The Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle provides an opportunity to discover the captivating wine country of Santa Ynez Valley. With knowledgeable guides, visitors can explore 2-3 carefully selected wineries, learning about the region’s rich history and winemaking practices. The tour includes shuttle service, scenic vineyard views, and a lunch stop in the charming town of Los Olivos. Priced starting at $129 per person, the shuttle offers an intimate experience for a maximum of 12 travelers. Those seeking to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and renowned vintages of this renowned wine region won’t want to miss out on this unique offering.
Key Points
- Comprehensive wine country tour of the Santa Ynez Valley, visiting 2-3 carefully selected wineries with knowledgeable guides.
- Convenient shuttle service with pickup from hotels in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley, or option to meet at the Santa Barbara Visitor Center.
- Tour price starts at $129.00 per person, with a minimum of 4 participants required and a maximum group size of 12 travelers.
- Tour includes shuttle service and a friendly guide, but tasting fees at wineries are not included.
- Highly rated by guests for excellent guides, scenic views, and the lunch stop in Los Olivos.
Overview and Experience
The Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle offers a comprehensive tour of the renowned Santa Ynez Valley wine country, taking visitors to 2-3 carefully selected wineries.
Knowledgeable guides share local history and insider secrets of wine production, enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy scenic views of vineyards and a lunch stop in the charming town of Los Olivos.
The tours generally last around 6 hours, starting in the late morning and concluding by mid-afternoon.
This well-rounded experience provides an engaging and educational exploration of the region’s vibrant wine culture.
Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Santa Barbara
Pickup and Meeting Points
Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle’s shuttle service includes pickup from hotels or private accommodations in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley.
Alternatively, guests can meet at the Santa Barbara Visitor Center (1 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).
Parking fees of $9 per day may apply at the Visitor Center.
- Shuttle service from hotels or private accommodations in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley.
- Meet at the Santa Barbara Visitor Center.
- Parking fees of $9 per day may apply at the Visitor Center.
Pricing and Availability
Although the price starts at $129.00 per person, the tour requires a minimum of 4 participants.
Single travelers can confirm availability by calling the office.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
The tour includes shuttle service, a friendly guide, wine discussions, and lunch, though tasting fees aren’t included.
Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.
The maximum group size is 12 travelers.
Tour Inclusions and Requirements
The Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle tour includes shuttle service, a friendly guide who leads discussions about the local wines, and a lunch stop.
The tour also:
- Provides tasting fees at the wineries, which aren’t included in the tour price.
- Welcomes guests 21 and older, as alcohol consumption is part of the experience.
- Offers stroller accessibility, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the shuttle vehicle.
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience as you explore the scenic Santa Ynez Valley and its renowned vineyards.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Rated 4.7 based on 37 reviews, the Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle consistently receives positive feedback from guests, who highlight the excellent guides, accommodating service for dietary needs, and enjoyable experiences at the wineries.
Guests praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Johann and Sunny. The overall experience earns high marks, though some suggest improvements to vehicle comfort.
Reviewers appreciate the shuttle’s convenience, scenic views, and lunch stop in Los Olivos.
With a mix of history, wine education, and scenic vistas, the Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle delivers a well-rounded tour of the region’s renowned vineyards.
Exploring Santa Ynez Valley
Exploring the scenic wineries and picturesque landscapes of Santa Ynez Valley is the highlight of the Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle experience.
The tour visits 2-3 local wineries, where knowledgeable guides share insights on the region’s history and wine production.
Guests enjoy:
- Breathtaking vineyard views
- A lunch stop in the charming town of Los Olivos
- Engaging discussions about the secrets of winemaking
The shuttle service includes pickup from hotels or the Santa Barbara Visitor Center, ensuring a convenient and carefree day exploring the best of Santa Ynez Valley’s wine country.
What to Expect on the Tour
Guests can expect a well-organized and informative day exploring the picturesque wineries of Santa Ynez Valley. The shuttle service includes pickup and drop-off, with an option to meet at the Santa Barbara Visitor Center.
Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local history and wine production. Visitors will enjoy scenic vineyard views and a lunch stop in the charming town of Los Olivos.
The tour typically runs for 6 hours, from around 10 AM to 5 PM. Tasting fees aren’t included, and guests must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour offers an intimate and memorable wine country experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize the Winery Selection?
Yes, customers can often customize the winery selection. The tour operator is typically flexible and willing to accommodate preferences, subject to availability. However, the standard itinerary includes visits to 2-3 pre-selected wineries.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the winery experiences or distract the guide. Guests are encouraged to capture the scenic views and their tasting experiences, within reasonable limits set by the wineries.
Do We Get Discounts on Wine Purchases?
The tour does not include any discounts on wine purchases at the visited wineries. However, guests are free to purchase wine on their own during the tour stops and can take advantage of any winery sales or promotions.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
The shuttle tour does not allow guests to bring their own food or drinks. All meals and refreshments are provided as part of the tour package, with a lunch stop included during the day.
What Are the Safety Protocols in Place?
The shuttle tours have safety protocols in place, including requiring all passengers to be 21+ and prohibiting outside food/drinks. The vehicles are stroller-accessible but not wheelchair-friendly. Guests should check specific details when booking their tour.
The Sum Up
The Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle offers an immersive journey through the picturesque wine country of Santa Ynez Valley. With visits to carefully selected wineries, knowledgeable guides share insights on the region’s history and wine production, creating an enriching experience. Priced starting at $129 per person, the tour includes shuttle service, scenic vineyard views, and a lunch stop, providing an intimate experience for a maximum of 12 travelers.
More Wine Tours in Santa Barbara
More Tours in Santa Barbara
More Tour Reviews in Santa Barbara
Still browsing? Here are more Santa Barbara experiences we've covered recently
- Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
- Santa Barbara: 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch inSYV
- Moonlight Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara
- The Original TACO TOUR Santa Barbara
- Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara
- Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour
- Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
- Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
- Solvang Ghost Hunting with a Professional Investigator
- Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries
- Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara