Santorini: Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia

A Taste of Santorini: Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia

If you’re looking to combine the best of Santorini’s viniculture, breathtaking scenery, and relaxed charm, the “Santorini: Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia” offers a well-rounded experience. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the reviews and itinerary suggest it’s a solid choice for wine lovers and sunset seekers alike.

Two standout features catch our eye: the chance to visit two local wineries, tasting up to 8 different wines, and the opportunity to unwind in Oia, arguably the most iconic spot for sunset views on the island. However, potential travelers should consider that the tour’s sunset experience can be affected by crowd levels or service quality at the bar, which some have noted as less impressive.

This tour tends to suit those who appreciate a mix of education, scenic beauty, and social atmosphere. If you’re keen to learn about Santorini’s unique wine-making traditions while enjoying the spectacular landscape, this experience is tailored for you.

Key Points

• Visit two wineries with wine tastings that showcase the island’s volcanic terroir.
• Learn about Santorini’s viniculture from local experts, with insights into traditional and modern wine-making processes.
• Enjoy stunning sunset views in Oia, with reserved seating at a top spot.
• Transport and guides are appreciated for their professionalism and punctuality.
• Pricing at $99 offers good value considering the wine tastings, guided insights, and sunset viewing.
• Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the memorable scenery as major highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Thera, which means no fuss about finding transportation. You’ll be collected by a van, often a private group option, which enhances comfort and flexibility. The reviews mention that the transport is well-organized, with drivers punctual and courteous, helping set a relaxed tone for the day.

One reviewer even highlighted that the driver took them on a small detour through Pyrgos, adding a bit of sightseeing and local flavor before heading to the wineries. This personal touch makes a difference, especially in a landscape as scenic as Santorini.

First Stop: Hatzidakis Winery

The first winery on the itinerary is Hatzidakis Winery, located in Pyrgos Kallistis, a village famous for its traditional architecture and narrow streets. Sitting at 330 meters above sea level, this winery offers not just excellent wines but an architectural spectacle. Its unconventional, multi-layered design, built from above and sloping downward, is an eye-catching feature that many reviews mention with appreciation.

Here, you can expect to taste three of their signature wines. The tasting experience is often described as generous, with some reviews noting small food platters accompanying the wines, which helps refresh the palate. The family-run nature of the winery adds a personal touch that many find endearing.

Second Stop: The Wine Museum in Mesa Gonia

Next, the tour visits the Santorini Wine Museum—a highlight for those interested in the island’s viniculture history. What makes this stop particularly unique is that it’s housed in a cave, eight meters underground, spanning 300 meters in length. This underground labyrinth was crafted by the Koutsogiannopoulos family over 21 years, making it a labor of love that gives visitors a tangible sense of the island’s wine roots.

This stop isn’t just about taste; it’s about understanding the stages of winemaking from vine to bottle. You’ll learn about everything from vine ploughing and grape harvesting to stomping, and how machinery has evolved over the years. One reviewer emphasized that they learned a lot about the volcanic wines of Santorini, which truly have a unique character thanks to the island’s volcanic soil.

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Final Winery and Sunset Spot: Sun Spirit Bar in Oia

The last winery visit takes you to the Sun Spirit Bar in Oia. This is where the tour shines in its promise of an iconic sunset experience. Many reviews praise the reserved seating and the fact that they enjoyed a full glass of wine—red, white, or rosé—along with a small platter, as they watched the sun dip into the sea.

However, some reviewers mention that the service at the sunset bar can be hit or miss—extra drinks may not be available or can be pricey, at around 14 euros a glass. Still, the view itself is often described as breathtaking, with the famous blue domes and windmills providing the perfect backdrop.

Duration and Pacing

This tour lasts about 5 hours, which allows enough time to savor the wines, learn about the process, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Some reviews mention that the tour’s pacing is ideal, with a comfortable group size and organized scheduling. The itinerary includes about an hour at each stop, balancing tasting, sightseeing, and learning.

Pricing and Value

At $99 per person, the tour is a reasonable deal considering the inclusions—hotel pickup and drop-off, wine tastings at two wineries, a guided museum visit, and sunset viewing in Oia. Several reviews called it good value, especially given the quality of wines and the intimacy of the guided experience.

What Could Be Better

While most feedback is positive, some note minor hiccups. A few reviewers found the pickup process a little confusing or delayed, and service at the sunset bar may not always match expectations. One reviewer mentioned they would have appreciated a guide walking them through the museum highlights more thoroughly.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience best suits those who enjoy wine and scenic views, combined with an interest in learning about local traditions. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a balanced, relaxed pace and appreciate small groups or private options. If you love a good sunset and don’t mind a few hours of wine tasting, this tour promises a memorable, immersive day.

It’s also perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to meet like-minded people in an intimate setting. However, if you’re after a more intense or food-focused tour, you might want to look elsewhere, as this experience leans more toward wine education and scenic relaxation.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this tour offers a compelling look into Santorini’s wine scene. The combination of two wineries, a cave museum, and a beautiful sunset makes for a well-rounded experience. You’ll walk away with new knowledge, some fantastic photos, and a taste for the volcanic wines that define the island.

The guides and transport services earn consistent praise, making the logistics smooth and enjoyable. The only caveat is that the sunset bar experience depends on service quality and crowd levels, which can vary. Still, the view is undeniable, and the included wine makes it an even sweeter experience.

All in all, if you’re in Santorini and want to enjoy its wine, scenery, and laid-back vibe in a single afternoon, this tour is a solid choice—especially considering its affordability and the authentic glimpses it provides into local life.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, giving enough time to visit both wineries, the wine museum, and enjoy the sunset in Oia.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to start and end the day without logistics worries.

Can I choose my wine at sunset?
The tour includes a full glass of wine at the sunset bar—red, white, or rosé—so you can pick your preferred style.

What is the group size?
The tour typically takes place in small groups, which helps with personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Private groups are available.

How many wines will I taste?
You’ll sample around 8 wines across the two wineries, with about 4 at each location—often accompanied by small food platters.

Is this a wine-focused tour?
Yes, this experience emphasizes wine tasting and education, with a chance to learn how Santorini’s volcanic soil influences its wines.

What about the sunset experience?
You’ll visit Oia’s Sun Spirit Bar, where you can enjoy a reserved spot and a glass of wine while watching the sunset, usually praised for its stunning views.

Are there food options included?
There are small food platters included at the wineries and the sunset bar, but no full meals are part of the tour.

Is this suitable for non-drinkers or families?
The focus is on wine tasting, so non-drinkers might find limited options. It’s mainly geared toward adults, though the scenery can appeal to all ages.

How do I book?
You can reserve via the provided link, with options to pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Santorini wine tour offers a thoughtful balance of education, scenery, and local flavor—perfect for those wanting to savor the island’s essence without overdoing it.

You can check availability for your dates here: