Best known for its huge dance clubs that attract world-renowned DJs, the Greek party island of Mykonos also has its more refined side, evidenced in a small but serious wine scene.
(Photo: YourConcierge.gr / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Home to a select number of vineyards and wine stores, it’s fair to say Mykonos’s reputation for wine-making is overshadowed by its raucous summer party scene. But among true connoisseurs, the island has gained repute for the small amount of wine it does produce, using grapes that range from the native Greek Assyrtico to the international varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. We’ve picked out 5 of the best wine tours and tasting experiences the island has to offer.
Ancient Greek Wine-Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier
One way of making your Mykonos beach experience even more extravagant is by adding a wine-tasting into the mix. This indulgent two-hour adventure invites wine enthusiasts to get to know several ancient Greek grape varieties in the company of an expert sommelier at a magical beach location on the island. With the exact destination kept secret until 24 hours before, the tantalising suspense is allowed to build. Once here, you’ll be given comfy beach pillows to relax on and begin your wine tasting session, complete with finger food including Greek cheeses, crackers and spreads. During the tasting, guests will get the chance to play with the taste, notes and aromas while listening to the stories of each wine. Hotel pick-up is also available for an added charge. From €130 per person.
Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting
(Photo: Tour in Mykonian Land / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
This two-hour tour invites you to explore a local Mykonos winery, learn about the wine-making process and enjoy some complimentary food and wine tastings. During the tour, you’ll be shown around the vineyards and olive groves as your guide regales you with fascinating stories and facts about the winery itself and the area’s wine heritage. Afterwards, you and your group will be shown to your outdoor tasting and tables to sample some of the home produce, all set against traditional local music featuring authentic Greek instruments. From 68 per person.
Wine and Culture Tour
This private tour combines an exploration of Mykonos’s wine scene with visits to two of the island’s best museums. After meeting your guide in Fabrika Square in Mykonos Town late afternoon, you’ll set off on a walking tour of the Old Town, exploring the narrow alleyways along the waterfront. The first stop is the Agricultural Museum, where the highlight is the historic Bonis windmill, followed by the Nautical Museum, with its well-preserved lighthouse and collection of model ships, before visits to Little Venice and a church with eye-catching architecture. After delving into island life, your tour concludes with a wine tasting of some of the island’s finest varieties, during which you’ll get to learn more about Greek wine – all accompanied by tasty mezes. From €268 per group (max 2 people).
Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm
(Photo: Cretan Spiti / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Travel to an authentic Mykonian farm at the heart of the island on this small-group three-hour tour with pick-up and drop-off. With early afternoon or early evening departures available, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven through the village of Ano Mera to the Mykonian Farm. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by the sommelier and seated in the specially designed wine corner of the beautiful farm. After getting comfortable, you’ll be given tastings of four different local hand-picked wines as your resident wine expert talks you through the basic tasting technique so you understand each of the wine’s dynamic characters step-by-step. The tour concludes with a drop-off back at your hotel. From €75 per person.
Wine Tasting & Rural Mykonos
Get off the beaten track and see the side of the island few tourists have the chance to get to know on this half-day tour complete with wine tastings. First up, you’ll visit the northernmost tip of Mykonos to check out the historic Armenistis Lighthouse before moving on to an organic farm to taste the local wine and learn about farming on the island. Next, you’ll head to an almost unspoiled beach to kick back and relax before your final stop-off at a 17th-century monastery to bring your tour to an end. From €913 per group (max 6 people).