Santa Barbara , United States

Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Active

(39 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our Wine Country Shuttle service allows you to experience 2-3 wineries at your leisure for the day. At each winery you can opt to purchase a tasting or enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Food options will be available for purchase either at the wineries or in the quaint town of Los Olivos. If you want to explore the breadth and diversity that the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country has to offer this is the tour for you! Our incredible guides will offer interpretation & history about the Santa Ynez Valley throughout the day.

Available options

Santa YnezWine Country Shuttle

Wine Country Shuttle<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Pick-up and drop-off from a selection of wineries (tasting fees are not included)

A friendly and knowledgeable guide

Shuttle pick up from your hotel or private accommodations in Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez Valley

Discussion on winemaking and historical insights

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at your central Santa Barbara hotel and board a comfortable air-conditioned luxury passenger van. Enjoy the views as you leave the city behind and head into the Santa Ynez Valley to explore the vineyard filled countryside.

Pick ups are also available from Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang.

Stop 2

Explore the stunning vineyards and quaint towns of the Santa Ynez Valley while our guide shares some of the history and wine production secrets of the valley. We will visit three full production wineries and lunch will be enjoyed amidst the vineyards.

We spend about an hour at each winery and allow approximately an hour for lunch at one of those stops.

We have a few "local favorites" that we may visit on this tour, with great reviews from our clients and guides. You can read more about our partner wineries on our website.
~Brander Vineyard
~Vincent Vineyard
~Roblar Winery
~Rideau Vineyard
~Rusack Vineyards
~Andrew Murray Vineyards
~Fess Parker Winery
~Epiphany Winery
~Petros Winery
~Folded Hills

What's not included

Lunch

Tasting fees

Parking fees of $9 per day per car for guests with pick up at the Visitor's Center

Gratuity: It is customary, but optional, to tip your guide for a positive experience

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You must be 21 or older in order to consume alcohol

Our wine shuttles require a minimum of 4 participants to run. You will be emailed with options if you have less than 4 people in your party.

If you are a single traveler, please free to call our office to confirm availability

Departure and arrival times are flexible, depending on your location & other pick-ups that day, but generally range from 9:45am to 10:45am. Pick-up times will be confirmed via phone or email the day prior. We are usually done by 3 or 4pm, heading back to town and returning by 5pm.

If you do not require hotel pick-up, or are not staying in in Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez, you may meet the shuttle at the Santa Barbara Visitor's Center, 1 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

If meeting at the Visitor's center, the parking lot is immediately behind the Visitor Center building. Parking fees of $9 per day per car may apply.

Meeting point

Our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.

Important notes

As a friendly reminder, your tasting fees and lunch are NOT included as part of the shuttle service. Many wineries do not allow outside food. We will plan your itinerary to have lunch options available on site.

Please let us know where you would like to be picked up at least 48 hours prior to departure & please bring identification in case confirmation that guests are of legal drinking age is needed. Pick up times range from 9:30am to 10:45 am based on your pick up location in relation to the other parties booked on the tour. Pick up times will be confirmed via email the day prior to your trip.

If we do not hear from you with a pick up location 48 hours or more in advance, we will pick you up at the Santa Barbara Visitor's Center at 1 Garden St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

While we do have re-usable water bottles available for your use, you are encouraged to bring your own if preferred.

To help speed up the check-in process, please use the link below to have all guests complete their waivers prior to arrival. Each guest must have their own signed waiver and the same link can be used for each guest: https://tinyurl.com/WineWaiver

Guide gratuity: Our guides do their best to ensure you have a great time. It is customary, but optional, to tip your guide if you had a positive experience. Guide gratuity is not included in your reservation fee and may be paid directly to your guide (15-20% is standard). We are also happy to apply additional gratuity via credit card at any time by calling our office.

Typical Itinerary - May Vary:
• 9:30-10:45am - Pick-up at hotel
• 11:00am - Winery Tasting
• 12:30pm - Winery Tasting
• 1:15-2:15 pm - Lunch at winery
• 2:30pm - Winery Tasting
• 4:45pm-5:15pm - Drop off at hotel

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

About Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city in Southern California known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious wine, and outdoor activities, it offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is a historic pier and popular tourist attraction in Santa Barbara. It features shops, restaurants, and a museum, as well as stunning views of the coastline.

Beach/Historical 1-2 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission is a historic Spanish mission founded in 1786. It features beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and a museum showcasing the history of the mission and the local area.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish Revival architecture. It features a clock tower, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city and coastline.

Architecture/Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

East Beach

East Beach is a popular beach in Santa Barbara, offering a wide sandy shore, gentle waves, and stunning views of the coastline. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

Beach 2-3 hours Free (some activities may have fees)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a 78-acre garden showcasing the diverse plant life of California. It features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a museum showcasing the natural history of the region.

Nature 1-2 hours $15 (adults), $10 (seniors and students), Free (children under 12)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A popular dish in Santa Barbara, featuring fresh local fish, crispy batter, and a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made gluten-free with a corn tortilla and without the batter.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue

A traditional California Central Coast dish featuring beef or tri-tip cooked over an open flame and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.

Dinner Can be made with other proteins such as chicken or vegetables.

Ahi Poke

A Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring fresh ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, and served over rice or salad.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with other types of fish or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Santa Barbara Style Pizza

A local favorite featuring fresh local ingredients such as artichokes, mushrooms, and goat cheese, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with gluten-free crust and vegan cheese.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Surfing Mountain biking Rock climbing Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Santa Barbara for outdoor activities, beach trips, and festivals. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

16-27°C (61-81°F) 61-81°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST) (GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) (GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Barbara is generally a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
• Only use licensed taxis and tour operators

Getting there

By air

Santa Barbara Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Santa Barbara Amtrak Station

By bus

Santa Barbara Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

MTD operates a network of buses that serve the city and nearby communities. The buses are affordable and convenient for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Santa Barbara The Funk Zone Mission Canyon Westside Eastside

Day trips

Solvang

45 km (28 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day

Solvang is a charming Danish-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, windmills, and bakeries.

Los Olivos

50 km (31 miles) northwest of Santa Barbara • Half day to full day

Los Olivos is a small town in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and beautiful countryside. The town is a popular destination for wine lovers and those looking to explore the local wine country.

Channel Islands National Park

20 km (12 miles) offshore from Santa Barbara • Full day to overnight

Channel Islands National Park is a group of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, known for their rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Festivals

Santa Barbara International Film Festival • Late January to early February Santa Barbara Wine Festival • June Santa Barbara Greek Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit Stearns Wharf for stunning views of the coastline and delicious seafood
Explore the Santa Barbara Mission and its beautiful gardens for a glimpse into the city's history and culture
Stroll along State Street for shopping, dining, and street performers
Take a day trip to Solvang or Los Olivos for wine tasting and scenic countryside views
Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for a dose of culture and education