Santorini: Wine Tasting and Food Pairing at 3 Wineries

Discover Santorini’s vibrant wine culture through an immersive tour visiting three renowned local wineries. You’ll sample the island’s renowned varietals – Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Nychteri – and learn about their distinct characteristics. Explore sun-drenched vineyards, tour production facilities, and enjoy a sumptuous five-course Greek meal expertly paired with the wines. Gain insights into Santorini’s centuries-old winemaking traditions and unique volcanic terroir that shape the character of these exceptional wines. This comprehensive experience offers a delightful journey through the flavors and heritage of Santorini’s acclaimed wine region.

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

Key Points

• Comprehensive wine tasting and food pairing tour showcasing Santorini’s renowned wine culture, with guided experiences at three local wineries.
• Sampling of Santorini’s signature grape varietals, including Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Nychteri, paired with traditional Greek dishes.
• Exploration of Santorini’s unique volcanic terroir and its impact on the island’s distinctive winemaking traditions.
• Behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, from cultivating the grapes to the production facilities.
• Immersion in Santorini’s centuries-old winemaking legacy, which is deeply intertwined with the island’s cultural identity.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

This immersive wine tasting and food pairing tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Santorini’s vibrant wine culture, featuring guided experiences at three renowned local wineries.

Over the course of 5 hours, guests will have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of the island’s distinctive wines, including the iconic Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Nychteri varietals, as well as delectable dessert wines.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver and local guide, and a multi-course Greek meal expertly paired with the wines.

With a maximum of 6 participants, this intimate experience allows for personalized attention and in-depth insights into Santorini’s winemaking traditions and terroir.

Inclusions and Highlights

The tour package includes a comprehensive suite of services and experiences to immerse visitors in Santorini’s renowned wine culture. Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with an English-speaking driver and local guide, provide seamless transportation and expert commentary throughout the day.

Guests will savor a selection of the island’s distinctive wines, including the iconic Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Nychteri varietals, as well as delectable dessert wines, during guided tastings at three renowned local wineries. The tour also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyards and production areas, allowing guests to learn about the region’s wine-making heritage.

Plus, visitors will enjoy a five-course traditional Greek meal prepared by an executive chef, complementing the wines with fresh, local produce.

Winery 1: Assyrtiko and Aidani

At the first winery, guests will sample four of Santorini’s renowned wines – the crisp and mineral-driven Assyrtiko, the aromatic Aidani, the rich and complex Nychteri, and a delectable dessert wine.

These wines will be paired with a selection of traditional Greek cheeses and rusks, allowing visitors to appreciate the local flavors and textures that complement the island’s unique viticulture.

The Assyrtiko, a signature grape of Santorini, is known for its bright acidity, citrus notes, and lingering minerality, making it an ideal pairing for the creamy and salty cheeses.

The Aidani, with its floral and honeyed aromas, will complement the rusks’ savory and crunchy texture, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.

Winery 2: Vineyards and Production

Next, the tour moves to the second winery, where guests will explore the vineyards and production area.

The guide leads them through the sun-drenched rows of Assyrtiko vines, explaining the unique terroir and centuries-old winemaking traditions of Santorini.

Visitors then step into the winery’s production facilities, witnessing the meticulous processes that transform these grapes into the estate’s acclaimed wines.

They’ll learn about the challenges of cultivating grapes on the volcanic island and how the winery uses sustainable practices to preserve the land.

After the behind-the-scenes tour, guests enjoy tastings of 3-4 wines, complemented by delectable snacks that highlight the fresh local produce.

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Winery 3: 5-Course Greek Meal

After exploring the vineyards and production facilities, guests then head to the third and final winery, where they’ll cap off the tour with a sumptuous 5-course traditional Greek meal designed by the estate’s executive chef.

The meal features the finest local ingredients, expertly prepared and paired with four different wines to complement each course. Diners will savor dishes like creamy fava dip, dolmades stuffed with rice and herbs, grilled octopus with fava and capers, and a rich, honey-drizzled baklava for dessert.

Throughout the meal, the knowledgeable sommelier provides insights into the wine pairings, allowing guests to fully appreciate the flavors of Santorini’s renowned viticulture.

Taste Local Wines and Produce

The wine tasting experience at the first winery allows visitors to savor a curated selection of Santorini’s renowned varietal wines, including the crisp and minerally Assyrtiko, the aromatic Aidani, and the rich, barrel-aged Nychteri, accompanied by pairings of traditional Greek cheeses and rusks.

The tour then ventures to the second winery, where guests enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and production facilities, followed by a tasting of 3-4 wines complemented by local snacks.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guides provide insights into Santorini’s rich winemaking history and the unique terroir that gives the island’s wines their distinctive character.

• Savor award-winning Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Nychteri wines
• Pair local cheeses and rusks with the tasting
• Explore the vineyards and production areas at the second winery
• Discover Santorini’s centuries-old winemaking traditions
• Learn from expert guides about the island’s terroir and its impact on the wines

Santorini’s Wine Production History

Santorini’s winemaking history dates back centuries, with the island’s unique volcanic terroir shaping the distinct character of its wines over generations.

The island’s prized Assyrtiko grape varietal has been cultivated since ancient times, thriving in Santorini’s arid climate and nutrient-rich volcanic soil.

Many of the local wineries proudly preserve traditional growing and production methods, some dating back hundreds of years.

Visitors can learn about this rich heritage during guided tours, which often include exploring historic vineyards and seeing how the wine is transformed from grape to bottle using time-honored techniques.

Santorini’s winemaking legacy is an integral part of its cultural identity, with each sip offering a taste of the island’s storied past.

Booking and Additional Information

This wine tasting and food pairing tour in Santorini offers flexible booking options, with the ability to reserve now and pay later. The experience isn’t suitable for those under 18, as the focus is on appreciating the local wines through guided tastings led by expert sommeliers.

Pickup and drop-off are provided, with a designated meeting point for convenience.

The tour includes:

• A multi-course traditional Greek meal designed by an executive chef, available from April to mid-October
• Entrance fees and taxes
• Tastings at three wineries, featuring a variety of local wines like Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Nychteri
• Pairings with Greek cheeses, rusks, and other snacks
• A guided tour of the vineyards and production areas at one of the wineries

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

Participants should dress comfortably in casual, weather-appropriate attire. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended, as the tour involves walking and standing during wine tastings and winery tours. Closed-toe shoes are advised for safety on uneven terrain.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the wine tasting tour, though they should avoid disrupting the experience or blocking others’ views. It’s best to check with the tour guide beforehand to ensure compliance with any specific policies.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not explicitly mentioned as wheelchair accessible. However, the provider may be able to accommodate guests with mobility concerns. It’s best to inquire about accessibility arrangements when booking the tour.

Can I Request a Vegetarian Meal?

Yes, participants can request a vegetarian meal for this wine tasting and food pairing tour. The tour provider is accommodating and will work to fulfill special dietary requests when notified in advance.

Is There a Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a flexible booking policy, allowing participants to reserve now and pay later. There’s also a cancellation policy, though specific details are not provided. Customers should check with the tour operator for the cancellation terms.

Recap

This wine tasting and food pairing tour provides an intimate and immersive exploration of Santorini’s renowned winemaking legacy.

Travelers can savor the unique flavors of the island’s crisp Assyrtiko and luscious dessert wines, complemented by expertly crafted pairings and a traditional Greek meal.

With behind-the-scenes access and a knowledgeable guide, this excursion offers an enriching experience for oenophiles and culinary enthusiasts alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: