Flavors Born from Volcanic Ash

This experience dives into Santorini’s culinary roots through its three signature PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) ingredients: sun-dried grapes, yellow split peas (or fava in Greek), and volcanic cherry tomatoes. You'll begin on a volcanic soil farm, where fava and tomatoes still grow the traditional way, shaped by wind, ash, and water scarcity. Next, you'll head to a historic, family-run winery to discover how vines are trained close to the ground, following techniques that date back generations. Here, you’ll taste the island’s signature wines and learn how the volcanic terrain lends them their unmistakable minerality and depth. Finally, you’ll sit down for a light, meze-style lunch at a traditonal Greek taverna or family market eatery, where each dish highlights these three humble ingredients. Along the way, you’ll meet growers and makers keeping this island’s culinary heritage alive, gaining a deeper understanding of how land, technique, and taste are inseparable here.

This experience reveals how three simple ingredients — fava, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried grapes — tell the story of Santorini itself. Shaped by volcanic ash, fierce winds, and the scarcity of water, these crops have long defined the island’s agriculture and cuisine. You’ll gain rare insight into how working with the land here has always meant adapting to harsh conditions—and turning them into strength. Thanks to Maria’s deep ties to the community, you’ll visit places where these ingredients are still grown, prepared, and served with pride. Her local connections open the door to producers who share their knowledge with honesty and warmth, offering a taste of their food and a glimpse into their daily lives. Every dish you try is rooted in tradition and tells a story of care, resilience, and belonging—connecting you directly with the people who keep Santorini’s food culture alive.

Maria Petraki was born and raised in Santorini, and continues to live there year-round. Her deep connection to the island shapes every experience she creates — guided not by routes or checklists, but by the real pace of local life. She welcomes guests with the warmth of Greek hospitality, offering moments that feel more like a visit with old friends than a scheduled activity. Through her, you’ll discover the Santorini where life unfolds slowly, where people still stop for coffee, conversation, and the beauty of small things. With a natural sense for storytelling and attention to detail, Maria curates experiences that are thoughtful, unhurried, and truly memorable.

Comfortable shoes and a good mood. Please warn us if you have any food allergies or special diets, like gluten-free. This experience features an easy walk, with transport provided between stops.