, appreciates learning about winemaking, and wants to see Santorini’s stunning views, this tour is a solid choice. It works well whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group seeking an authentic experience with a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Visit two authentic wineries: Hatzidakis Winery and a family-run volcanic wine producer.
• Learn about Santorini’s unique viniculture: from vineyard practices to wine production methods.
• Taste around 8 different wines: including volcanic varieties and other local favorites.
• Enjoy a wine museum experience: set in a cave, offering insights into winemaking history.
• End with a spectacular sunset in Oia: with reserved seating and a glass of wine at Sun Spirit Bar.
• All-inclusive value: hotel pickup/drop-off, guide, tastings, and sunset viewing included for $99.

Morning Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Thera, making it convenient for travelers staying in Santorini. The transport is described as first-class, with some reviews mentioning a well-organized, punctual pickup. The van will take you to the first stop, setting the tone for a smooth, comfortable experience. One review noted a slight hiccup with a delayed pickup, but the guide, Akis, quickly made up for it by taking an unscheduled walk through Pyrgos, which turned out to be a lovely surprise.

The First Winery: Hatzidakis Winery

Your first stop is Hatzidakis Winery in Pyrgos Kallistis, situated about 330 meters above sea level. This winery is known for its unconventional architecture—constructed in an innovative, above-and-moving-downward style—that adds an extra layer of visual interest. Here, you’ll have the chance to descend into the winery, see how the grapes are transformed into wine, and taste three of their exceptional wines.

One reviewer loved the guide’s knowledge, saying that the guide, Joanna, shared detailed insights into the wines, making the tasting more meaningful. The winery’s volcanic soils contribute to a distinctive flavor profile, especially in the wines produced here, which many guests find to be a highlight. The tasting includes a small food platter, a nice touch to cleanse the palate and enhance the wine experience.

The Wine Museum in Mesa Gonia

Next, you’ll visit the Santorini Wine Museum in Mesa Gonia, which is quite a unique stop. Set in a cave, this museum offers an underground glimpse into the island’s winemaking past. It’s about eight meters underground, with a 300-meter-long tunnel, and was created by the Koutsogiannopoulos Family over 21 years.

Guests have described this as a “very interesting” experience and appreciated the chance to see how winemaking has evolved over time. The guide shared insights into vineyard practices like ploughing, harvesting, stomping, and machinery used today—all of which deepen your understanding of the process. Tasting the volcanic wines here was also appreciated, with some reviewers noting the high acidity typical of Greek wines, which might not suit everyone’s palate but adds to the authenticity.

The museum’s setting in a cave makes it a memorable, cool, and atmospheric spot—perfect for those interested in both history and wine.

The Final Winery and Oia Sunset

Your last winery visit is to Sun Spirit Bar in Oia—a prime location for sunset viewing. This stop is designed for relaxation and enjoying the view, with reserved seating and a glass of wine included. Guests have described it as “the perfect ending” to the day, with some sharing that the sunset in Oia is just stunning, especially when seen with a glass of local wine.

The bar offers an opportunity to unwind, take photos of the iconic blue domes and windmills, and soak in one of Greece’s most famous sunsets. Many reviews mention that the sunset spot is well chosen, providing front-row seats at the windmill and the sea horizon, making it a moment worth waiting for.

However, a few travelers noted that their experience at the sunset bar was marred slightly by service issues—such as being unable to order additional drinks—which is something to keep in mind if you plan to extend your stay.

The Overall Experience

Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide, with reviews praising guides like Joanna for her knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience engaging. The group size varies, but many travelers liked the intimate feel, saying it made the experience more personal and relaxed.

The five-hour duration is just enough to cover all sites without feeling rushed, allowing for plenty of photos and conversation. The included wine tastings — about 8 samples—provide good value, especially considering the quality and variety of wines, from volcanic reds to crisp whites.

Price and Value

At $99 per person, the tour offers a lot for your money. The combination of transport, guided insights, wine tastings, and sunset viewing makes it a well-rounded experience. Some reviews mentioned that the wines at the last stop could be more expensive if purchased separately but seeing the value in the entire package, most agree it’s a good deal.

It’s worth noting that some reviewers felt the final stop’s service could be better, with small frustrations over drink options or wait times. Still, most agree the overall experience is worth the price, especially for those keen to learn about local wines and enjoy Oia’s famed sunset.

If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy tasting local, artisanal products, this tour offers a terrific introduction to Santorini’s distinctive vineyards. The opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides and sample volcanic wines in a relaxed setting is a highlight. Plus, the chance to see Santorini’s most famous sunset from a prime viewpoint makes it more than just a wine tasting—they get the scenery right, too.

The tour’s balanced pace ensures you get to enjoy every stop without feeling rushed, and the included pickup and drop-off remove logistical worries. It’s a great option for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting an authentic, educational, and scenic experience.

However, if you prefer a more customized or private experience, the private group option might be worth exploring, as the current group sizes are generally small and intimate.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Thera is included, making it easy to start the day stress-free.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit two local wineries and a wine museum, with tastings at each.

Can I buy extra wine during the tour?
The tour includes a set number of tastings, but additional drinks are available at the sunset bar, though they might be more expensive.

How long is the sunset at Oia?
The sunset viewing in Oia lasts about an hour, with reserved seating at Sun Spirit Bar.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including all stops and transfers.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily focused on wine, non-drinkers or children can still enjoy the sightseeing and scenic views, but tastings are not suitable for underage guests.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews frequently mention guides like Joanna and Akis for their friendly attitude and extensive knowledge about wine and Santorini’s history.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothing is recommended, especially walking shoes for vineyard visits and cave museums.

This Santorini Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia offers a wonderful balance of local wine culture, scenic beauty, and cultural insight. The guided visits to two wineries, coupled with the underground wine museum, deliver a deeper understanding of Santorini’s vinicultural heritage. The tasting of about 8 wines ensures you get a genuine taste of what the island has to offer.

The tour’s highlight—watching a breathtaking sunset from Oia’s best viewpoint—makes it a memorable outing, perfect for those who love striking views along with their vino. The inclusion of hotel pickup, expert guiding, and thoughtful planning makes it excellent value for money.

This experience is especially suited for travelers keen on learning about local wines, wanting a relaxed, guided day with beautiful scenery, and looking for a well-organized, authentic activity that covers top sights without feeling rushed.

If you prefer private, more personalized tours, or don’t want to share your experience, check the private group options. But for most, this tour hits the sweet spot between cultural insight, scenic beauty, and good value.

In summary, whether you’re a wine novice or connoisseur, this tour will give you a flavorful taste of Santorini’s heritage combined with some of the most stunning views the island has to offer. It’s a savvy choice for anyone wanting a meaningful, scenic, and fun afternoon in this iconic Greek destination.