Santa Barbara offers more than just stunning coastlines and charming streets — it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch centered around local wine, small-batch wineries, and gourmet picnics. The region’s diverse wine landscape makes pairing food and wine an effortless pleasure, whether you prefer a guided tour through Santa Ynez’s renowned vineyards or exploring boutique wineries with a personal touch. Many tours include all-inclusive tastings and delicious lunches, making it easy to savor the flavors of California’s wine country without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. If you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Santa Barbara’s lunch experiences are crafted to satisfy.
For those considering a wine-focused midday adventure, there are options ranging from comprehensive multi-winery excursions with picnic lunches to intimate tasting rooms with small-batch wines. Most tours are all-inclusive, offering transportation, tastings, and gourmet lunches, so you can focus on enjoying your experience without extra fuss. Be sure to check the details to find the perfect fit for your schedule, interests, and budget.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a list of the top lunch-focused wine tours in Santa Barbara. Each offers a unique experience — some include visits to three wineries with picnic lunches, while others focus on boutique, family-owned vineyards. All tours are highly rated and include tasting fees and transportation, so you don’t need to worry about the logistics. For more details, click on the tour titles to visit their pages.
- 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang
- 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch from Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour with Lunch
- 3-Winery Tour Includes Lunch in Santa Ynez from Santa Barbara
- 3-Winery Tour Includes Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton
1. 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang
Starting at number 1, this Santa Ynez wine tour with tastings and lunch ranks highly for its comprehensive approach. It’s a five-hour round-trip journey from Santa Barbara, perfect for those who want a relaxed yet immersive experience. The tour covers three wineries with tastings included, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs. The highlight is a delicious picnic lunch paired with bottled water, served amid vineyard views—weather permitting, of course.
What makes this tour stand out is its all-inclusive format—from the tastings to lunch, everything is handled in advance. The vehicle is climate-controlled, and a knowledgeable driver/host ensures smooth transitions and interesting tidbits along the way. Reviewers frequently mention the “kind driver” and “delicious lunch,” with perfect scores from almost all who’ve taken it. You’ll visit top spots like Kaena at the Ranch, Andrew Murray Vineyards, or The Brander Vineyard, each known for their unique profiles and scenic settings.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value, especially if you prefer a small group setting with guided convenience and a memorable picnic lunch. It’s best suited for those who want to sample a variety of wines without the hassle of planning.
2. 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch from Santa Barbara
Next, the Santa Barbara wine tour with tastings and lunch offers a six-and-a-half-hour experience with a focus on visiting three carefully selected vineyards. The tour departs from Santa Barbara, with transfers included from local accommodations, making logistics straightforward. It features tastings at renowned wineries like Fess Parker and Foley Estate, with each stop showcasing the region’s diversity.
What makes this tour distinctive is the seasonally tailored itinerary—the wineries visited depend on the time of year, offering a fresh experience each time. The gourmet picnic lunch is crafted to match the wines, and the guide is praised for combining local knowledge with friendly professionalism. Reviewers mention that Cary, the guide, is “wonderful,” and the wine is “devine,” highlighting the personal touch.
The value here lies in the comprehensive experience with transport, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the tasting without worry. The longer duration suits those eager to learn more about local wine production and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet engaging day that combines wine, food, and education, with a premium feel.
3. Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour with Lunch
The Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour with Lunch is a smaller, more personalized outing. Rated just three reviews, it’s a six-hour experience focusing on boutique, family-owned wineries. This tour emphasizes small-production wines and offers a chance to explore independent wineries that aren’t on the typical tourist path.
The highlight is the gourmet picnic lunch, served as you enjoy the intimate atmosphere of these small vineyards. This experience is especially well-suited for wine enthusiasts who want to learn about boutique winemaking and enjoy a more educational tasting experience.
Since the tour is small, it provides a personalized approach, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discover the stories behind each wine. While the reviews are limited, the focus on local, independent wineries offers a more authentic taste of Santa Barbara’s wine scene.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who enjoy small, intimate tours and want to explore less commercialized wineries with a gourmet lunch to match.
4. 3-Winery Tour Includes Lunch in Santa Ynez from Santa Barbara
The Santa Ynez 3-winery tour with lunch offers a seven-hour day exploring three carefully selected wineries. The tour is known for its seamless logistics, with reservations and tastings included, so you won’t need to handle any details. An added benefit is the opportunity to purchase wines or join wine clubs with potential refunds.
Participants enjoy an artisan-inspired picnic lunch, featuring seven different options, making it perfect for foodies who appreciate gourmet, locally sourced ingredients. The tour emphasizes personalized experiences at each winery, with time to soak in the scenery and ask questions.
With no reviews yet, the value lies in the comprehensive coverage and stress-free logistics, especially for those new to wine tours who want a relaxing, all-inclusive experience. The tour suits anyone keen to indulge in Santa Ynez’s best wineries without the hassle of planning.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a full-day, all-inclusive wine experience with gourmet lunch options and the flexibility to make purchases.
5. 3-Winery Tour Includes Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton
Rounding out the list, this Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton winery tour with lunch is a five-hour experience focused on visiting three handpicked wineries. Like others, it includes all tasting fees and a curated artisan lunch featuring seven options.
One of its appealing features is the worry-free logistics, with reservations and transportation handled, making it a good choice for travelers wanting a budget-friendly experience. The tour is especially suited for those who prefer a more flexible, shorter day with the opportunity to enjoy local wines and a delicious lunch.
While it doesn’t have reviews yet, the consistent theme across these tours is easy planning and good value. The artisan lunch box allows you to enjoy a variety of local flavors without sacrificing quality.
Bottom line: Great for budget-conscious travelers who want an efficient, enjoyable wine and lunch tour with all the details taken care of.
How to Choose Your Perfect Santa Barbara Lunch Experience
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, time available, and interest in different winery types. If you prefer a full-day exploration with premium wineries and gourmet picnic, the Santa Ynez 3-winery tour with lunch or the Santa Barbara wine tour with tastings and lunch are excellent choices. For those seeking a more intimate, small-batch experience, the Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour with Lunch offers a personalized touch.
If you’re on a tighter schedule or budget, the Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton tour provides a shorter, more affordable option, while still including all the essentials.
Book early, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred date. Many tours include transportation, so your focus can stay on enjoying the wine and food.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara offers an impressive selection of lunch-centered wine tours that highlight the region’s diverse wineries and culinary delights. Whether you want a full-day, in-depth exploration with upscale picnic lunches or a brief visit to boutique family-owned vineyards, there’s a perfect option. For wine lovers who appreciate good food, these tours provide a balance of education, relaxation, and flavor.
For most travelers, the 3-winery tours stand out for their value and convenience, but if your priority is a more intimate experience or a gourmet picnic, the options with personalized attention are worth considering. Remember to book early, especially during busy seasons, to ensure your spot in the sun—and the wine.