Santorini: Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting

Santorini’s landscape is famous for its stunning calderas, volcanic vistas, and idyllic villages. But for those interested in a more hands-on and tasty experience, a Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting offers a wonderful way to connect with Greek culture. This 4-hour activity, run by NST Santorini Tours, combines learning traditional recipes, tasting local wines, and enjoying a relaxed meal with views of the island’s famous vineyards.

What makes this experience stand out is the chance to cook side-by-side with a knowledgeable Greek chef while facing the lush landscape of Santorini’s vineyards—an ideal setting for food and wine lovers. The highlight of the tour is not only the opportunity to prepare four authentic dishes but also the chance to taste wines from the island’s renowned wineries, including a sweet Vinsanto.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is more about the experience and the atmosphere than intense hands-on cooking. Several reviews mention that the prep work is mostly done beforehand, which keeps the pace lively and engaging. If you’re hoping to get your hands dirty in the kitchen, this might feel a tad limited; however, most find the relaxed vibe and educational approach more than make up for it. The only potential drawback? The activity is suited for those over 10 years old, and the outdoor setting can get warm in peak summer, so dressing comfortably is a smart move.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Greek recipes: Learn to make dishes rooted in local tradition, perfect for recreating at home.
• Stunning vineyard views: The class faces the lush Santorini landscape, making the experience both scenic and calming.
• Expert guides: Guides like Lazarus and Alexandra receive praise for their wine knowledge and cooking instruction.
• All-inclusive value: Price includes a full lunch, multiple wines (one per two people), and a bottle of wine for each pair, making it a good value.
• Small group atmosphere: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly environment.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours prior for full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The tour begins with convenient transfers from your hotel, whisking you away to a location facing vineyards and farmland. From the start, you’ll notice the emphasis on local agricultural products—your guides are eager to share insights about tomato paste production, fava cultivation, and traditional wine-making techniques, often referencing the nearby museum.

This background context is a real bonus. Knowing how Greek ingredients are harvested and processed adds depth to the cooking. For example, one review points out that the guide Lazarus is not only knowledgeable about wines but also eager to share the stories behind each bottle. You might find yourself appreciating the local wines even more after learning about their origins and production methods.

The cooking segment is more demonstration than full participation, with most of the prep work already completed. The chef, Kris, provides clear instructions and makes the session interactive and fun, especially if you enjoy light-hearted banter. Some reviews mention that because everyone is chatting and taking photos, the chef’s talk can get a little lost, but most people find this adds to the lively atmosphere.

Lunch unfolds outdoors on the verandas or in the main dining area, both offering splendid views of the volcanic landscape. The food, paired with local wines, is described as delicious and plentiful—many mention they could easily make these dishes at home thanks to the recipes provided afterward. The highlight for many is the Vinsanto dessert wine, which pairs beautifully with Greek yoghurt and cherry preserves.

The overall vibe is relaxed, with most guests praising the guides’ friendliness and expertise. The small group setting allows for personal interaction, making it feel more like a gathering of friends than a tour. This intimate environment is perfect if you’re looking for a genuine, memorable experience rather than a rushed, commercial activity.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re passionate about Greek food or wine, this class provides a wonderful introduction with plenty of opportunities to learn from locals. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed, scenic settings and want to take home recipes and new culinary skills. The activity is also ideal for couples or small groups seeking a friendly atmosphere and authentic experience—think of it as a culinary escape with stunning views.

However, if you’re a seasoned cook or looking for a highly hands-on experience, this might feel a bit tame. The activity is best appreciated as a cultural and social activity rather than a professional cooking class. Also, if you’re visiting during the hot summer months, be prepared for outdoor heat, as most of the class is outdoors or on verandas.

The price of $90 per person provides good value, considering that it includes not just the cooking lesson but also a multi-course meal, wine tastings, and hotel transfers. For those wanting to combine culinary discovery with scenic beauty and high-quality wines, this experience hits the right notes.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Meeting and Transfer

You’ll receive details from NST Santorini Tours about your pickup location and time, with most transfers included in the booking. The convenience of hotel pickup means you won’t need to worry about navigating to the site, which is often a relief after a day of sightseeing.

Vineyard and Farm Tour

Once at the location, you’ll start with a tour of the vineyard and farmland—this is where the educational aspect shines. Guides like Lazarus provide insights into local farming practices, including the production of tomato paste and fava beans, both staples of Greek cuisine. The informative museum visit adds context, making the cooking more meaningful.

Cooking Demonstration

The chef Kris demonstrates how to prepare four traditional dishes. While most of the prep work has been done to keep the class moving smoothly, participants are encouraged to observe, ask questions, and enjoy the lively commentary. Reviewers mention that the chef’s instructions are clear, and he keeps the tone friendly and engaging.

Lunch and Wine Pairing

After cooking, everyone gathers outdoors or inside to enjoy their creations. Each table is served with a decent portion of wine from Santorini’s wineries—one bottle per two persons—and the food is described as flavorful and generously portioned. Guests rave about the pairing, especially the dessert wine. You’ll find yourself savoring local flavors in a setting that’s as much about the view as the food.

Wrap-up and Recipes

Post-lunch, the staff usually provides recipes, allowing you to recreate your favorites at home. The relaxed atmosphere means you can linger, take photos, or chat with guides and fellow travelers about your experience.

Price and Logistics: Is It Worth It?

At $90 per person, this experience offers solid value when you consider the inclusion of hotel transfers, multiple wines, a full meal, and a hands-on learning environment. The reviews repeatedly highlight that guides like Lazarus and Alexandra are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the experience more than just a cooking class—it’s a culture.

The activity’s duration of four hours is just right for a relaxed yet comprehensive taste of Greek cuisine and wine. The small group size, limited to ten participants, ensures personalized attention and a friendly vibe.

The flexible cancellation policy—cancellable up to 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later makes it easier to plan your trip without immediate financial commitment.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This?

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who love food and wine, enjoy scenic outdoor settings, and appreciate authentic cultural experiences. It’s especially suitable for those looking to learn practical recipes they can recreate back home, as the accompanying recipes are provided promptly afterward.

If you value educational commentary from guides knowledgeable about wine and local ingredients, you’ll find this experience enriching. It also offers a chance to meet like-minded travelers in an intimate setting, making it ideal for small groups or couples.

Remember, it’s not a highly intensive cooking class, so if your goal is to roll up your sleeves and cook everything yourself, this might feel a bit limited. But if you want a relaxed, scenic, and delicious way to spend part of your time in Santorini, this activity delivers in spades.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfers to and from your hotel are included in the tour, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the class?
The entire experience lasts approximately four hours, including the vineyard tour, cooking, and lunch.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility in your travel planning.

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 years old, likely due to the pace and outdoor setting.

What is the group size?
The activity is limited to a small group of up to 10 people, ensuring a friendly and personalized experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the cooking class, lunch, a glass of wine during the class, a bottle of wine per two guests during lunch, and transfers.

Do I get recipes to take home?
Yes, recipes are provided afterward, so you can try making the dishes in your own kitchen.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and warm weather are recommended.

In the end, this Santorini cooking class offers a delightful taste of the island’s culinary traditions, paired with stunning views and excellent wine. It’s a memorable way to deepen your appreciation for Greek culture, especially if you enjoy food, wine, and scenic landscapes in relaxed, small-group settings.