The wine scene in California’s Santa Ynez Valley centers on Solvang, where Danish architecture meets premier wine country. The town serves as an ideal launching point for exploring nearby vineyards and tasting rooms.
Small-group tours stand out for their intimacy and attention to detail. The private guided options, complete with gourmet picnic lunches, allow visitors to skip the crowds while learning directly from local experts. For active travelers, e-bike tours offer a refreshing way to pedal between vintners without breaking a sweat.
I especially appreciate the full-day excursions that combine tastings with cultural insights – they’re well-paced and hit the valley’s standout wineries. The guides know their stuff and share practical wine knowledge without any pretense.
Let’s explore the top wine tours worth your time and money in Solvang.
Key Points
- Private guided wine tours in the renowned Santa Ynez Valley, offering wine tastings and gourmet lunch at a highly rated 4.5-star experience.
- E-bike tours in Los Olivos, combining a scenic guided ride with vineyard lunch and wine tasting, and optional activities like lavender farm visits.
- Comprehensive 7-hour e-bike wine country tour exploring Santa Ynez Valley, including stops at a lavender farm, miniature horse farm, and Danish village.
- Solvang wine tours with tastings at three local artisan wineries, a private vineyard, and a barrel room tasting with chocolate pairing.
- Full-day inclusive wine tasting tour covering three premier wineries, with all tasting fees and a gourmet picnic lunch included.
Santa Barbara: Private Guided Wine Tour With Lunch
While exploring the picturesque Santa Barbara region, visitors can embark on a private guided wine tour that promises an immersive experience.
This 5-hour tour offers pickup and drop-off, catering to small groups for a more personalized adventure. Participants will visit several renowned wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, where they can indulge in wine tastings and enjoy a delectable lunch.
The tour is highly rated, with 4.5 stars, and is priced at €232.40 per person. It provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside, learn about the local winemaking process, and savor the flavors of the region’s renowned vintages.
Whether a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this private guided tour offers a unique and memorable way to discover the best of Santa Barbara’s wine country.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Private Guided Wine Tour With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch With Wine Tasting
Offering a unique and engaging way to explore the scenic Los Olivos region, the E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch with Wine Tasting invites visitors to experience the heart of Santa Barbara’s wine country. Priced from $205 per person, this 4-hour tour promises a memorable adventure, featuring a guided electric bike ride, a visit to the charming town of Los Olivos, and a gourmet lunch with a wine tasting at Beckmen Vineyards.
Guests can expect to ride high-quality Class 3 e-bikes, designed for accessibility, while learning about the local history and wine from knowledgeable guides. The tour also includes a stop at a scenic viewpoint and a visit to the Santa Ynez Valley before returning to the starting point.
With optional activities like visiting a lavender farm, an olive oil tasting, or a miniature horse ranch, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the region. Backed by a premier bike tour operator, the E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch with Wine Tasting is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique and immersive wine country experience.
Read our full review: Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch With Wine Tasting Review
Book now: Check availability
Santa Barbara: E-Bike Wine Country Tour W/ Tastings & Lunch
Enjoy the picturesque wine country of Santa Barbara on this comprehensive 7-hour E-Bike Wine Country Tour.
Explore the Santa Ynez Valley, visiting charming towns, farms, and wineries. Pedal through stunning vineyard views on comfortable e-bikes, learning from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
Highlights include stops at a lavender farm, miniature horse farm, and quaint Danish village. Discover the art of olive oil tasting at an orchard before indulging in a gourmet picnic lunch at a winery.
Savor two wine tasting flights, each featuring five wines at different estate wineries.
With a small group limited to 8 participants, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Easily navigate the hills with the e-bike’s power while enjoying the magnificent scenery.
Free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option provide flexibility. Suitable for those confident on a bike, this tour promises an unforgettable wine country adventure.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: E-Bike Wine Country Tour W/ Tastings & Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Solvang: Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tours W/ Lunch & Tastings
Explore the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley on this comprehensive 5-hour wine tour from Solvang. Priced from $190 per person, this small-group tour (max 8 participants) offers a delightful tasting experience at three local artisan wineries and a private vineyard.
Enjoy a barrel room tasting and chocolate pairing at a boutique winery, and savor a picnic lunch with bottled water and snacks at one of the venues. Learn about the area’s rich winemaking history from your knowledgeable guide.
Receive a 10% discount on wine purchases at the final boutique winery. With round-trip pickup in the Solvang/Santa Ynez Valley areas, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the region’s finest wines.
Reviewers praise the tour guide’s expertise and the variety of locations visited, ensuring a fun and memorable day. Reservations can be made now with the option to pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Solvang: Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tours W/ Lunch & Tastings Review
Book now: Check availability
Full-Day Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour From Santa Ynez Valley
This full-day wine tasting tour from the Santa Ynez Valley offers visitors a comprehensive and inclusive experience to explore the region’s celebrated wineries.
Priced at $189 per person, the 5-hour tour includes visits to 3 premier wineries, with all tasting fees covered. Guests are picked up and dropped off at various locations in Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, and Buellton, and transported in a deluxe touring vehicle with a knowledgeable driver-host.
The wine tasting experience features diverse wine styles at renowned wineries like Andrew Murray Vineyards, Beckmen Vineyards, and Fess Parker Winery.
Enhancing the tour is a gourmet picnic lunch from Whiskey N Rye restaurant, with 7 sandwich and salad options. Customers rave about the exceptional service and the driver’s expertise in sharing insights about the wineries and local wine culture.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this inclusive wine tour is an excellent way to discover the Santa Ynez Valley’s acclaimed vineyards.
Read our full review: Full-Day Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour From Santa Ynez Valley Review
Book now: Check availability
Highlights Of, Santa Barbara and or Winery Tours .
Santa Barbara and the nearby Santa Ynez Valley offer a diverse range of winery tours and other captivating activities for visitors. Travelers can embark on a 5-hour Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour that includes lunch and tastings, rated 5 out of 5 stars.
For a broader experience, the Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour provides a 5-hour small-group exploration of the region, with a 4.5-star rating. Those seeking a more budget-friendly option can opt for the Santa Barbara: Santa Ynez Wine Country Shuttle, a 5-hour small-group tour starting at $127 per person.
Beyond wine, visitors can enjoy a Sunset Kayak Tour along the Santa Barbara coastline, rated 4.9 out of 5, or a Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour to spot local marine life.
For land-based adventures, the Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch with Wine Tasting offers a unique 4-hour experience. Solvang and the surrounding areas provide a wealth of activities to suit diverse interests and budgets.
Read our full review: Highlights Of, Santa Barbara and or Winery Tours . Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Solvang offers an array of captivating wine tours, ranging from private guided excursions to e-bike adventures. Visitors can savor the region’s renowned vintages, indulge in delectable lunches, and enjoy the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley. These diverse tour options cater to various interests, ensuring an unforgettable wine-tasting experience for travelers seeking to explore Solvang’s vibrant wine country.