Santa Ynez Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Picnic Lunch & Tastings

Three Wineries, One Driver Who Knows Them All

You get picked up from your hotel, driven to three Santa Ynez wineries with tasting fees already paid, eat a picnic lunch with a view, and return without worrying about driving or logistics. The whole day is planned. You just show up and taste.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit three wineries with picnic lunch

• Arrive at first winery
• Enjoy wine tasting and picnic lunch
• Travel to second winery
• Experience wine tasting at second winery
• Travel to third winery
• Complete wine tasting at third winery

The experience

Someone leans back in a leather seat, glass in hand, watching the Santa Ynez Valley roll past the window, and that's you, about two hours into a day that started with a pickup from your Solvang or Los Olivos hotel. The Grapeline driver isn't just ferrying people between wineries. They're the one who knows which tasting room has the best light at noon, where to park so you're not rushed, and what's actually worth your time on the list. You're not driving, not navigating, not doing the math on tasting fees. All three are already covered, which means the only decision you're making is which wine to pour next.

The tour hits three wineries across Santa Ynez Valley, each one picked for something different. You might start at a smaller operation like Andrew Murray or Kalyra, where the tasting feels less like a line and more like a conversation, then move to something with more history: Firestone or Fess Parker, places where the winemaking story actually matters. Your final stop could be Beckmen or Rideau, depending on the day and what the driver thinks will round out what you've already tasted. Between stops, there's a picnic lunch with options you choose ahead of time, eaten somewhere with a view if the weather holds. It's not fancy, but it's real: the kind of lunch that tastes better outside, with a glass in front of you.

What makes this different from driving yourself is the pace. You're not checking your phone for directions or worrying about who's had too much to drink. The driver handles the route, knows the back roads, and can tell you something true about each place instead of reading from a script. Groups stay small enough that you're not herded through a tasting room like a tour bus just rolled in. Pickup happens from your hotel (Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, or Santa Ynez), and you're back by evening, wine-tired and ready to sit down.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, or Santa Ynez.
• transportation in a deluxe touring vehicle with a knowledgeable driver.
• wine tasting fees at three Santa Ynez Valley wineries.
• a picnic lunch with multiple menu options to choose from.
• and bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Under 21: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Grapeline Wine Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to taste three good Santa Ynez wineries without arranging transport, paying tasting fees separately, or deciding which wineries to visit. The driver handles the route and the timing, which is what makes a full day of tasting possible without the logistics.

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Top questions

What wineries do you visit?

The three wineries rotate based on the day and season. Common stops include Firestone, Fess Parker, Andrew Murray, Kalyra, Beckmen, Rideau, Lincourt, and Foley Estate. The driver chooses based on current conditions and what works best for the group.

Is the picnic lunch included?

Yes. You choose your lunch option when you book, and it's included with the tour. Bottled water is also provided.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup is from your hotel in Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, or Santa Ynez. A neutral spot is available if your hotel isn't in those towns. Exact times are confirmed when you book.

Are tasting fees included?

Yes. Tasting fees at all three wineries are included in the price. No additional wine costs.

How long is the tour?

It's a full day. You're picked up in the morning and returned in the evening.

Can I bring my own wine?

Outside alcohol is typically not permitted at wineries. Check with the tour operator for their specific policy.

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?

Yes. The tour works for anyone 21 and over, whether you're a connoisseur or just interested in trying wines. The driver and winery staff are used to all experience levels.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

Contact the tour operator directly to discuss non-alcoholic options or alternatives before booking.