Santorini: Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia

Planning a trip to Santorini and looking for an experience that combines the island’s top wines, scenic beauty, and unforgettable sunsets? This Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Santorini special—be it through visits to authentic wineries, a visit to an underground wine museum, or the mesmerizing view of the sun sinking into the Aegean Sea. With a solid 4.3-star rating from over 140 reviews, it’s clear this tour appeals to many travelers craving a mix of education, relaxation, and picture-perfect moments.

What we love about this experience? First, it offers a chance to learn about Santorini’s unique viniculture and taste around 8 different wines. Second, the visits to two different wineries—including one famed for its volcanic wines—add variety and depth. Third, the sunset in Oia, paired with a glass of wine, creates a truly magical end to the day. On the flip side, some may find the initial pickup process a little disorganized, and the wine tasting at the sunset bar can be a tad limited in terms of drink choices. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed, culturally rich experience with stunning views and good wine for a reasonable price.

Good To Know

• Authentic Wineries: Visit two local wineries with unique architectural and underground features.
• Educational Experience: Learn about Santorini’s viniculture and winemaking process.
• Tastings Included: Approximately 8 wine samples, including volcanic varieties.
• Scenic Sunset: End the day watching the sunset from Oia’s Sun Spirit Bar.
• Comfortable Transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with live guides.
• Good Value: For $99, it combines wine, education, and breathtaking scenery in a 5-hour format.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Wine Tour with Sunset

The Itinerary and Its Unique Features

Starting from Thira (Fira), the tour kicks off with a visit to Hatzidakis Winery. Situated in Pyrgos Kallistis at 330 meters above sea level, this winery’s architecture is described as “unconventional,” with a design that moves from above and downwards—an interesting visual for those into architecture and local craftsmanship. Here, you get about an hour to learn about their winemaking methods, taste three of their wines, and appreciate the stunning views of the island.

The next stop is the Santorini Wine Museum in Mesa Gonia. This is no ordinary museum; it’s a cave winery, built into a labyrinth eight meters below ground. The experience of walking through this underground wine museum—which took 21 years of effort by the Koutsogiannopoulos family—is a highlight for many reviewers. It offers a chance to see the winemaking stages from vineyard ploughing to grape stomping and machinery, alongside tasting volcanic wines that are highly regarded for their distinctiveness.

From the wine museum, the tour moves on to Sun Spirit Bar in Oia, a location renowned for its spectacular sunset views. Here, travelers can relax with a full glass of wine—any choice of red, white, or rosé—and snacks, all while soaking up the view of the sun setting into the Aegean Sea. Some reviews mention that the reserved seating at this bar makes a big difference, providing a peaceful spot away from the crowds, which can be chaotic in Oia during sunset hours.

The Experience and What You’ll Actually Do

The tour spans roughly 5 hours, with timings varying by availability. It combines guided visits to wineries, where you get the chance to sample around 8 different wines. Expect to taste volcanic wines at the second winery, which many guests find particularly memorable. One reviewer noted, “We had 4 decent-sized samples at each winery, all very different,” emphasizing the quality and diversity of the offerings.

The learning component is appreciated by those who want to understand what makes Santorini wines special. From vine-growing techniques to the influence of volcanic soil, the guide shares insights that turn tastings into educational moments. For instance, the underground wine museum reveals the stages of winemaking, plus the machinery used today and in the past.

The final sunset stop at Oia is the tour’s pièce de résistance. Guests are taken to a front-row vantage point, often a bar or windmill, to watch the sun dip behind the sea. Reviewers like Angelia and Christian mentioned that the sunset view combined with a glass of wine was a highlight, making it a fitting, romantic end to the day.

Transportation, Group Size, and Practicalities

Transportation is a big plus. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free. The transport is described as first-class, and the guide often acts as a driver, ensuring comfort along the winding roads of Santorini. Guests have noted that the group size tends to be intimate, which enhances the experience—some reviews mention sharing the trip with just five or six others.

Group size and guide quality are frequently praised. “Iannis, our guide, was bursting with personality,” one reviewer said, highlighting that guides are knowledgeable and personable. That personal touch helps make the experience more engaging and informative.

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Value for Money

At $99 per person, this tour offers a good value considering the inclusions—multiple wine tastings, guided visits, transportation, and the sunset view. Some reviews mention small extras, like food platters at wineries or reserved seating at the sunset bar, which add to the overall experience. Others point out that, although the wine samples are decent, some might find the price for additional drinks at the sunset bar a bit steep—about €14 per glass if you want more than one.

What We Think Could Be Improved

A few reviews touch on minor hiccups. One reviewer experienced a pickup delay of over an hour, which slightly marred the start. Others mentioned that the wine tasting at the sunset bar was limited in options—just a single glass included, with additional purchases required if you want more drinks. Still, these small issues are outweighed by the overall quality of the experience.

Who It’s Perfect For

This tour is ideal for wine lovers who want a relaxed, educational experience combined with the stunning scenery of Santorini. It’s also great for those who prefer small groups and want the convenience of hotel pickup. Perfect for people wanting to learn about local viniculture without the hassle of planning, and for travelers eager to end their day watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand.

If you’re looking for a more active or food-focused tour, this one might not satisfy your craving for a full culinary adventure. But for a balanced blend of wine, culture, and scenery, it hits the mark.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The full experience takes about 5 hours, including visits, tastings, and sunset viewing.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, wine tastings—about 8 samples—and reserved seating at the sunset bar with a glass of wine.

Can I choose my wine at sunset?
No, the tour includes a full glass of either red, rosé, or white wine, but additional drinks cost extra.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, many reviews mention the first-class transportation and professional drivers guiding the group.

Are the wineries family-owned?
Yes, in particular, the second winery is run by the Koutsogiannopoulos family, who have created a historic underground wine museum.

What if I miss the pickup?
It’s advisable to keep the provided contact details handy in case of delays. One reviewer experienced a pickup delay but still enjoyed the tour.

Is this a small group or large?
The tour tends to be intimate, with about 5-6 people sharing the experience, which enhances interaction and comfort.

Can I book private or custom groups?
Yes, private group options are available, allowing for a more tailored experience.

What if I want to stay longer at Oia?
The tour ends around sunset time; if you want extra time, plan accordingly, but the sunset view in Oia is best experienced during the scheduled stop.

Is this suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, cruise passengers should provide their ship details during booking so pickup can be arranged accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia strikes a fine balance between education, relaxation, and stunning scenery. You’ll visit two distinctive wineries, learn about the island’s unique winemaking methods, and toast to the sunset with a view that’s hard to beat. The small-group setting, knowledgeable guides, and included tastings make it a solid choice for anyone wanting a taste of authentic Santorini without breaking the bank.

While a few minor logistical hiccups have been noted, the overall experience remains highly rated and packed with memorable moments. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy wine, scenic vistas, and a leisurely pace—perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed and enriching way to spend an afternoon in Santorini.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply want to enjoy one of the most iconic sunsets in Greece, this tour offers a friendly, well-organized way to make your Santorini visit truly special.

You can check if your dates are available here: