Horseback Riding in Santa Ynez Valley: Wine Country & Vineyards

Ninety minutes in the saddle through rolling wine country, with an ocean view from the canyon rim.

A private horseback riding experience in Santa Ynez Valley combines a 90-minute guided ride through vineyards and a seasonal canyon with tastings at two wineries, all with door-to-door transportation from Santa Barbara. The full day runs about 7 hours and includes an expert English-speaking guide, all tasting fees, and a stop at a top-rated restaurant where lunch is available for purchase. Minimum age is 21.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding and wine tasting

• Drive to horse ranch
• 90-minute horseback ride
• Photo stop at ocean viewpoint
• Visit two wineries
• Wine tastings at wineries
• Optional lunch at first winery

The experience

You start with pickup from anywhere in the Santa Barbara area between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., then head to the horse ranch for a 90-minute ride through a canyon with a seasonal waterfall. The trail climbs to an overlook with ocean views: a natural stopping point for photos before you head back down. No prior riding experience is required. The guide handles the route and the pace.

After the ride, you visit two wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. All tastings are included in the price. The first winery has a top-rated restaurant on-site where you can order lunch if you want it (paid separately). The second winery rounds out the tasting portion of the day. You'll be back in Santa Barbara by around 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.

The guide is there throughout: on the ride to point out the terrain and manage the horses, and at the wineries to talk through what you're tasting. Bottled water and any alcoholic beverages you purchase are part of the experience. The whole day is private, so the pace and stops are yours to shape within the structure.

What’s included

Your price covers door-to-door transportation from Santa Barbara, the 90-minute guided horseback ride, tastings at both wineries, bottled water throughout the day, and an expert English-speaking guide to lead the ride and explain the wines.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:45

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Under 21: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Captain Jack's Santa Barbara Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads both the ride and the winery commentary, so you follow along comfortably whether you've ridden before or not. The full day is private, which means the pace on the trail and the time at each winery stay on your schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the riding part of the day actually like?

The 90-minute ride goes through a canyon with a seasonal waterfall, climbing to an overlook where you can see the ocean. The guide leads the route. All fitness levels are welcome, and no prior riding experience is needed.

Do I need to know how to ride a horse?

No. The guide handles the route and manages the pace for everyone on the ride, so beginners and experienced riders both do this tour comfortably.

What happens at the wineries?

You visit two wineries in Santa Ynez Valley, and tastings at both are included in the price. The first one has a restaurant where you can buy lunch. The second is a tasting stop before you head back to Santa Barbara.

Does the price include lunch?

Lunch is not included, but it's available for purchase at the first winery's restaurant. Bottled water is included throughout the day.

How long is the whole experience?

About 7 hours total, including the ride, the two winery tastings, travel time, and the restaurant stop. Pickup starts between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., and you're back in Santa Barbara by around 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Door-to-door pickup and drop-off from anywhere in the Santa Barbara area are included in the price.