Nestled in the heart of California’s picturesque wine country, the Santa Ynez region beckons wine enthusiasts with its world-renowned vineyards and stunning natural beauty. The Santa Ynez Wine Country Tour offers an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the best of this captivating destination. From intimate winery visits to a locally-sourced lunch, this tour promises to delight the senses and leave guests craving more of the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Key Points
- A comprehensive 5-hour wine tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, with tastings at multiple wineries, a locally-sourced lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned van.
- Small-group tours limited to 14 participants, conducted in English, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior.
- Pickup locations include Goleta, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Montecito.
- Tour includes knowledgeable guides, wine tasting fees, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free lunch options upon request.
- Overall customer satisfaction rated 4.5 out of 5, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and varied winery experiences.
Tour Overview
The Santa Ynez: Wine Country Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour experience, priced from Kč 5,497 per person.
This small-group tour, limited to 14 participants, is conducted in English. Guests can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and the flexibility of reserve now, pay later.
Pickup locations include popular spots in the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley areas.
The tour includes wine tastings, a locally-sourced lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned van with a knowledgeable guide providing insights throughout the day.
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Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins with pickup by air-conditioned van from select locations in the Goleta, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Montecito areas.
The tour begins with pickup by air-conditioned van from select locations in the Goleta, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Montecito areas.
After a 1-hour drive, the first winery visit commences, lasting 75 minutes. Participants then enjoy a 2-hour lunch and additional wine tasting at a second winery.
The final 75-minute tasting concludes the experience before the 1-hour return trip. Lunch is locally-sourced and served in the shade, while cold beverages are provided throughout the day.
The tour features expert guides, all wine tasting fees, and transportation within the Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez Valley.
What’s Included
As part of the Santa Ynez: Wine Country Tour, the tour price includes several key elements.
Travelers are provided with pickup and drop-off transportation from various locations in the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley area. The wine tasting fees at the wineries are covered, allowing guests to sample the local varietals.
A knowledgeable guide accompanies the group, offering insights about the region and wineries. Lunch, featuring locally-sourced ingredients, is served on weekdays at a winery or park. Cold beverages are also provided throughout the day.
Tips are recommended at 15-20% for the guide’s service.
Pickup Locations
The tour offers pickup locations spanning the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley area, including Goleta, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Montecito.
Guests can choose the most convenient pickup spot for them:
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Goleta
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Solvang
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Buellton
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Santa Barbara
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Los Olivos
The pickup service ensures a seamless start to the wine tour, allowing visitors to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to the first winery.
The pickup service guarantees a smooth start, letting guests relax and take in the scenic drive to the first winery.
With a range of options, the tour caters to the diverse needs and locations of its participants.
More Great Tours NearbyDining Options
Lunch is provided on the wine tour, offering locally-sourced options served in the shade at a winery or park (on weekdays only).
The lunch menu features a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes to accommodate diverse dietary needs. Cold beverages are also provided throughout the tour.
Some participants have noted that during outdoor tastings, the temperature can be slightly uncomfortable, so dressing in layers is recommended.
Guest Requirements
To participate in the Santa Ynez: Wine Country Tour, guests must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcohol.
The tour offers a few additional considerations for guests:
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Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free lunch options are available upon request.
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Guests are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
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A valid passport or ID is required for identification purposes.
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Minimum of 2 participants is needed; alternative dates or a full refund are provided if the minimum isn’t met.
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Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the winery visits.
Booking Details
Booking the Santa Ynez: Wine Country Tour is flexible, allowing guests to reserve their spot without immediate payment.
The tour is priced from Kč 5,497 per person and lasts 5 hours with a group size limited to 14 participants. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.
Pickup locations span from Goleta to Montecito, with the tour including transportation, wine tastings, and lunch. Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
A minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to proceed as scheduled.
Customer Feedback
The customer reviews for the Santa Ynez: Wine Country Tour are overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 18 reviews.
Guests praised the knowledgeable guides for their insights and safe driving, rating the transportation at 5/5. The value for money was rated 4.3/5.
However, some feedback mentioned temperature discomfort during outdoor tastings.
The tour offers:
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Knowledgeable and helpful guides
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Comfortable transportation
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Good value for money
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Varied winery experiences
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Potential weather challenges
Ask Away
How Many Wineries Will We Visit During the Tour?
The tour will visit 3 wineries, with a wine tasting at each one. The itinerary includes an initial winery visit, lunch and additional wine tasting at a second winery, and a final wine tasting at a third winery.
What Types of Wine Tastings Are Included?
The tour includes wine tastings at 3 different wineries. Visitors can expect to sample a variety of locally-produced wines, with tasting fees covered in the tour price. Lunch and cold beverages are also provided during the day.
Is Gratuity for the Guide Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price doesn’t include the guide’s gratuity. It’s recommended to tip them 15-20% for their knowledge and service throughout the day. Customers are responsible for providing this additional amount separate from the tour cost.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a locally-sourced lunch served at a winery or park, as well as cold beverages throughout the day.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for the tour, though comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as temperatures can vary between the indoor and outdoor locations visited.
Final Words
The Santa Ynez Wine Country Tour provides a delightful and immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. With knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and a curated selection of wineries, the tour offers a relaxed and memorable way to explore the flavors of California’s renowned wine region. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, this small-group excursion is a perfect choice for a day of wine tasting and discovery.
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