Exclusive Santorini Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience

A Taste of Santorini’s Finest: Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience

If you’re seeking an authentic glimpse into Santorini’s famed wine scene paired with a delicious Greek meal, then the Exclusive Santorini Private Wine Tasting & Greek Lunch Experience offers just that. This carefully curated tour combines visits to two renowned wineries, immersive vineyard walks, and a sit-down lunch with local wines—all tailored for a small group or private setting. It’s a wonderful way to savor the island’s unique viticulture while enjoying the company of knowledgeable guides, all in about four to five hours.

What I love about this experience are two things: First, how it seamlessly combines educational winery visits with laid-back wine tastings, allowing you to understand what makes Santorini wines special—especially the indigenous varieties like Assyrtiko. Second, the lunch paired perfectly with local wines provides a genuine taste of Greek cuisine with fresh ingredients and thoughtful pairings, elevating the whole experience beyond just tasting wine.

A potential consideration is the price—at around $372 per person, it’s a premium experience. However, considering the personal guides, quality of the wineries, and included lunch, many find it offers excellent value for a day of authentic tastes and insights. Plus, since it’s a private or small-group tour, you’ll avoid the bus crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, personalized atmosphere.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic wine education from knowledgeable guides who explain the unique viticulture methods of Santorini.
• Indigenous grape varieties like Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano are spotlighted, giving you a deeper appreciation for local wines.
• Visit to two top wineries, each with its own distinctive character and scenic settings—Hatzidakis and Anhydrous.
• Gourmet Greek lunch paired with wines, featuring fresh island ingredients and traditional dishes.
• Small group or private tour ensures a personalized experience, making it ideal for couples, families, or wine enthusiasts.
• Stunning vineyard views and island scenery enrich the tasting experience, perfect for photo opportunities and relaxing moments.

Entering Santorini’s Wine World: What’s Special About This Tour?

This tour offers a smooth blend of education, tasting, and authentic Greek hospitality. The day begins with a pickup—convenient and stress-free—allowing you to relax and soak in the scenery as you head toward your first stop, the Hatzidakis Winery. Founded in 1997 by Haridimos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chryssou, this family-run operation specializes in indigenous grape varieties, cultivated with organic and biodynamic practices. That’s a fancy way of saying they care about the land and want their wines to truly reflect Santorini’s distinct terroir.

Here, the guide will walk you through each wine, explaining how the volcanic soils, basket-shaped vines, and climate shape the taste. The tasting room is cozy, yet you’ll get plenty of insight into the process that turns grapes into wine. Expect to sample Assyrtiko, a naturally high-acidity white grape that thrives in volcanic ash, and other local varieties. The guide’s friendly manner and depth of knowledge make this stop highly memorable—many reviews mention how guides like Katarina and Roula made everyone feel at home and well-informed.

Next, you’ll head to Anhydrous Winery in Fira, whose amphitheater-shaped tasting area, a former open-air cinema, offers a unique setting for sampling wines. Owned by Apostolos Mountrichas—one of the newer faces in Santorini wine—the focus here is on small-batch, handcrafted wines. The name “Anhydrous” hints at the land’s dry, water-scarce nature, which has ironically contributed to the concentration of flavors in their wines.

While here, you’ll enjoy a Greek lunch that’s as much a feast as it is a lesson in local ingredients. Each dish is paired with wines from the winery, emphasizing a perfect balance of flavors. Many travelers rave about how fresh, flavorful, and authentic the food is—highlighting the care taken in sourcing island ingredients.

Exploring the Wineries: What You Can Expect

Hatzidakis Winery sets the stage with its history and dedication to indigenous grapes. Expect a guided tour through the vineyards, where you’ll see the basket-shaped vines—an iconic sight in Santorini. These vines are trained low to the ground to protect them from strong winds and intense sun, and the guide will explain how this ancient method helps produce grapes with concentrated flavors. The tasting includes several wines, and guides often describe how these wines pair beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, even if you’re just sampling.

Anhydrous Winery offers a more contemporary feel with its amphitheater setting. The space, once an open-air cinema, offers a scenic backdrop as you sample wines that reflect the land’s rugged, volcanic character. The focus on small-batch production ensures a range of distinctive flavors, often highly praised in reviews—one recent visitor called their experience “the best wine tour we ever had in our life.”

The lunch component is just as carefully curated. Expect traditional Greek dishes made with fresh, local ingredients—think fresh tomatoes, feta, grilled fish, and hearty salads. Each course is paired thoughtfully with the winery’s wines, which many guests say enhances the flavors and elevates the meal.

The Logistics: What You Should Know

The tour runs from 10:00 am and lasts about four to five hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. Transportation is included in the price—an air-conditioned vehicle takes you comfortably from one winery to the next. Since it’s a private or small-group experience, you won’t share your guides with strangers, which fosters a more relaxed and personal atmosphere.

Cost-wise, at $372.34 per person, it’s on the higher end. Still, the reviews repeatedly mention the excellent guides, the quality of the wines, and the delicious lunch as making it a worthwhile splurge. Plus, the tour includes admission tickets to both wineries, which can otherwise add to your costs if you visited independently.

The tour ends back at your starting point, giving you plenty of time afterward to explore Fira or continue your island adventures. Remember, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, adding a layer of flexibility should your plans change.

Is This Tour Right For You?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate good wine, authentic food, and personalized service. If you’re interested in learning about indigenous grapes and Santorini’s unique viticulture, this tour offers both education and tasting in a scenic setting. It’s also ideal for those who prefer an intimate atmosphere over large group tours, especially since it’s private or small-group.

It’s perfect if you want to combine gastronomy with wine, and you enjoy ** scenic vineyard views** and local storytelling. If your goal is a relaxed, enriching experience that highlights the island’s culinary and viticultural treasures, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you are budget-conscious or looking for a more casual, free-flowing wine visit, you might find this experience a bit pricey. Still, many reviewers feel the personal guides, delicious food, and scenic stops justify the cost.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup, making it easy to start your day without logistical worries.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about four to five hours, covering two wineries, a guided vineyard walk, and lunch.

Are vegetarian and pescetarian options available?
Yes, the tour is recommended for vegetarians and pescetarians, and the meal can be adapted to suit dietary preferences.

Is this a private tour?
It is a private or small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed setting.

Do I need to worry about tickets?
All admission tickets for the wineries are included in the price.

What is the best time of day to do this tour?
The tour starts at 10:00 am, which is ideal for avoiding the midday heat and enjoying cooler vineyard walks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle transports you between stops comfortably and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

For those looking to genuinely connect with Santorini’s wine culture while enjoying superb local cuisine, this private wine tasting and Greek lunch tour offers a memorable, well-rounded experience. With knowledgeable guides, scenic vineyards, and a focus on authentic flavors, it’s an excellent way to spend half a day on the island. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups, or anyone who values a personalized, educational journey through Santorini’s wine heritage.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more for quality, comfort, and a truly local experience, this tour delivers on all fronts. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the island’s indigenous grapes, a full belly of delicious Greek food, and plenty of beautiful photos to remember your day by.