Santorini Wine Tours | Volcanic Wineries & Tastings

How to Start Your Santorini Wine Tour Adventure like a Local

Start with a glass of volcanic wine if you’re wondering what to do in Santorini beyond beaches and sunsets. The Santorini wine region is like no other — volcanic vines rooted in ancient fire, sun-kissed grapes, and every sip a journey through sunshine and heritage.

The island’s vineyards cultivate five key grapes — the “3A whites”: Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri, plus the “2M reds”: Mavrotragano and Mandilaria.

• Assyrtiko reigns supreme for its crisp acidity and distinct minerality, accurately reflecting the volcanic soils.
• Aidani adds floral softness, and Athiri offers a bright citrus lift.
• Mavrotragano, meaning “black and crisp,” is rare yet celebrated for its deep colour and spicy character, while Mandilaria brings bold tannins and structure.

Santorini’s vines grow in basket-like formations called koloura, hugging the ground to withstand strong winds and sun. This ancient method protects grapes and keeps roots near the island’s mineral-rich soil. However, it´s incredibly costly and causing controversy among local growers.

As Decanter notes, there is a rise in Greek wines — especially Santorini — that have earned global recognition for their purity and depth, ranking among Europe’s most exciting volcanic wines.

A quick overview to Santorini Wineries

Looking for the best wineries to visit in Santorini? These three producers showcase the island’s volcanic essence and craftsmanship:

1. Domaine Sigalas – Tradition Meets Precision

Close to the white and blue domes of the magnificent town of Oia, Sigalas lets the terroir speak for itself. Pioneering single-vineyard Assyrtiko since the early ’90s, the winery reveals how each patch of soil changes a wine’s personality. For instance, try the Santorini Barrel — aged on its lees, smoky, saline, and alive with coastal freshness.

Tip: Enjoy a guided wine-tasting tour at sunset time, and enjoy the local dishes.

2. Oeno P – A Modern Vision of Volcanic Wine

Created by the icon Paris Sigalas, Oeno P focuses on small-batch, amphora-aged Assyrtiko. It’s “Tria Ampelia” (Three Vineyards) wine, from 60+ year-old vines, bursts with flint, lemon, peach, and honeysuckle aromas — a perfect expression of Santorini’s terroir.

If you want to have a whole experience of Santorini´s wine tours and explore authentic flavours, book a consultation with us. We love to make our tours around the local jewels of the area.

3. Artemis Karamolegos – Innovation Rooted in Legacy

Karamolegos combines old vines with modern craft. His 34 Assyrtiko, from 120-year-old vineyards, is a must-try. It has citrus, apricot, wild herbs, and a whisper of sea salt. It is structured, mineral, and built to age.

Wine Enthusiast‘s article on its 36 hours in Santorini recommends Santorini’s vineyards as one of Greece’s top travel experiences. Moreover, the combination of volcanic soils and world-class whites makes every visit unforgettable.

Food Pairings ideas

Santorini’s wines perfectly match its local cuisine. Additionally, our wine tours offer the pairing experience, where you can taste simple, sun-ripened wines full of island character with delicious dishes. Here are some must-try!

• Assyrtiko + Tomato Keftedes: Bright acidity meets crispy tomato fritters.
• Gaia Wild Ferment Assyrtiko + Fava Puree: A zesty lift for the creamy split-pea classic.
• Mavrotragano + Slow-Cooked Lamb: Deep red spice and freshness balance rich meat.
• Vinsanto + Honey Baklava: A perfect sweet finish — golden, nutty, and aromatic.

If you would like to taste the island through its vineyards, please reach out Giro Concept Tours.

We’ll design your Santorini wine tour experience — visiting family-run wineries, tasting directly from the barrel, and hearing local stories that bring each bottle to life.

Whether you’re a wine lover, foodie, or simply searching for authentic things to do in Santorini, exploring its vines its definetly a great way to connect with this incredible place!

Don’t miss out—book your next wine tour to Santorini with Giro Concept Tours and discover Greece’s soul.

Frequent Q/A

• When is a good time to visit the island?

Santorini can be very crowded indeed during the summer cruise season. It´s better to do a wine tour in early May, June and the beginning of October to avoid the heat waves and the massive traffic.

• Can you recommend us local restaurants on the Island?

Yes, of course, do stop at Kafenio in Megalochori, a charming traditional village that serves the best tomato fritters and the freshest dishes you will ever try. Don´t forget to taste their own tiramisu recipe! It’s delicious!

• What other activities can you offer besides wine tours?

We can plan a pottery class with local artisans, catamaran tours, farm visits and much more!