Santorini: Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour with Tastings

Santorini tastes different for a reason. This guided half-day tour gets you into the island’s wine world with 12 wine tastings plus a beer start at a local brewery, all paired with simple, real Greek bites. I love that the schedule actually teaches you the why behind the flavors, from volcanic soil to how grapes are grown and processed on this island.

One thing to consider: the day moves on a set rhythm. If you’re the type who wants to linger forever with every pour or you’re hoping to squeeze in extra shopping, you might feel a little time pressure at the last stops.

Key Highlights You’ll Remember

• Volcanic-soil winemaking explained in plain language, with stops that show how Santorini does it differently
• 12 wines and 3 local beers so you taste enough variety to get a real sense of styles
• Greek food pairings like cheese and dry breads that make the tastings easier and more fun
• Underground cellar time at the winery with a more atmospheric, cooler setting
• Photo-friendly vineyards and charming villages, especially around Exo Gonia
• Guides who keep things moving, but not rushed, with standout hosting I’ve seen from Billy, Panos, and Nikolaas

Why Santorini Wine Tastes Different Here

Santorini wine is not just wine. It’s a mix of geography, farming, and local know-how that you feel the moment you compare sips across wineries.

The tour is built around that idea. You learn how Santorini’s volcanic soil shapes the grapes, and you hear how the island’s own grape varieties are grown and turned into wine. Even if you are not a hard-core wine person, the guide’s job is to help you connect those facts to what you taste in your glass.

I also like that the experience is not only tasting. You get context for each place. The vibe changes from stop to stop too, so your day doesn’t blur into one long tasting room.

The $200 Value: What You Get in 4.5 Hours

At $200 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest thing on the island. But you’re buying a lot more than a few glasses.

Here’s what’s included:

• Pickup and drop-off
• Tastings of 12 wines
• Tastings of 3 local beers
• Cheese pairing with the tastings

When you add that up, the value makes more sense. You’re paying for transport across multiple winery properties, plus expert hosting at each stop, plus structured pairings so you’re not just drinking to get it done.

A practical tip: pace matters. With this many tastings, you’ll do better if you treat it like a guided tasting flight, not a bar crawl. Sip, taste, compare, repeat.

Pickup, Van Time, and the Comfort Factor

The tour picks you up from a long list of places around the island, including spots like Oia, Fira, Perissa, Kamari, Megalochori, Pyrgos Kallistis, Akrotiri, and more. That flexibility matters because it saves you from figuring out bus routes while you’re already trying to enjoy your day.

You’ll ride in a van, and comfort tends to be a big part of why people rate this so highly. Several guests mention a clean, comfortable Mercedes sprinter and good air conditioning, which is not small thing when Santorini heats up.

Group size can be small, and in quieter seasons you may get a more personalized setup. On some departures, people end up with just a handful of them, which makes it easier to ask questions without shouting across the table.

Stop 1, Santorini Brewing Company: Start With Beer, Then Shift Gears

You begin at Santorini Brewing Company for beer tasting. The schedule keeps this stop short, about 20 minutes, which is actually smart. You warm up with something approachable, then the day turns into wine.

This is a good trick if you and your group have different tastes. The beer step helps beer people feel included, and it gives wine drinkers a friendly opening before the more formal winery tastings.

The best part is the mood. This first stop is often where guides and hosts set the tone, and you get an easy start before you move into the more structured world of wineries.

Stop 2, Art Space Winery in Exo Gonia: Art, Cave Cool, and Village Charm

Next you head to Art Space Winery in Exo Gonia, a village that’s known for its scenic charm. This stop is about an hour, and it tends to be a favorite because it mixes tasting with a more relaxed, cultural feel.

You also get a tour component here. Art Space is described as having an art-gallery element, and many guests connect that setting with a more enjoyable pace, especially compared to straight tasting rooms.

If you like visual details, look around while you wait your turn. The architecture and the village surroundings help the tasting stick in your mind.

Potential drawback: if you are visiting on a busy day, you might want to keep an eye on time so you don’t run late for the next winery. The tour keeps you moving, but it also gives you time, not just a drive-by.

Stop 3, Estate Argyros: Modern Style With Traditional Methods

Then comes Estate Argyros, and this is where you start seeing how Santorini balances tradition and modern design.

The vibe here is modern, but the production story leans traditional. You hear about farming methods like using mules to plow the fields, and how grape byproducts are used to enrich the soil. Those details matter because they explain why Santorini wines don’t just taste like a generic Mediterranean style.

The tasting itself is part of a longer stop, roughly 75 minutes. You typically get time to taste multiple wines and ask questions while the hosts walk you through what you’re tasting.

In the middle of this stretch, you also visit underground cellars. That’s a nice reset during the day, and it gives you a real sense of how storage and aging works on the island.

Final Stop at Anhydrous Cellar Door (Plus Other Winery Options)

After Argyros, you head to Anhydrous Cellar Door for another long tasting, also around 75 minutes. This is a cellar-focused stop, and the setting adds atmosphere, plus a break from heat.

There’s also an important detail for your expectations: the final winery can vary. Based on availability, your last stop may be Anhydrous, Hatzidakis, Venetsanos, or Artemis Karamolegos.

What stays consistent is the structure. You’ll get guided tastings, and you’ll finish with the kind of variety that helps you build a clear mental map of Santorini styles.

One practical consideration: because the last stop can change, don’t plan to be strictly committed to a specific winery brand or look. Plan for a high-quality tasting experience at whichever property you’re assigned.

Cheese Pairings and Food That Actually Helps

This tour does more than pour wine and hope for the best. You get cheese pairing and local snacks like dry breads and other Greek delicacies with your tastings.

I like pairing because it solves two problems:

1) It keeps your palate fresh so the next wine tastes distinct.

2) It prevents the day from turning into just sipping and swishing.

If you have a sensitive stomach, a pairing-heavy plan is usually easier than a pure alcohol-focused route. Still, go in hydrated and not completely empty, because tastings stack up fast.

Pacing and Tasting Tips That Make the Day Easier

With 12 wine tastings plus beer, you’ll get the best experience if you manage your pace.

A simple plan:

• Start with smaller sips and compare what changes between pours
• Take a breath between flights and reset your palate with the bread and cheese
• Ask what the guide wants you to notice, then check if you agree

Guide style also matters. Some guides are very direct, some are more story-driven. I’ve seen hosting from people like Billy, Panos, and Nikolaas, and the common thread is that they keep you in the right rhythm, with enough time to enjoy without getting stuck.

If your driver is someone like Nick or Yiannis or John, expect friendly conversation along the way too. Several guests highlight how talkative and accommodating their guides and drivers can be, including helping with directions and photo stops.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A guided introduction to Santorini wine and beer
• Real tastings at multiple properties
• Scenic stops, especially around Exo Gonia
• Pickup and drop-off, so you do not spend your day juggling transport

You might skip it if you:

• Are wheelchair users (not suitable for wheelchair users)
• Are pregnant women (not suitable)
• Have heart problems (not suitable)

Also consider who you’re bringing. If your group includes one person who drinks beer more than wine, the first stop helps keep everyone happy. If your group is all wine-only, the beer still gives you a break without derailing the day.

Should You Book This Santorini Beer and Wine Tour?

Book it if you want a structured, high-yield tasting day with real context. I think this works especially well for first-time Santorini visitors who want more than a view and a photo. The combination of vineyard scenery, volcanic-soil education, and a brewery start makes it feel like a true island experience, not just a list of tastings.

Skip it if you hate guided schedules. The stops are paced, the tour has a set flow, and you’ll be moving between multiple wineries and one brewery within about 4.5 hours.

If you do book, you’ll likely be happiest if you go with a mindset of comparison. Try to remember what each place emphasizes, then carry that into your next glass.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 4.5 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $200 per person.

Where does the tour start and is pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included. The tour starts at the Santorini Brewing Company, and you’re picked up from multiple listed locations across the island.

What tastings are included?

You’ll taste 12 different wines and 3 local beers, along with cheese pairing.

Are there winery tours or cellar visits?

You visit winery facilities, including underground cellars at the Argyros part of the route, and you also do wine tastings at each winery stop.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The live tour guide is listed as English.

Is this tour private or small-group?

Private or small groups are available.

Are pets and smoking allowed?

No pets are allowed, and smoking is not allowed.

Is it suitable for wheelchair users or for pregnant travelers?

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems.

What if I need to change plans?

Free cancellation is listed, with cancellation allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers reserve now & pay later.