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

Exploring Santorini through Food and Wine: A Balanced Look at the Local Flavor

Our review of the Santorini Food & Wine Tour: Eat and Taste Like a Local aims to give you an honest look at what this experience offers—whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or someone eager to explore the island beyond the usual tourist spots. With a high rating of 5.0 based on genuine traveler feedback, this tour combines visits to boutique wineries, a relaxing beachside dinner, and a taste of authentic Greek cuisine, all in just under five hours.

Two things we particularly like? First, the small group size—up to 12 people or even a private option—means you get a personalized experience that feels more like a local gathering than a tour bus. Second, the quality of the wine tastings at Anhydrous Winery and Estate Argyros, where the focus is on Santorini’s signature Assyrtiko grapes and innovative winemaking techniques.

One potential consideration is the price point of $215.26 per person, which balances a lot of inclusive experiences but might be on the higher side for some. Still, for those who value intimate experiences, high-quality wines, and a full taste of Santorini’s culinary culture, this tour likely offers good value.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, immersive look at local wine and food culture without the hassle of self-driving. It suits those with an interest in wine, Greek cuisine, or who simply want to see a quieter side of Santorini’s landscape and taste its unique flavors.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Experience: The tour limits groups to 12 travelers or offers a private option, ensuring a more personal connection with guides and hosts.
• Quality Wine Tastings: Featuring four wines at each winery, with a focus on Santorini’s distinctive Assyrtiko, plus a modern Aydani and Mavrotragano, known for high scores.
• Authentic Local Cuisine: Dinner at a traditional taverna with Greek salad, tomato fritters, and options like vegetarian pasta or grilled squid, paired with wine or beer.
• Beautiful Beaches & Scenic Views: Visit the less-visited Monolithos Beach with its black volcanic sand, and enjoy dining with a view of the sea.
• Door-to-Door Convenience: The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or villa, reducing the stress of transportation on a busy island.
• Flexible Booking Conditions: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind, especially in unpredictable weather.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Anhydrous Winery

We start our journey at Anhydrous Winery, founded by Avantis Estate’s Apostolos Mountrikas, a man who fell in love with Santorini’s volcanic landscape and the distinctive Assyrtiko grape. You’ll appreciate how he experiments with ancient winemaking techniques to craft wines that reflect the land’s arid character—wines that are both modern and authentic.

The tasting here lasts about 45 minutes, where you’ll sample four different wines, each telling a story of the land, sea breeze, and volcanic ash. A reviewer praised the experience, calling it an “excellent tour” with a very informative guide who helped clarify the nuances of Santorini’s wine scene.

The emphasis on high-quality, purely expressive wines makes this stop memorable. Expect to taste wines that capture the majesty of Santorini’s volcanic soils, offering a real taste of terroir—something that wine enthusiasts will particularly enjoy.

Stop 2: Estate Argyros

Next, we visit Estate Argyros, situated on the outskirts of Episkopi-Gonia. Here, the spacious tasting room with ocean views enhances the experience. This family-run winery is well-regarded, especially for its Mavrotragano, which has scored 93/100 from Wine Advocate—proof that Santorini’s reds are worth trying, even if they’re less common.

The tasting includes four local wines, with options that highlight the diversity of the island’s grape varieties. It’s here that you truly get a sense of the balance between tradition and innovation that defines Santorini’s wine-making today.

The guide’s knowledge helps explain how the Assyrtiko grape dominates, but other varieties like Aydani and Mavrotragano are equally compelling. This stop is perfect for those curious about how local wines are made and how they reflect the volcanic soil and climate.

Stop 3: Monolithos Beach & Taverna

After the wineries, the tour takes you to less touristy Monolithos Beach, famous for its volcanic black sand, created over centuries from eruptions. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here—not just to relax on the sand but also to enjoy a traditional Greek meal at a beachside taverna.

The menu is simple but full of flavor: Greek salad, tomato fritters, and a choice of main courses like vegetarian pasta, chicken souvlaki, or grilled squid. Each meal is paired with a glass of local wine or beer, making this a true taste of Greece’s culinary traditions.

One reviewer noted that the dinner was delicious, with the added bonus of stunning seaside views. This part of the tour offers a real sense of how locals enjoy their beaches and food—unpretentious and flavorful.

Why This Tour Offers Value

At $215.26 per person, the tour bundles a lot of experiences into one half-day adventure. You gain access to two boutique wineries—each with its own character—and a relaxed seaside dinner. The transportation in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz minibus ensures a smooth journey, especially important on a hilly, sometimes winding island road.

The small group size enhances the experience, ensuring you get plenty of attention from your knowledgeable guide. From their helpfulness with transportation after the tour to answering questions about the wines and local culture, reviews speak highly of the guides’ professionalism.

The inclusion of admission tickets to the wineries and a full dinner means you don’t have to worry about extra costs during the day. Plus, the pickup and drop-off service at your hotel or villa adds a layer of convenience not always available on busy island tours.

The Experience You’ll Love

Travelers often comment on the intimate nature of this tour, allowing for genuine tasting and learning experiences. The quality of wines and the authentic Greek food stand out as major highlights. Several reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who make the history and details of each wine approachable and engaging.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

While the experience is rich and authentic, it is a half-day tour—so it’s best suited for travelers who want a focused, relaxed overview rather than a comprehensive island tour. Also, at over $200, it’s a bit of an investment, but many find the personalized experience and high-quality tastings justify the cost.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals to wine aficionados, food lovers, and travelers seeking a more personal connection with Santorini. Those who enjoy small-group settings will appreciate the intimacy, while anyone interested in local Greek cuisine and boutique wineries will find this tour rewarding. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer not to drive and want a well-organized, hassle-free way to enjoy the island’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Santorini Food & Wine Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the island’s wine and culinary traditions, set against the stunning backdrop of volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches. The combination of boutique wineries, local cuisine, and scenic coastal views makes for a memorable experience that balances education, relaxation, and delicious flavors.

If you’re after a personalized, high-quality day that introduces you to Santorini’s unique wine scene and authentic food, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for adventurous foodies, wine enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and meaningful interactions.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable with walking, wine tastings, and a beachside dinner. It’s designed for adults, but no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

What’s included in the price?
You get visits to two wineries with four wines each, a beachside dinner with Greek snacks and a main course, transportation in a Mercedes minivan, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, but travelers should provide their ship details (name, docking, disembarkation, re-boarding times) at booking to coordinate pickup and drop-off.

What kind of wines will I taste?
Expect to sample four wines at each winery, focusing on Santorini’s renowned Assyrtiko, along with other local varieties like Aydani and Mavrotragano.

How long is the beach stop?
About 1 hour 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to relax on the black sand or enjoy the seaside lunch.

Are there options for vegetarians?
Yes, the main courses include vegetarian pasta with spinach, pesto, and goat cheese as an option.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended, especially for winery visits and dinner.

Are the wineries accessible for all?
While not explicitly detailed, the stops are on established winery estates, likely with easy access for most travelers.

Is there a dress code for the tour?
Yes, smart casual, suitable for winery visits and dining.

To sum it up, the Santorini Food & Wine Tour offers an authentic, relaxed way to explore the island’s rich wine heritage and delicious local dishes. It’s best for those wanting a smaller, more intimate experience, and it rewards travelers with genuine tastes, scenic views, and friendly guidance. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply a curious traveler, this half-day adventure delivers a memorable slice of Santorini life.