Fira in 1 Days - Private tasting of four Santorini Assyrtiko wines
In Collaboration with The Greek Gourmet Tours. Updated on February 18, 2026.
Private 5-hour Santorini experience beginning in Fira. Visit Mesa Gonia village and historic canava spaces, enjoy a guided tasting of four Assyrtiko wines in a refurbished tomato factory setting, and finish with a 4-plate food-pairing lunch under a seaside pergola. Pace and transitions are planned for a relaxed, intimate experience.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with The Greek Gourmet Tours, inspired by the tour PRIVATE PURE WINE TASTING SANTORINI EXPERIENCE WITH FOOD PAIRING LUNCH . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private tasting of four Santorini Assyrtiko wines
- Short cultural visit to Mesa Gonia village and historic canava spaces
- Four-plate food-pairing lunch by the beach under a pergola
More than 14 itineraries in Fira.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Fira and enjoy a curated, private wine-tasting experience focused on Santorini's Assyrtiko grape, combined with local cultural context and a paired lunch by the sea.
Meeting point — central Fira
Group meets in central Fira for welcome, brief orientation, and briefing on the day's flow. Host confirms dietary needs and any accessibility requirements.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5 minutes early to allow time for check-in and a calm start.
- Bring a light layer; seaside wind can be cool even in late spring.
- Let the host know any dietary restrictions at the meeting to adjust the lunch pairing.
Transfer: Fira → Mesa Gonia
Short transfer from Fira to Mesa Gonia village. Transfer time accounts for narrow island roads and brief traffic delays.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 20–30 minute drive depending on local traffic; use the restroom before boarding.
- If mobility is limited, request a short, direct transfer route when meeting the host.
- Keep a bottle of water handy—sun exposure can be strong walking between stops.
Short cultural visit: Mesa Gonia & canava spaces
Guided short walk through Mesa Gonia village to view the layered volcanic landscape and historical canava (old storage/winemaking) spaces. This stop sets the terroir and cultural context.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes—village lanes can be uneven and step-y.
- Ask your guide about the local agricultural practices for context on why vines are trained low to the ground.
- Carry sunscreen and a hat for shaded areas; some viewpoints are exposed.
Transfer to tasting venue (on-site)
Short transfer/walk to the refurbished tomato factory where the private wine tasting takes place. Time allocated for restroom break and settling at the tasting pergola.
Tips from local experts:
- There may be a short walk from the parking area to the tasting pergola—request assistance if needed.
- Use this brief break to use the restroom; facilities vary by venue.
- If you prefer a quieter table or a specific view, mention it to the host before seating.
Private wine tasting — 4 Assyrtiko wines
Guided tasting of four Santorini Assyrtiko wines in the refurbished tomato factory setting. The host explains the volcanic terroir, vine training methods, and winemaking notes for each sample.
Tips from local experts:
- Taste in order from lighter to fuller styles; follow the host's sequence for best comparison.
- If you're sensitive to alcohol, request smaller pours; the host can adjust pour sizes.
- Take short pauses between wines and sip water to stay hydrated and reset your palate.
Four-plate food-pairing lunch by the beach (pergola)
A four-plate lunch menu designed to pair with the tasted wines, served under a seaside pergola to enjoy local flavors and views. Relaxed pace to encourage conversation and savoring each pairing.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the host in advance of any allergies or intolerances so the menu can be adapted.
- If you want a seat with the best view, request 'seating by the pergola near the water' when you arrive.
- Pace yourself—eat between wine samples to enhance tasting and avoid overconsumption.
Return to Fira & farewells
Transfer back to Fira with time to ask final questions, confirm onward plans, and receive any suggested local recommendations from the host.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow 30–45 minutes for return transfer depending on traffic and drop-off points.
- If you need onward transport (ferry/taxis), confirm timing with your host before leaving.
- Collect any tasting notes or contact details from the host for follow-up or wine purchases.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Attraction, Experience, Meal |
Why this experience
Most wine tours on Santorini move quickly between estates. This one slows down and goes deeper — four Assyrtiko wines, a village cultural walk, and a four-plate paired lunch by the sea, all in five private hours with The Greek Gourmet Tours. The morning begins in Fira with a short transfer to Mesa Gonia village, where a guided walk through historic canava spaces — the old volcanic storage cellars — sets the terroir context before a single grape is tasted. Then the main event: a private tasting of four Assyrtiko wines in a refurbished tomato factory setting, where the host explains vine training methods, volcanic soil influence, and the winemaking notes that make each pour different. The afternoon moves to a seaside pergola near Kamari Beach for a four-plate lunch designed to pair with the morning's wines — local flavours, relaxed pace, conversation encouraged.
This is food and wine as cultural immersion — not a tasting list, but a story told through volcanic soil, old cellars, and a meal that brings it all together.
Before you go
- Best time: Late spring through early autumn for the best combination of outdoor dining weather and full winery operation. The seaside lunch works best on warm, clear days. Shoulder seasons offer quieter venues.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. The guided tasting, four-plate food-pairing lunch, and all transfers are included. Budget separately for any additional wine purchases.
- Difficulty: Easy. Short walks in Mesa Gonia village on uneven lanes. The tasting and lunch are seated. All transfers by private vehicle.
- What to bring: Comfortable flat shoes for village walking, sunscreen and a hat for the seaside lunch, and a light layer for the morning transfer.
- Getting there: Meeting point is central Fira. The host confirms the exact location after booking. All subsequent transfers are included.
- Accessibility: Vehicle transfers throughout. Mesa Gonia lanes can be uneven and stepped. The tasting venue and seaside lunch are seated. Mention any mobility needs when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know about wine to enjoy this?
Not at all. The host explains everything from vine training to volcanic terroir in accessible terms. The tasting is guided and paced — designed for curiosity, not expertise.
What's included in this itinerary?
A private 5-hour experience with The Greek Gourmet Tours including: Mesa Gonia village cultural walk, private guided tasting of four Assyrtiko wines, four-plate food-pairing lunch by the sea, and all transfers from/to Fira.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Inform the host at the meeting point (or ideally when booking) so the lunch pairing can be adapted.
Are the itineraries on TheNextGuide free?
Yes. Every itinerary is free to browse and follow. Some pages feature bookable guided experiences through the booking widget — these are optional and priced by the operator.
Complete your trip in Fira
A wine and food experience fills a morning-to-afternoon window. These itineraries complement it with a different pace.
- Private Wine Tour — Three Estate Wineries — A broader wine overview: three estates across the island with Cycladic cheese pairings and scenic village stops.
- Romantic Evening — Greek Wedding Show — Continue the culinary theme into the evening with Greek tapas, unlimited wine, and a live performance at White Door Theatro.
- Hidden Gems Private Tour — Explore Megalochori's village character and the volcanic beaches that this wine tour's route passes near.
Browse all Fira itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
