Private Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour with Lunch & Tastings

Summary

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tasting Experience

You’ll get picked up wherever you’re staying in Santa Barbara County and spend the day exploring three handpicked wineries across Lompoc, Solvang, or Santa Ynez. Enjoy lunch at a local favorite and relax knowing everything—from tastings to rides—is covered. It’s an easy way to discover real wine country without any hassle.

What’s the experience like?

The morning kicked off right on time—our driver rolled up in a shiny Rivian SUV at our Airbnb in Goleta, just as the fog was starting to lift. We tossed our jackets in the back (Santa Barbara mornings can be chilly) and settled in for the drive north. The windows were down just a crack; you could smell eucalyptus as we left town. Our guide, Jamie, chatted about the day’s plan and asked what kind of wines we liked—turns out she knows every tasting room owner by name.

The first stop was a family-run winery tucked behind rows of old oaks near Buellton. The tasting room felt cozy, not fancy, with a couple of friendly dogs wandering around. We tried a crisp sauvignon blanc while Jamie pointed out the vineyard’s history—she mentioned they’ve been growing grapes here since the ‘80s. At the next spot in Solvang, lunch was waiting: sandwiches from Panino (I went for turkey and brie), plus chips and local olives. Not all wineries let you bring food inside, but this one had picnic tables under big umbrellas—perfect for lingering over a glass of pinot noir.

By the third winery in Santa Ynez, the sun was out in full force and folks were chatting on the patio. I noticed how relaxed everyone seemed; no rush at all. On our way back, Jamie offered to drop us at Los Olivos if we wanted more exploring—or just head home. Some people hopped out at a local restaurant instead. The whole day felt easygoing and personal, like hanging out with friends who know all the best spots.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour

• Pickup and drive to wineries
• Visit three wineries and lunch
• Return to pickup location or drop-off

Top questions

Can we choose which wineries we visit?

Absolutely! Let us know your preferences when booking or chat with your driver on the day—we’ll do our best to tailor stops based on your tastes and location.

Is lunch included? What if I’m vegetarian?

Yes, lunch is included at one of the wineries. Vegetarian options are available—just mention it when you book so we can plan ahead.

How long does the tour last?

The tour usually starts around 10:00 a.m. and lasts most of the day, depending on your pace and any extra stops you’d like to add.

Are kids or pets allowed?

Kids are welcome if accompanied by an adult over 25; service animals are allowed too. Just let us know about strollers or special needs when booking.

What’s included

Your reservation covers round-trip transportation from anywhere in Santa Barbara County, guided visits to three wineries or tasting rooms (with all tasting fees included), bottled water for the ride, blankets if it gets chilly outside, umbrellas for shade or rain, and a gourmet lunch at one stop along the way.