Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country

Santa Barbara , United States

Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country

Active

(54 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

SMALL GROUP/ SHARED WINE TOUR. Sustainable Wine Tours is the Top Rated Santa Barbara Wine Tour on Trip Advisor (and Yelp) - Choose our tour if you are looking for Exclusive access to ultra small production, PRIVATE locations not open to the general public and high end, limited release wine tastings. No Bachelorette.

Small Group Wine Tour (MAX OF SIX GUESTS).
Perfect for couples looking for a more unique experience beyond the commercial wineries.

Never any crowded commercial wineries, standing at a bar or in tasting rooms. Taste top-quality wines and tour the vineyards and barrel rooms often with owners and winemakers themselves.

Only one tour per day. Space is extremely limited.
• APPOINTMENT-ONLY, PRIVATE LOCATIONS
• NO BACHELORETTE/ BACHELOR PARTIES
• ALL PRIVATE SEATED TASTINGS
• TASTE WITH WINEMAKERS AND OWNERS
• NO COMMERCIAL WINERIES, NO TASTING ROOMS
• SMALL GROUP TOURS (Max six guests)
• LUXURY MERCEDES, customized interior, no crowded bench seating

Available options

Small Group Tour

Visit Appointment-only, private wineries and vineyards not open to the public. No Commercial Wineries or Tastings Rooms. Maximum group size is eight for a more personal and unique tasting experience.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Maximum tour of only eight guests

Alcoholic Beverages

Most tours offered cheese platter

Organic Lunch of your choice (choose from sandwiches or salads)

Pick up and drop off from your location in luxury Mercedes

Premium Wine Tasting

What you'll see

Visit ONLY ALL PRIVATE, small production wineries and estate vineyards not open to the general public.

SHARED/ GROUP WINE TOUR (max 6-7 guests)
Our tour provides exclusive access to premium estate vineyards, barrel rooms, and the people and stories behind the wine. Tastings in a seated and reserved location with a dedicated host. Guests are often the only ones at each of the locations we visit for an EXCLUSIVE EXPERIECE

We do not visit public, standing bar, “walk-in” commercial wineries or tasting rooms. Our premium tour caters to guests serious about quality wine and unique experiences that are often hard to find on your own.

Select locations are based solely on top-tier, quality wines AND the quality of the unique experience. Tours are always customized based on wine preferences. Our premium list of locations are some of region’s best and their wines often receive the highest scores in Santa Barbara County. Most locations are not open to the general public for a more intimate and private experience.

Please note our select list of vineyard and winery locations DO NOT ACCOMMODATE BACHELOR OR BACHELORETTE parties.

What's not included

Gratuity is not automatically charged upon booking

We love our pets but are unable to accommodate on our tours.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

44 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

Minimum age is 21 years.

Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.

Eat a complete breakfast.

Avoid wearing cologne or perfume.

Bring a water bottle (if you have one) which can be refilled throughout the day to reduce waste.

Limited release wines that will be tasted can be purchased for carry away or shipped back home.

Important notes

• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if we have not met our three guest minimum to conduct the tour. In the event of this occurring, you will be notified well in advance of your tour date and offered an alternative or full refund.
• Minimum age is 21 years
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Dress in layers.

Please visit our website to submit your lunch and pick up location
-Sustainable Wine Tours- click on LUNCH MENU at the top of the page to submit

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