Explore Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley on a Private Wine Tasting Day Tour

This Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour from Los Angeles offers a relaxed escape from the city’s hustle, taking you through some of California’s most beautiful wine regions. The tour, priced at $419 per person, lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, providing ample time for scenic drives, wine tastings, and sightseeing. It includes pickup from various Los Angeles locations and a private air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort and convenience.

What makes this experience appealing is its mix of scenic views, delicious wine, and flexibility. The tour is perfect for those looking to combine wine tasting with sightseeing at their own pace, with stops at renowned vineyards, Santa Barbara’s charming downtown, and stunning natural sights like Lake Cachuma and Los Padres National Forest. A key consideration is that additional wine tasting costs are not included and must be paid at the wineries, which some reviewers note can make the tour feel pricier than expected.

Key Points

Private, customizable experience with a dedicated driver
Visit multiple wineries in Santa Ynez Valley, including Vincent Vineyards
Includes scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway and through Los Padres National Forest
Stops at Santa Barbara’s downtown and Stearns Wharf for sightseeing and optional activities
Duration of approximately 8.5 hours, with flexible stops and sightseeing
Cost is $419 per person, with optional extra costs for tastings and activities

Keen to taste more of Los Angeles? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

Pickup and Transportation in Comfort and Style

The tour departs at 10:00 am with pickup from various Los Angeles locations, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Burbank, Universal City, LAX area, or cruise terminals. Travelers enjoy the luxury of private, air-conditioned transportation, avoiding crowded group shuttles or public transit, which many find adds to the overall ease and enjoyment of the day.

This private approach ensures your experience remains exclusive, with the driver dedicated solely to your group. It also allows for flexibility in the itinerary, such as spending more time at preferred stops or adjusting the schedule slightly based on your interests.

Visiting Vincent Vineyards for a Luxurious Tasting

Your first winery stop is Vincent Vineyards, renowned for its luxury setting and limited-edition wines. Here, admission is included, and you spend about an hour exploring the facilities and sampling wines. Review comments highlight the quality of Vincent Vineyards, noting its clean facilities and professional staff.

Vincent Vineyards offers a luxurious atmosphere, making it an especially memorable start to the day. The tasting experience here is often described as exceptional, setting a high standard for the rest of the tour.

Scenic Drive Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Following Vincent Vineyards, the tour takes a breathtaking ride along the Pacific Coast Highway, a celebrated route famed for its spectacular ocean views and coastal scenery. Passengers can enjoy the panoramic vistas and take photographs of the coastline and cliffs as they drive from Santa Barbara towards the Santa Ynez Valley.

This scenic stretch makes the journey itself part of the attraction, giving a sense of freedom and relaxation. Reviewers appreciate how the guide explains the area’s geography and points out notable sights along the way.

Santa Barbara Downtown Sightseeing and Stearns Wharf

In Santa Barbara, the tour includes a short stop in the downtown area for sightseeing, with approximately 10 minutes allocated for exploration. Guests can stroll around the picturesque streets or simply enjoy the vibe of this charming city.

An optional stop at Stearns Wharf lasts around 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the ocean and historic charm. Visitors often find Stearns Wharf a great spot for photos or a quick walk, though some note that the stop is brief.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Los Angeles

Vineyard Visits in Santa Ynez Valley and Wine Tastings

The core of the tour lies in exploring the Santa Ynez Valley’s vineyards, renowned for world-class wines. The driver takes you to multiple wineries, with one confirmed stop at Vincent Vineyards. You have the option to purchase additional tastings or food at each location, though these are not included in the tour price.

The tour stops in Los Olivos, a small and charming town with several wine tasting rooms. Here, you get around 45 minutes for lunch and optional tastings, which many find to be a perfect balance—enough time to sample wines and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Review comments highlight positive experiences at Vincent Vineyards and Los Olivos, praising the variety and quality of wines.

Scenic Views of Lake Cachuma and Los Padres National Forest

After wine tasting, the tour offers spectacular views of Lake Cachuma, a natural highlight that provides a peaceful setting for photos and relaxation. The journey then continues through Los Padres National Forest, where travelers enjoy panoramic vistas and the lush greenery of the area.

These natural sights add a refreshing element to the day, contrasting with the vineyards and city stops. Reviewers frequently mention the stunning scenery and beautiful landscapes as some of the most memorable moments of the tour.

Return to Los Angeles with a Relaxed Pace

The tour concludes with a seamless return to your original pickup point in Los Angeles, typically around 7:30 pm or later, depending on traffic and stops. The private transportation ensures a comfortable and stress-free ride back, allowing you to relax after a full day of sightseeing and wine tasting.

The flexibility in timing and the personalized experience are often praised, making it easier to plan your evening or continue your Los Angeles explorations.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private wine tour suits those who value comfort and customization. It appeals to wine enthusiasts eager to explore Santa Barbara’s wineries and Santa Ynez Valley’s scenic vineyards. The tour also works well for small groups or couples seeking an intimate experience, with an emphasis on scenery, wine, and relaxed pacing.

However, it is worth noting that additional tasting fees are not included, which can add to the overall cost if many wineries are visited. The brief sightseeing stops in Santa Barbara and at Stearns Wharf are ideal for those wanting a quick city experience alongside their wine tasting.

Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour from Los Angeles: Final Thoughts

This 8.5-hour private tour offers a balanced combination of wine tasting, scenic drives, and sightseeing, making it a strong choice for those wanting to explore California’s renowned wine regions comfortably. The luxury transportation and dedicated guide help create a personalized and relaxed atmosphere, highly appreciated by many guests.

While the price may seem higher than some group tours, the exclusivity, flexibility, and high-quality stops justify the cost for many. The tour particularly shines with knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and top-notch wineries. It’s best suited for those looking to combine wine, nature, and sightseeing in a single day.

Ready to Book?

Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour from Los Angeles

4.5

(14)

“Galena was THE BEST. Her energy is unmatched and she is a wealth of knowledge. She was amazing and we had an extraordinary day. We loved Galena.”

— Roberta S, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including sightseeing, winery visits, and transportation.

Where does the tour pick up from?
Pickup is available from various Los Angeles locations including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Burbank, Universal City, LAX area, and cruise terminals.

Are meals included in the tour?
Lunch is not included but is available at Los Olivos or in Santa Barbara, where you can purchase food along with optional tastings.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $419 per person, excluding additional costs for wine tastings or activities at wineries.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates, providing a more personalized experience.

Can I customize the stops or itinerary?
The tour is flexible within its structure, and stops at wineries, Santa Barbara, and scenic viewpoints can be tailored to your preferences.

What natural sights are included?
The tour passes Lake Cachuma and Los Padres National Forest, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities.

How many wineries will I visit?
The itinerary includes multiple winery visits, with Vincent Vineyards being a confirmed stop. Additional wineries can be visited depending on your preferences.

Are there any physical requirements or accessibility considerations?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour involves some walking at stops like vineyards and the Santa Barbara downtown area.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The combination of luxury private transportation, scenic drives, high-quality wineries, and personalized service makes this tour a noteworthy choice for wine-lovers and sightseeing enthusiasts alike.