We select three unique locations that offer special wines, excellent service and a beautiful atmosphere. Customer feedback is #1 factor in our selections, so we always take guests to the best wineries available. (On Private Tours, you can visit more vineyards or specific wineries.)
We provide a delicious picnic lunch made by New Frontiers Marketplace, sourced locally and made fresh. We typically serve lunch at the 2nd or 3rd stop - around 1pm or 3pm. (See the menu)
5½ to 6 hours for Santa Ynez Valley area pickups and 7½ to 8 hours for Santa Barbara area pickups.
The Santa Ynez Valley is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (Burgundian style wines) along with Syrah, Grenache (Rhone style) and Sauvignon Blanc. We also visit wineries with unusual varieties such as Albarino, Mouvedre and Cabernet Franc.
Most wineries serve 4 to 6 wines with one-ounce pours each per flight. Visiting three wineries, you may drink a bottle or more if you don't espectorate (spit).
Absolutely! Our tour hosts have a thorough knowledge of the geography, history and wines of our region. Each tour host also has at least an entry level Sommelier Certificate. (We are extremely passionate about the wines in our county area!) Meet your tour guides
A maximum of eight guests per vehicle for our most popular Wine Lovers Tour. Private wine tours will depend on your group size.
Yes, but the tasting fees are included in our tour prices. (Wineries typically charge $20-$65 per person.)
We use a Mercedes Sprinter van for most tours. Our vehicles are spotlessly cleaned and maintained daily!
No, but it's a great opportunity to purchase exceptional Santa Barbara County wine directly from the producers and or winemakers. Wine not only makes a great gift but also perfect for special occasions and holidays.
We come to you at your hotel or location, or we can pick you up at one of these locations that have all-day parking.
Wine Lovers Tours depart at:
9:45-10:20am from the Santa Barbara Area
10:45-11:15am from the Santa Ynez Valley Area
10:20-10:30am from Santa Maria, Los Alamos, or Lompoc
Private tours are more flexible, as it is your day. However, leaving later or coming back early may limit your possibilities, as standard winery hours are 11am-5pm, with last pours beginning around 4pm.
Dress casually, and remember it can be very hot here in the summer and chilly in wintertime. (You can leave your sweater in the van.) We encourage you to have a good, solid breakfast before the tour - and go easy the night before!
You might also want to read our tasting primer, Wine Tasting 101.
Yes, a 10% gratuity is included with your all-inclusive tour. It is not uncommon though for guests to tip extra for your host as well as your wine servers. It's not expected but deeply appreciated. They work very hard to assure you will have an amazing wine tasting experience!
We love to answer questions!
