Private Wine Tasting Tour With a Santorini Sunset Ending

This private Santorini wine tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the island’s renowned viticulture. Over 5 hours, visitors will sample over a dozen distinct wines, including the famous Assyrtiko and Vinsanto varietals, at three award-winning wineries. A knowledgeable sommelier provides personalized guidance, sharing insights into the region’s indigenous grapes and sustainable farming practices. Guests will also enjoy local Cycladic cheeses and bites perfectly paired with the wines. The experience culminates with a stunning sunset, providing the perfect setting to savor Santorini’s winemaking legacy. For a deeper dive into this exclusive wine tour, continue reading.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Santorini.

Key Points

• A 5-hour private tour that showcases Santorini’s best vineyards, allowing visitors to sample over a dozen distinct wines, including renowned Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.
• Guided by a knowledgeable sommelier who provides personalized insights on the island’s unique viticulture practices and indigenous grape varieties.
• Opportunity to pair the wines with local Cycladic cheeses and bites, enhancing the tasting experience and introducing Santorini’s culinary traditions.
• The tour culminates with stunning sunset views, offering a chance to savor the wines and local flavors against Santorini’s dramatic volcanic landscapes.
• Private transportation is provided for a hassle-free and comfortable journey between the award-winning wineries across the island.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Highlights of the Private Tour

This captivating 5-hour private tour allows visitors to witness the very best of Santorini.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample over a dozen distinct wines, including the renowned Assyrtiko and Vinsanto varietals, while receiving personalized attention from a knowledgeable sommelier.

Over the course of the tour, you will visit three world-class vineyards, where they’ll learn about Santorini’s unique viticulture practices and indigenous grape varieties.

The experience culminates with stunning sunset views and the chance to savor local bites and wines.

With private transportation provided, guests can fully enjoy the island’s enchanting wine culture without the hassle of navigating on their own.

Award-Winning Wineries of Santorini

Santorini boasts a rich winemaking tradition, with several award-winning wineries dotting the island’s dramatic volcanic landscape. Among the most renowned is Domaine Sigalas, whose Assyrtiko and Vinsanto wines have garnered global acclaim for their exceptional quality and unique terroir-driven character. Visitors can expect to sample the winery’s renowned offerings, savoring the crisp minerality of the Assyrtiko and the rich, sultry notes of the Vinsanto.

Gaia Wines is known for their innovative blends and sustainable practices.

Argyros Estate’s Vinsanto is considered one of the finest on the island.

Hatzidakis Winery is celebrated for its elegant, age-worthy Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano.

Sampling Renowned Assyrtiko and Vinsanto

Guests on this private wine tasting tour can expect to sample some of Santorini’s most renowned and celebrated wines, including the crisp, mineral-driven Assyrtiko and the rich, luscious Vinsanto.

Assyrtiko is the island’s signature white grape, producing vibrant, zesty wines with pronounced acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and sea salt.

In contrast, Vinsanto is a unique dessert wine made from sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes, resulting in a nectar-like elixir bursting with flavors of dried apricot, honey, and toasted nuts.

Guests will learn about the region’s distinct viticulture practices and indigenous grape varieties as they savor these exceptional wines alongside local cheeses and bites against the backdrop of Santorini’s dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Personalized Attention From a Sommelier

Guided by a knowledgeable sommelier, guests can expect a personalized wine tasting experience that delves into the unique terroir, production methods, and flavor profiles of Santorini’s most celebrated vintages.

The sommelier’s in-depth expertise and passion for the island’s viticulture shine through as they guide participants through each pour, sharing insights on:

• The indigenous Assyrtiko grape and its distinctive minerality
• The labor-intensive process of crafting the honeyed Vinsanto
• How the island’s volcanic soil and sea breezes influence the wines
• Pairing techniques to enhance the flavors of local Cycladic cheeses and bites

With a sommelier’s discerning eye, guests will gain a newfound appreciation for Santorini’s winemaking heritage and leave with a deeper understanding of the island’s liquid treasures.

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Pairing Local Bites With Wines

To further enhance the wine tasting experience, the sommelier pairs each varietal with a selection of local Cycladic cheeses and bites, meticulously chosen to complement the distinct flavors and textures of Santorini’s renowned vintages.

For instance, the crisp, mineral-driven Assyrtiko is perfectly accompanied by a creamy fava bean dip, while the rich, complex Vinsanto finds its match in a wedge of tangy, aged Graviera cheese.

These pairings not only elevate the tasting notes of the wines, but also provide a delightful introduction to the island’s vibrant culinary traditions.

Teachings on Viticulture and Grapes

Throughout the tour, the sommelier frequently shares insights into the unique viticulture practices and indigenous grape varieties that have shaped Santorini’s acclaimed wine industry. They meticulously explain how the island’s arid climate, volcanic soil, and centuries-old cultivation techniques have yielded such exceptional, terroir-driven wines.

The sommelier delves into the history and characteristics of grapes like:

• Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-driven white variety that thrives in the island’s harsh conditions

• Aidani, a fragrant, floral white grape that lends elegance to Santorini’s renowned Vinsanto dessert wine

• Mavrotragano, a bold, tannic red grape that produces robust, age-worthy reds

• Athiri, a versatile white varietal that brings freshness and acidity to blends

Transportation and Pickup Locations

Private transportation is provided for this Santorini wine tasting tour, with pickup and drop-off options at 8 convenient locations across the island.

Whether you’re staying in Oia, Fira, or anywhere in between, you can easily access the tour.

The private vehicle ensures a comfortable and stress-free journey, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the stunning Santorini scenery as you’re whisked from one winery to the next.

At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped off right where you started, making it a seamless experience from beginning to end.

This personalized transportation is just one of the many ways this private wine tour is designed to provide an exceptional and memorable experience.

Exclusions and Age Restrictions

While the Santorini wine tasting tour includes a wealth of services, there are a few exclusions to keep in mind. Gratuities for the guide and staff are optional but not included in the tour price. Plus, this experience isn’t suitable for children under the age of 18, as the focus is on sampling a variety of premium wines.

The tour highlights the opportunity to:

• Savor over 12 distinct wines, including renowned Assyrtiko and Vinsanto
• Enjoy personalized attention from a knowledgeable sommelier
• Learn about the region’s unique viticulture practices and indigenous grapes
• Pair the wines with delectable Cycladic cheese and local bites

These exclusions ensure the tour provides an elevated, adult-focused experience for wine enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring on the Wine Tasting Tour?

For the wine tasting tour, visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket. It’s also a good idea to bring a small camera to capture the stunning Santorini views and wine-making process.

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The tour is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as it includes wine pairings with Cycladic cheese and local bites. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all guests.

Can I Purchase the Wines I Sample During the Tour?

Visitors can purchase the wines they sample during the private tour. The tour includes a guided wine presentation and tastings of 12+ distinct wines from world-class Santorini vineyards, allowing guests to buy their favorites.

Is There a Designated Driver for the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a designated driver throughout the experience. This ensures guests can fully enjoy the wine tastings without needing to worry about operating a vehicle. The driver handles all transportation during the private wine tour.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Winery?

The tour spends approximately 1 to 1.5 hours at each of the 3 wineries visited, allowing guests ample time to sample the wines, learn about the production process, and enjoy the scenic vineyard surroundings.

Recap

Indulge in a captivating wine journey through Santorini’s vineyards, savoring renowned local vintages and pairing them with mouthwatering Cycladic delicacies.

Bask in the breathtaking sunset as the tour draws to a close, leaving you with an unforgettable sensory experience.

With private transportation and personalized attention from a knowledgeable sommelier, this tour promises to be the highlight of your Santorini adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: