Santa Ynez Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Lunch & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Santa Barbara wine country day with tastings, stories and vineyard lunch

You’ll ride out from Santa Barbara into rolling vineyard country, tasting your way through three unique wineries in Santa Ynez Valley with a local guide who knows every backroad story. Enjoy an easygoing lunch among the vines, chat with winemakers, and let someone else handle all the driving so you can just relax into it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — that kind of soft quiet you get when the van doors close and you’re suddenly surrounded by rows of vines instead of traffic. We’d barely left Santa Barbara before our guide, Matt (he knew everyone’s name by the first stop), started pointing out old ranches and telling stories about how the valley got its start with wine. I liked that he didn’t just rattle off facts; he actually paused so we could catch glimpses of horses or ask questions about the hills. The air smelled a little like sagebrush and something sweet I couldn’t place.

Our first winery in Santa Ynez Valley had this sun-faded porch where we tried a Chardonnay that tasted almost buttery — I’m not usually into whites, but it surprised me. The winemaker came out to say hi (her dog followed) and explained why their vines looked scruffy compared to others. I tried to sound like I understood, but mostly just nodded and enjoyed the way everyone laughed together when someone mispronounced “Viognier.” There were these tiny birds darting between the tables — I still think about that view over the fields, honestly.

Lunch was set up right in the vineyard at our second stop. Sandwiches with local cheese, nothing fancy but somehow perfect after a couple tastings. The sun felt warm on my arms but there was a breeze too, so it never got uncomfortable. Someone asked if we could buy bottles to take home (yes), and Matt told us which ones pair best with tacos — apparently he’s got strong opinions about food. By the third winery, most of us were swapping stories about trips or favorite wines; it felt less like a tour group and more like friends who’d lucked into a good day together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting tour

• Travel to Santa Ynez Valley
• Visit first winery for tasting
• Visit second winery for tasting
• Enjoy lunch at vineyard
• Visit third winery for tasting
• Learn about wine history and production

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Santa Ynez wine tour?

You’ll visit three full production wineries during the tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this Santa Barbara wine tour?

Yes, shuttle pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodations in Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez Valley is included.

What kind of lunch is provided on the wine tour?

A locally sourced lunch is served amidst the vineyards at one of the winery stops.

Are wine tasting fees included in the price?

Yes, all wine tasting fees at three wineries are included in your tour price.

How long do you spend at each winery?

You spend about an hour at each winery during the day trip.

Is this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all levels—your guide shares background info without being overwhelming.

Can children join this wine tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this Santa Ynez wine tour.

What’s included

Your day includes shuttle pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez Valley, all tasting fees at three different wineries, a relaxed locally sourced lunch served right in the vineyards with cold drinks, plus plenty of stories from your knowledgeable guide along the way before heading back in comfort.