Santorini: Private Sunset Wine Tour with Tastings & Tapas

Volcanic wines, cellar doors and laughter on a Santorini evening

You’ll follow a local guide through three traditional wineries across Santorini’s volcanic hillsides, tasting up to 15 unique wines paired with Greek snacks. Expect cellar tours, stories about island winemaking, a sunset backdrop if you choose late afternoon, and easy hotel pickup. The flavors linger long after you leave — as does that feeling of being part of something old and quietly special.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini private wine tour and tastings

• Tour and taste wines at Estate Argyros
• Tour and taste wines at Gaia winery
• Tour and taste wines at Santo Wines

The Experience

I didn’t really expect to remember the smell of the earth so much — like warm stone dust and something faintly sweet, almost toasted. Our private wine tour in Santorini started with a quick hello from Maria (our guide, who knew everyone), and then we were off in her little van, winding past white houses and those blue domes you always see in photos. She laughed when I tried to say “Assyrtiko” — apparently I’m not the first to mangle it. First stop was Estate Argyros. The cellars felt cool after the sun, and I kept running my hand along the rough stone walls while Maria explained how these grapes basically fight for survival in volcanic soil. I never thought about wine that way.

By the time we reached Gaia winery, I’d already lost count of how many types we’d tasted (I think it was up to seven?). There was this one white — sharp at first sip but then softening into something salty-sweet — that made me pause. We sat outside with little plates of cheese and olives; someone nearby was grilling fish, so there was this mix of sea air and charcoal smoke drifting over. Maria told us about her grandfather working these fields before tourism changed everything. It felt personal, not just another day trip in Santorini.

Santo Wines had a view that kind of snuck up on me. You’re busy listening to stories about harvests or asking if you can really taste “minerality,” and then suddenly there’s the caldera spread out below, pink clouds catching on old vines. We tried Vinsanto (the dessert wine), which tasted like dried apricots and honey — honestly sweeter than I usually like but somehow right for that moment. Pickup back to our hotel was quiet; maybe everyone else was thinking about their favorite glass or just letting the island settle in a bit. I still think about that view sometimes when I open a bottle at home.

Top questions

How many wineries are visited on this Santorini wine tour?

The tour includes tastings at three different traditional wineries on Santorini.

Is hotel pickup included for this private wine tour?

Yes, hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What types of wines are mainly served during the tastings?

The wines served are mostly whites and dessert wines from Santorini’s local grape varieties.

Are snacks or food included during the wine tastings?

An assortment plate of local Greek snacks is served alongside your wine tastings at each winery.

How long does the private Santorini wine tour last?

The entire tour lasts approximately four hours from start to finish.

Is this wine tour suitable for people who only drink red wine?

This is mainly a white and dessert wine experience; guests who only drink red may want to note this before booking.

Will there be a guide during the Santorini wine tour?

A local wine expert guide leads your group throughout the entire experience.

Does this day trip include private cellar tours at each winery?

Yes, you’ll have private cellar tours at all three wineries visited during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or Airbnb pickup (with meeting points arranged if needed), all transport between three traditional wineries across Santorini’s countryside, guided cellar tours led by a local expert, an assortment plate of Greek snacks at each stop, up to 15 different white and dessert wines for tasting (mostly Assyrtiko), plus drop-off back at your accommodation after four hours exploring volcanic vineyards together.