Santa Barbara’s wine country offers several well-organized lunch tours worth your time and money. The standout choice is the Wine Country Tour With Lunch – a solid 6-hour excursion combining premium wine tastings with a quality picnic lunch. I particularly love this tour for its intimate approach to boutique wineries and thoughtful food pairings.
For active travelers, two bike options deserve attention: The Half-Day Tour from Solvang (which includes a charming lavender farm visit) and the E-Bike Guided Tour featuring olive oil tastings. The e-bikes make the rolling hills manageable for most fitness levels.
Let’s explore these top wine country lunch experiences in detail.
Key Points
- The Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour With Lunch offers a comprehensive experience with a gourmet picnic lunch included during the 6-hour winery tour.
- The Culinary Highlights of the tours feature local olive oil and wine tastings, as well as opportunities to sample chocolate alongside the wine and olive oil.
- The tours emphasize immersive culinary experiences in the wine country, catering to various dietary preferences with the gourmet picnic lunch options.
- The Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour from Solvang includes a visit to a lavender farm, enhancing the natural splendor of the scenic half-day bike tour.
- The tours consistently receive overwhelmingly positive reviews, with knowledgeable and friendly guides enhancing the overall experience in the small-group settings.
Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour – W/O Lunch
For those seeking an exhilarating way to explore Santa Barbara’s picturesque wine country, the Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour is an ideal choice. This morning tour takes participants on an electric-assisted bike excursion through the rolling hills and vineyards of the region, providing stunning scenic views and a tranquil ambiance.
Highlights of the tour include stops for local olive oil sampling and wine tasting, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s culinary delights. The knowledgeable guide provides valuable insights into the local wine industry and the history of the area, enhancing the overall experience.
Priced from $180 per person, the tour includes the use of an electric-assist bike, snacks, wine tasting, and olive oil tasting.
While lunch isn’t included in this option, the tour ends back at the meeting point in Solvang, providing easy access to the local dining scene.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this guided tour is a must-try for those seeking an active and enriching way to explore Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country.
Read our full review: Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour – W/O Lunch Review
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Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour With Lunch
Offering a more comprehensive wine country experience, the Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour with Lunch provides visitors an opportunity to not only sample exceptional local wines but also indulge in a gourmet picnic lunch.
Priced at $250 per person, this 6-hour tour whisks guests away to the region’s boutique, family-owned wineries, where they’ll enjoy tastings and an educational vineyard tour.
The small-group setting, limited to 9 participants, ensures an intimate experience. Lunch options cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and meat-centric selections.
With door-to-door transportation from the Santa Barbara area and the Santa Ynez region, the tour eliminates the hassle of driving.
Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as the suitability for both wine beginners and connoisseurs.
Operated rain or shine, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable day exploring Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour With Lunch Review
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Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour From Solvang – W/O Lunch
Stepping away from the comprehensive wine country experience, the Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour from Solvang provides visitors an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara’s wine region by bicycle.
This half-day tour, recommended by 92% of travelers, offers a small-group adventure limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
The tour includes a professional local guide, well-maintained bicycles, and tastings of wine, olive oil, and chocolate. Guests will also have the chance to visit a lavender farm, seeing the region’s natural splendor.
While the tour doesn’t include a dedicated lunch, the tastings and scenic vistas promise to satisfy visitors’ appetites.
Despite some mixed reviews regarding service quality at certain tasting locations, the tour has an impressive average rating of 5.0 from 12 reviews.
Specific guides, like Mike and Hans, have received high praise for their friendliness and attentiveness.
With a moderate fitness level required, this bike tour presents an engaging way to discover the charms of Santa Barbara’s wine country.
Read our full review: Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour From Solvang – W/O Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Wines Are Featured on the Tours?
The tours often feature a variety of local Santa Barbara wines, including robust reds, crisp whites, and refreshing rosés. Visitors can expect to sample the region’s acclaimed vintages and learn about the unique terroir that gives the wines their distinct flavors.
Can Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal Options Be Accommodated?
Many restaurants in the area offer vegetarian and gluten-free meal options to accommodate various dietary needs. Guests should inquire about the availability of these accommodations when making reservations or inquiring about the menu offerings.
What Is the Difficulty Level of the Bike Tours?
The bike tours in Santa Barbara range in difficulty from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging routes that cover hilly terrain. Most tours can accommodate riders of varying skill levels and offer options to adjust the route as needed.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Lunch During the Tours?
The duration of the lunch break during the bike tours is typically around 1 hour. This gives riders enough time to refuel and relax before continuing their cycling adventure through the scenic areas surrounding Santa Barbara.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children or Families?
The tours are suitable for children and families, as they provide a fun and educational experience. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can accommodate the needs of younger visitors, making it an enjoyable activity for all ages.
Recap
For the best lunch experiences in Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour With Lunch is the top choice. It combines the scenic beauty of the wine country with a delicious lunch, providing a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. The other options, while offering wine country exploration, do not include a lunch component, making the Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour With Lunch the optimal pick for those seeking the complete package.