Exploring the renowned wine country of Santa Barbara is a must for any oenophile. The Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour offers a captivating 5-hour experience, allowing visitors to indulge in wine tastings at three local wineries while savoring a complimentary lunch. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking host, the small-group tour ensures a personalized and intimate atmosphere. With convenient pickup and drop-off options, this tour provides an effortless way to discover the stunning vineyards and rich history of this acclaimed wine region. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to uncover the unique flavors and stories that make Santa Barbara’s wine country truly exceptional.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Santa Barbara.

Key Points

Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour - Key Points

  • A 5-hour wine country tour in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley, with tastings at three local wineries and a locally-sourced lunch (weekdays only).
  • Convenient pickup and drop-off options from various locations in the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley area.
  • Small group size (up to 14 participants) for a personalized experience, with a live English-speaking guide providing commentary.
  • Wine tasting fees, transportation, and cold beverages included in the tour price of €218.79 per person.
  • Opportunity to explore the region’s wine history and production, with recommendations for a 15-20% tip for the tour guide.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour - Tour Overview and Pricing

The Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour experience, priced at €218.79 per person. The tour is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.

A free cancellation policy is in place, allowing for a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. Travelers also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour covers transportation, wine tastings at three local wineries, and a locally-sourced lunch during the weekdays. With a small group size limited to 14 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience led by a live guide in English.

Itinerary and Locations

Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour - Itinerary and Locations

Pickup locations for the Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour include the hotel lobbies in Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez or the Santa Barbara Visitors Center, with additional options in Los Olivos, Buellton, Montecito, Goleta, Solvang, Santa Barbara, and Santa Ynez.

Once guests are aboard, the tour begins with a 1-hour van transportation to the first winery.

Over the course of the 5-hour experience, guests will:

  • Enjoy three 75-minute wine tastings at local wineries

  • Indulge in a 2-hour locally-sourced lunch (weekdays only)

  • Return via 1-hour van transportation to their original pickup location

The tour’s small group size, limited to 14 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized wine country adventure.

Experience Highlights

Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour - Experience Highlights

Experience Highlights

Guests on the Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour can look forward to a well-rounded experience, including wine tastings at three local wineries, a locally-sourced lunch (on weekdays), and insights into the region’s history and wine production.

The small group size, limited to 14 participants, ensures a more intimate and personalized tour.

Along the way, the live English-speaking guide will share their knowledge of the local area, providing fascinating stories and details about the winemaking process.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy exploring new regions, this tour offers a chance to explore the heart of Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country.

Inclusions and Recommendations

This Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour includes pickup and drop-off from the Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Valley area, with all wine tasting fees covered. Plus, cold beverages are provided throughout the tour.

For those seeking guidance, a 15-20% tip is recommended for the knowledgeable tour guide.

The tour also includes:

  • Locally-sourced lunch provided on weekdays

  • Insight into the region’s history and wine production

  • Small group size limited to 14 participants

  • Live guide providing commentary in English

  • Dietary options available for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests

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Important Information and Requirements

To participate in the Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour, there are a few important requirements.

The minimum age to consume alcohol on the tour is 21. Plus, a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to run – if this minimum isn’t met, an alternative date will be offered or a full refund provided.

Dietary options are available for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners. Participants should bring a valid passport or ID card.

The tour operator is committed to accommodating all guests and ensuring a memorable experience. They recommend guests wear comfortable shoes and dress for the day’s weather, as the tour involves some walking between wineries.

Customer Reviews Summary

Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour - Customer Reviews Summary

Customers have offered a strong overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for the Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour based on 17 reviews. Guests were particularly impressed with the tour’s transportation, which earned a perfect 5/5 score. The value for money also received high praise at 4.3/5.

However, there were some concerns about the service at certain wineries and the limits on wine tastings. Overall, customers reported positive experiences with the knowledgeable tour guides and the smooth organization of the excursion.

Key highlights cited by reviewers include:

  • Knowledgeable tour guides

  • Smooth tour organization

  • Impressive transportation

  • Good value for money

  • Some concerns about winery service

Pickup and Drop-off Options

Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour - Pickup and Drop-off Options

The Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour offers a range of convenient pickup and drop-off locations across the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley areas, catering to the needs of participants.

Guests can be picked up from their hotel lobbies in Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, or the Santa Barbara Visitors Center.

The tour also provides pickup options in nearby towns like Los Olivos, Buellton, Montecito, Goleta, and Solvang.

At the end of the tour, guests are dropped off at the same locations, ensuring a seamless start and finish to their wine country adventure.

This flexibility ensures that all participants can easily access and depart from the tour, making it a convenient and accessible experience.

Wine Tasting Experiences

Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off options, the Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour provides an immersive wine tasting experience at three local wineries, giving participants the opportunity to explore the region’s rich viticulture.

During the 75-minute tasting sessions at each winery, guests can:

  • Sample a selection of the winery’s finest vintages

  • Learn about the unique terroir and production methods

  • Engage with knowledgeable staff who offer insights into the winemaking process

  • Appreciate the breathtaking vineyard views that surround the tasting rooms

  • Discover new favorite varietals and bring home a few bottles as souvenirs.

This comprehensive tour allows visitors to fully enjoy the flavors and culture of Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour - Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended to ensure you can fully enjoy the wine tastings and activities without restrictions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Generally, participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on wine tours. The tour package typically includes wine tastings and a locally-sourced lunch, so outside food and beverages are discouraged to ensure a seamless experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer any standard discounts, but customers may be able to find deals through third-party booking sites or by checking for promotional offers directly with the tour operator. It’s best to inquire about any available discounts when making a reservation.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

The tour allows for some customization to suit individual preferences. Guests can request changes to pickup/drop-off locations and lunch options, though winery visits are predetermined. Requests should be made in advance to ensure availability.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges During the Tour?

The tour price includes the wine tasting fees, van transportation, and a locally-sourced lunch on weekdays. Customers should plan to tip the guide 15-20% based on their satisfaction with the service. No additional fees are charged during the tour.

Recap

The Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour offers a delightful 5-hour experience, allowing visitors to indulge in wine tastings at three local wineries and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

With a small group size and a knowledgeable English-speaking host, the tour provides a personalized and intimate atmosphere, perfect for exploring the stunning vineyards and rich history of Santa Barbara’s renowned wine region.

You can check if your dates are available here: