Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley wine tours, compared

What two people pay

Two people pay anywhere from $278 for a shuttle (you cover the pours) to $950 plus 20% for a private day at wineries that don't open to the public. The sweet spots sit in between: $318 for Grapeline's shared day with tastings and lunch, or $700 flat for Alta Vista's van to yourselves. Every rate below is the operator's own; filter by style or by where you're starting.

For a couple

For two people who want the van to themselves, the lowest all-in private price is Alta Vista Tours: $700 total with three estate tastings and a picnic. Rooted Vine Wine Tours is $750 for two and picks up in Santa Barbara or the valley. Stagecoach Wine Tours's private tour is $800 with the tip already in, and Coastal Concierge is $800 plus 22%. If you'd rather share the van and save, Grapeline Wine Tours costs $318 for two and Stagecoach's shared day $450. To add a horse, Vino Vaqueros at Demetria runs private rides at $190 each.

Bachelorette groups of 10

Per person, at ten guests: Rooted Vine Wine Tours $200 plus 18% gratuity, Silk Road $212 plus a 20% service fee, Alta Vista Tours $225 and Stagecoach Wine Tours $225 with the tip included. All four cover tastings and lunch. For a party bus, Silk Road adds one for a $400 flat fee when it has one free, Golden Rooster packages limo or party bus days for up to 14, and Luxe Transportation SB is based in Solvang. Preferred Wine Tours offers female chauffeurs on request. Bigger than 14? Stagecoach takes groups of 14 to 52 at $225 to $300 a person.

The cheapest way

Without tastings, the Solvang Trolley valley loop is $45 for a day of hop-on, hop-off rides, including a stop in Los Olivos, where you can walk between tasting rooms. A Wheel Fun hybrid bike is $45 for a half day. With a guide, Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours has the lowest seat at $139, but you pay each tasting fee. Grapeline Wine Tours at $159 is the cheapest shared day with the tastings included, and Wine Canyon Tours's afternoon tour is $150 plus 20%. The Santa Ynez Valley Transit bus is $1.50 a ride, Monday to Saturday (how it works).

Pickup in Santa Barbara

Most of them. Stagecoach Wine Tours picks up at the Santa Barbara Visitor Center (1 Garden St) and the Amtrak station (209 State St). Wine Canyon Tours's 12:30pm afternoon tour leaves from the waterfront visitor center. Rooted Vine starts Santa Barbara pickups at about 10am, Alta Vista picks up anywhere in the city, and Grapeline collects from most hotels in its pickup area (it lists them at booking).

Allow for the drive: downtown Santa Barbara to Solvang is about 33 miles and 50 minutes over Hwy 154 without traffic, which is why Stagecoach's day runs 7½ to 8 hours from the city against 5½ to 6 from the valley. For more on the route, see how far Solvang is from Santa Barbara. Driving yourself? Highway 154 passes Cold Spring Tavern (14.5 mi, 22 min from downtown) and Lake Cachuma on the way to the appointment-only estates of Happy Canyon; our tavern guide has the routed day.

Pickup in Solvang

Staying in the valley shortens the day. Stagecoach Wine Tours picks up at the Solvang Visitor Center, which Stagecoach lists at 1639 Copenhagen Dr. Artisan Excursion Wine Tours serves only valley towns, from Lompoc to Los Olivos, and Solvang Wine Tours is a Solvang private outfit. Silk Road and Luxe Transportation SB are Solvang-based, and Golden Rooster is in Buellton. Rooted Vine's valley pickups start around 11am. For a list of where to sleep, see Solvang hotels.

Shared and small-group Santa Ynez Valley wine tours

Share the van, split the savings: a shared seat is the cheapest way to get a driver, a guide and three wineries, and most vans stop at eight guests.

1. 01

   The price you see is the price you pay

   Stagecoach Wine Tours

   Shared & private Sprinter tours · Santa Barbara

   Shared & private Sprinter tours · Santa Barbara

   Stagecoach Wine ToursBook

   The price you see is the price you pay: $225 covers three tastings, a picnic lunch, water and a 10% gratuity. Each Mercedes Sprinter takes eight guests at most. Expect 7½–8 hours from a Santa Barbara pickup, or 5½–6 from the valley.

   Go if the only math you want is red or white.

   Price

   $225 per person, shared (tastings, lunch and 10% tip included)

   Booking

   Online (Checkfront)

   Go with A group

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   More details

   Go for: All-in shared day with no math at the end

   • Private: $400 per person for 2 ($800), down to $225 each for 6–13
   • Large groups of 14–52: $225–$300 per person
   • By the hour: Sprinter for up to 13, $150/hour + 15% gratuity
   • Non-tasting guest: $100
   • Cancel 5 days ahead (group) or 10 days (private)
   • Motion-sickness cleaning fee of up to $1,000 if needed

   Pickups: 1 Garden St, Santa Barbara; 209 State St, Santa Barbara; 1639 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang

   DirectionsApple MapsSource

2. 02

   The cheapest shared day with wine included

   Grapeline Wine Tours

   Shared picnic tour, private and transport · Santa Barbara

   Shared picnic tour, private and transport · Santa Barbara

   Grapeline Wine ToursBook

   The lowest price on this page for a shared day that still includes the wine: three tasting flights, a boxed lunch with dessert and hotel pickup. The day runs about six hours, five of them in wine country. Pickups outside its pickup area may be possible for an extra charge.

   Go if your budget says shuttle but your palate wants flights included.

   Price

   From $159 per person, shared

   Booking

   Online

   Go for A picnic

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   Also bookable on Viator

   More details

   Go for: The cheapest all-in shared seat

   • 3 winery visits with tasting flights
   • Boxed lunch, dessert and water included
   • Roundtrip pickup from most hotels in its pickup area (see list at booking)
   • Also runs tours in Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Temecula

   Hotel pickups, Santa Barbara area

   DirectionsApple MapsInstagramSource

3. 03

   Since2007

   Sustainable Wine Tours

   Small-group & private tours · Santa Barbara

   Small-group & private tours · Santa Barbara

   Sustainable Wine ToursBook

   Shared tours here usually carry six guests and never more than eight, and the tastings are seated. Tasting fees and an organic lunch are in the price. Couples ride in a Tesla and bigger groups in a Mercedes van. It has been locally owned since 2007, per its own site.

   Go if eight guests max, seated tastings and an organic lunch sound right.

   Price

   Shared from $256.80 per person; private from $271 per person

   Booking

   Online (FareHarbor)

   BookMenuAdd to My Trip

   More details

   Go for: Small, seated tastings at family estates

   • Shared: 6–7 hours, 1–8 people
   • Private: 6–7 hours, 2–8 people
   • All-inclusive: tasting fees and organic lunch

   27 W Anapamu St, Suite 104, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

   DirectionsApple MapsInstagramSource

4. 04

   $150 afternoon tour with two vineyard tastings

   Wine Canyon Tours

   Shared, afternoon & private tours · Santa Barbara

   Shared, afternoon & private tours · Santa Barbara

   Wine Canyon ToursBook

   Short on time? The 12:30pm afternoon tour is $150 a person for two vineyard tastings and a stop in Los Olivos. The full shared day is $179, and private tours are priced per group, $649 for two up to $1,295 for eight, with tasting fees and lunch included. Every tour adds a 20% gratuity at checkout.

   Go if you've got an afternoon, not a day: 12:30pm, two tastings.

   Open

   Afternoon: $150 per person + gratuity, 12:30pm

   Price

   $179 per person shared + 20% gratuity

   Booking

   Online

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   More details

   Go for: A half day, or a private car priced per group

   • Shared tours need at least 4 participants
   • Private: $649 for 2 to $1,295 for 8, plus 20%
   • Hourly transport from $125/hour

   Afternoon tour: waterfront visitor center, Santa Barbara · 805-453-7047

   DirectionsApple MapsSource

5. 05

   A $139 shuttle or an all-in tour

   Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours

   Wine shuttle & guided tours · Santa Barbara

   Wine shuttle & guided tours · Santa Barbara

   Santa Barbara Wine Country ToursBook

   Two different products, so read the line before you book. The $139 Wine Country Shuttle is a ride with a guide to three wineries: you pay each tasting fee and buy lunch. The Santa Ynez Wine Tour, from $219.88, includes the tastings and lunch. Private versions are priced per person by group size, with a 15% gratuity built in.

   Go if paying your own pours is fine for a $139 seat.

   Price

   Shuttle $139 per person (tasting fees not included)

   Booking

   Online

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   Also bookable on Viator

   More details

   Go for: The lowest seat price, if you pay your own tastings

   • Santa Ynez Wine Tour from $219.88 per person, tastings and lunch included
   • Private shuttle: $373.75 per person for 2, down to $159.85 at 12–14
   • Private tour: $500.25 per person for 2, down to $263.35 at 12–14
   • Funk Zone wine and food walk: $145 per person

   Hotel pickups, Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley

   DirectionsApple MapsSource

6. 06

   Vineyard walk and picnic included

   Rooted Vine Wine Tours

   Shared & private guided tours · Santa Barbara

   Shared & private guided tours · Santa Barbara

   Rooted Vine Wine ToursBook

   Pickups cover Montecito down to Goleta and every valley town, starting about 10am in Santa Barbara and 11am in the Santa Ynez area. Both the shared and private tours include three wineries, tasting fees, a vineyard walk and a picnic lunch. Private pricing drops with each guest you add, from $375 a person for two to $200 at 9–14. The shared tour's price appears only in its booking calendar.

   Go if home base is anywhere from Montecito to Goleta.

   Price

   Private from $200 to $375 per person by group size

   Booking

   Online (FareHarbor)

   Go with A group

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   Also bookable on Viator

   More details

   Go for: A guided day with pickup in Santa Barbara or the valley

   • Calls itself "locally owned and operated"
   • 21+; about 6 hours
   • Private: 18% gratuity added for groups of 3 or more
   • Some wineries on its list charge an extra fee
   • Shared: cancel 72 hours ahead (10 days for groups over 6)
   • Also offers transportation-only hire

   6 Harbor Way #127, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 · 805-252-2631

   DirectionsApple MapsSource

7. 07

   Valley-based small groups

   Artisan Excursion Wine Tours

   Small-group & private tours · Solvang

   Small-group & private tours · Solvang

   Artisan Excursion Wine ToursBook

   Valley-based, so this is one to book from a Solvang or Buellton hotel rather than from Santa Barbara. It lists Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos as its service areas. It runs small-group and private days and takes calls or texts 9am–7pm daily.

   Go if Solvang or Buellton is where you're sleeping tonight.

   Open

   Call or text 9am–7pm, Mon–Sun

   Price

   Price shown at booking

   Booking

   Online (FareHarbor) or call/text

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   Also bookable on Viator

   More details

   Go for: Staying in the valley and want a small group

   • Service areas: Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos
   • TCP-32715

   Solvang, CA 93463 · 805-315-3797

   DirectionsApple MapsSource

Private wine tours: the all-inclusive days

Your group, your pace and usually your choice of wineries. All of these fold the tasting fees and lunch into the price, so compare the gratuity line, which runs from nothing extra to 22%.

Going all out? Villa Wine Tour says most of its wineries are closed to the public, Coastal Concierge adds horseback and helicopter tours, and Destination Vine pours small-lot and library wines with a cheese course. For a car instead of a package, Preferred and Seaside run luxury sedans and Sprinters.

8. 08

   A flat $700 for two, built around you

   Alta Vista Tours

   Private all-inclusive tours · Santa Barbara

   Private all-inclusive tours · Santa Barbara

   Alta Vista ToursBook

   For two people the price is a flat $700, and it covers three estate tastings, a picnic lunch, a guide and a Mercedes Sprinter. You answer a few questions when you book and the itinerary is built around them. Its site says the only extra cost is any wine you buy.

   Go if two of you want the whole Sprinter for $700 flat.

   Price

   $700 total for 1–2; $225–$300 per person for 3–10

   Booking

   Online (FareHarbor)

   Go for A picnic

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   More details

   Go for: A couple who wants the whole van and a flat price

   • Private, 2–11 guests, 6–8 hours
   • 3 guests $300 each; 4–5 $275; 6–7 $250; 8–10 $225
   • Free pickup anywhere in Santa Barbara
   • A vineyard massage can be added

   Pickup anywhere in Santa Barbara

   DirectionsApple MapsSource

9. 09

   Wineries closed to the public

   Villa Wine Tour

   Private all-inclusive tours · Santa Barbara

   Private all-inclusive tours · Santa Barbara

   Villa Wine TourBook

   The splurge pick for two. It says most of its wineries are not open to the general public, and the tastings are seated and private. The price includes tasting fees, a picnic, sales tax and a private driver in an SUV or Sprinter, and a 20% gratuity is added. Pickup is 10am and the day runs about seven hours.

   Go if "open to the public" sounds a little too public.

   Price

   $950 for 1–2 + 20% gratuity

   Booking

   Online (FareHarbor)

   Go for A picnic

   BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

   More details

   Go for: Wineries that are not open to the public

   • 3 people $1,200; 4–6 $350 each; 7–13 $300 each
   • 20% gratuity added to all tours
   • Cancel more than 72 hours ahead for no charge; 50% inside 72 hours; 100% inside 24

   Pickup in the Santa Barbara area or Santa Ynez

   DirectionsApple MapsSource

10. 10

    Since2006

    Coastal Concierge

    Private tours, including horseback and helicopter · Santa Barbara

    Private tours, including horseback and helicopter · Santa Barbara

    Coastal ConciergeBook

    Running private tours since 2006, by its own account, with a menu that goes past the van: an equestrian wine tour and a helicopter wine experience sit next to the Classic. The Classic is $800 for one or two, including tasting fees and a picnic lunch. Budget for the extras, since a 22% gratuity goes on every tour and paying by card adds 3%.

    Go if a van feels tame next to a horse or a helicopter.

    Price

    Classic tour $800 for 1–2 + 22% gratuity

    Booking

    Online form

    Go for A picnic

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A private day with a horseback or helicopter add

    • Classic: 3 people $975; 4–6 $275 each; 7–14 $250 each
    • 5 hours from Santa Barbara, 4 from the valley
    • Extra hour: $150 (1–6 guests) or $250 (7+)
    • 22% auto-gratuity; 3% credit card fee

    27 W Anapamu St, Suite 122, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 · 805-265-6065

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

11. 11

    The per-person price falls as you add guests

    Silk Road Transportation & Wine Tours

    Private all-inclusive, chauffeur & party bus · Solvang

    Private all-inclusive, chauffeur & party bus · Solvang

    Silk Road Transportation & Wine ToursBook

    Based in Solvang, with pickups in Santa Barbara and the valley. The all-inclusive private tour covers tastings at three wineries and a catered picnic, and the per-person price falls from $425 for two to $212 at nine or more. A 20% service fee is added, and a party bus is a $400 flat upgrade when one is free. It also hires out an hourly wine chauffeur if you want to pay your own tastings.

    Go if nine or more of you can split it down to $212 each.

    Price

    $212–$425 per person by group size + 20% service fee

    Booking

    Online (FareHarbor)

    Go for A picnic

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A bachelorette that wants the party bus

    • 3 guests $325; 4–5 $285; 6–8 $236; 9+ $212 (per person)
    • Party bus upgrade: $400 flat, based on availability
    • Hourly wine chauffeur: rate per vehicle, quoted at booking

    Based in Solvang; Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley pickups

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

12. 12

    Small-lot wines you won't find in stores

    Destination Vine

    Private custom tours · Santa Barbara

    Private custom tours · Santa Barbara

    Destination VineBook

    Female-owned, by its own description, and built around private tastings at up to three boutique, family-owned estates, with access to small-lot wines that aren't sold in stores. Pickup is from Santa Barbara, Montecito or the valley, in a Town Car, SUV, Sprinter or mini coach depending on the group. Cancel inside 72 hours and a $200 fee applies.

    Go if small-lot wines you can't buy in stores are the souvenir.

    Price

    Price shown at booking

    Booking

    Online (FareHarbor) or phone

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: Small-lot and library wines, plus a cheese course

    • Cancellation 72–48 hours ahead: $200 fee; under 24 hours: full charge
    • TCP #0050045

    522 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA · 818-219-3083

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

13. 13

    Valley rides, breweries on request

    Solvang Wine Tours (Solvang Taxi and Wine Tours)

    Private custom tours & rides around the valley · Solvang

    Private custom tours & rides around the valley · Solvang

    Solvang Wine Tours (Solvang Taxi and Wine Tours)Book

    The name says Solvang, and so does the pickup: this Solvang outfit plans private days in the valley and also runs rides to and from Santa Barbara Airport. Ask for a brewery or distillery in place of a winery when you book. The Santa Ynez Airport lists it as one of two area taxi services.

    Go if someone in the group would trade a winery for a brewery.

    Price

    Price shown at booking

    Booking

    Online (FareHarbor) or call

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: Staying in Solvang and want a private day, or a ride to SBA

    • Private, custom itineraries; corporate events
    • Brewery or distillery substitutions on request
    • Transport to and from SBA

    Solvang, CA 93463 · 805-686-8294

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

14. 14

    Limo or party bus, 2 to 14

    Golden Rooster Transportation & Wine Tours

    Limo & party bus wine tours · Buellton

    Limo & party bus wine tours · Buellton

    Golden Rooster Transportation & Wine ToursBook

    Two ways to ride. The package includes tasting fees and lunch, door-to-door, by limo or party bus, for 2 to 14 people. If you already have your wineries booked, hire it hourly instead and follow your own plan.

    Go if up to 14 of you want a limo or a party bus.

    Price

    Price shown at booking

    Booking

    Online (FareHarbor) or phone

    Go with A group

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A group of up to 14 in a limo or party bus

    • Package: tasting fees and lunch included, 2–14 people
    • Hourly, as-directed option for your own itinerary

    270 E Hwy 246 Ste 216, Buellton, CA 93427 · 805-880-3539

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

Hire a driver: Santa Barbara car service, limo and party bus

Already booked your tastings? Hire the car and driver by the hour or the day instead of buying a tour. You pay each winery yourself, and most of these quote by request.

15. 15

    A flat-fare driver, your own stops

    Santa Barbara Wine Dispatch

    Private driver, flat rate per ride · Santa Barbara

    Private driver, flat rate per ride · Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara Wine Dispatch

    One driver, one flat fare for the car, and you choose the stops. Four hours is $375 and six is $450, with a 10am or 11am start and the driver waiting at each winery. It's a ride, not a package, so book your own tastings. Pay the full fare to reserve, at least 12 hours ahead.

    Go if tastings are booked and a flat-fare driver is all that's missing.

    Price

    $375 for 4 hours or $450 for 6 hours, per ride

    Booking

    Pay the fare online, then text details

    DirectionsWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: Your own winery list for a flat price

    • Price is per ride, not per person
    • Also does Santa Barbara Airport transfers
    • Pay by Venmo or Zelle

    Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley

    Apple MapsSource

16. 16

    Female chauffeurs on request

    Preferred Wine Tours

    Private chauffeured tours · Santa Barbara

    Private chauffeured tours · Santa Barbara

    Preferred Wine ToursBook

    Female chauffeurs are available on request, which is why this one comes up for bachelorettes. Private only, with a sedan for up to 3, an SUV for 6 or a 14-seat Mercedes Sprinter. Its FAQ says tasting fees at each winery are included, and gratuity isn't (it suggests 15–20%).

    Go if it's a bachelorette and a female chauffeur matters.

    Price

    Quote by request

    Booking

    Request form or phone

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A bachelorette that wants a female chauffeur

    • 2–14 guests
    • Door-to-door from Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta and nearby
    • A division of Preferred Limousine & Transportation

    Pickups in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Goleta · 805-800-8816

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

17. 17

    A car service, you plan the route

    Seaside Transportation

    Car service: sedan, SUV, Sprinter · Santa Barbara

    Car service: sedan, SUV, Sprinter · Santa Barbara

    Seaside TransportationBook

    It works like a car service: you book the tastings, send the times and it plans the route. Pick the car by headcount, a BMW 7 Series for up to 3, a Suburban for 6 or a Sprinter for 14. It also runs Solvang wedding shuttles and SBA or LAX transfers.

    Go if reservations are made and you just need the car and route.

    Price

    Quote by request

    Booking

    Request form or 24/7 phone

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A black car for a wedding weekend or an airport run

    • Reservations 24/7 at 805-635-8000
    • Tell it about wine purchases so cases fit

    601 Coronel Pl #4, Santa Barbara, CA · 805-635-8000

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

18. 18

    Champagne and a free seventh hour

    Rockstar Transportation

    Limo, SUV & limo-bus wine tours · Santa Barbara

    Limo, SUV & limo-bus wine tours · Santa Barbara

    Rockstar TransportationBook

    Two published deals make the math better: $50 off Sunday bookings, and book six hours to get the seventh free. Every tour includes water, chilled champagne, cheese and crackers. Lunch is extra, with a $25 boxed lunch from Panino on offer. Staff will make the winery reservations for you at no extra cost.

    Go if Sunday works: $50 off, and chilled champagne on board.

    Open

    Text 805-965-4900, 7am–7pm

    Price

    Quote by request

    Booking

    Online form or text

    Go with A group

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A Sunday tour or a long day for less

    • Sedans, SUVs, limousines and limo-buses
    • Most wineries require reservations for groups of 7+

    Door-to-door, Santa Barbara area · 805-965-4900

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

19. 19

    A flat day quote, no meter

    Cloud 10 Limousine & Coach

    Private chauffeur, flat day quote · Santa Barbara

    Private chauffeur, flat day quote · Santa Barbara

    Cloud 10 Limousine & CoachBook

    No meter running: the day is quoted flat on hours and route before you book, and an extra stop on the way isn't billed. Sedans for couples, SUVs and vans for groups. It runs from Santa Barbara, Goleta and Montecito out to Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton and Santa Ynez.

    Go if no meter, one flat quote and no charge for an extra stop.

    Price

    Flat day quote

    Booking

    Request a ride or call

    Go with A group

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A flat quote agreed before the day

    • A few hours or a full day
    • Licensed statewide, based in Santa Barbara

    7 W. Figueroa St, Suite 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 · 805-998-2976

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

20. 20

    A party bus already in the valley

    Luxe Transportation SB

    Party bus & limo bus · Solvang

    Party bus & limo bus · Solvang

    Luxe Transportation SBBook

    Solvang-based, which matters for a bachelorette staying in the valley: the bus doesn't have to come over the mountain first. It rents party and limo buses for wine and brewery tours, weddings and birthdays. Book a second time and it takes $50 off a rental of six hours or more.

    Go if bachelorette weekend's in the valley and the bus shouldn't cross a mountain.

    Price

    Quote by request

    Booking

    Booking form or phone

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A party bus based in the valley

    • $50 off your next rental (6-hour minimum; no other offers)

    Solvang, CA · 805-451-4604

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

Wine tours from Los Angeles to Solvang

Solvang is about 128 miles from downtown LA, roughly 2 hours 40 minutes each way without traffic, so a day trip is long. Two ways to do it without driving:

21. 21

    The car-free day trip from LA

    LA Discovery Tours

    Day tour from Los Angeles · Los Angeles

    Day tour from Los Angeles · Los Angeles

    LA Discovery ToursBook

    The car-free day trip from LA. It leaves at 8:30am, drives two hours to Solvang, then visits three vineyards for tastings and a picnic lunch before coming home over San Marcos Pass and down the coast. Plan on nine hours. Pickup from LA hotels and Airbnbs is free.

    Go if LA is home and nobody in your crew wants to drive.

    Open

    9 hours, departs 8:30am

    Price

    $399 per person

    Booking

    Online (Peek), 24 hours ahead

    Go for A picnic

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: A day trip from LA with no driving

    • 3 tastings and a picnic lunch
    • Reserve at least 24 hours ahead; call for group pricing

    Hotel and Airbnb pickups across the LA area

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

22. 22

    An LA driver up and back

    Black Tie Car Service

    LA chauffeur, hourly or full day · Los Angeles

    LA chauffeur, hourly or full day · Los Angeles

    Black Tie Car ServiceBook

    For an LA group that wants its own driver all the way up and back. It covers the Santa Ynez Valley as well as Malibu and Temecula, and will follow your winery reservations or suggest some. An executive SUV takes 6 and a Sprinter takes 13.

    Go if an LA group wants one driver all the way up and back.

    Price

    Quote by request

    Booking

    Online or phone

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: Your own car and driver from LA for the day

    • No fixed departure time
    • Executive SUV 6 passengers; Sprinter 13

    Greater Los Angeles pickups · 424-361-6082

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

Solvang bike rentals and guided bike wine tours

Pedal instead of riding in a van. One guided outfit in Ballard and one rental shop in Solvang.

23. 23

    Every guided ride ends at a winery lunch

    Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours

    Guided bike & e-bike tours, rentals · Ballard

    Guided bike & e-bike tours, rentals · Ballard

    Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling ToursBook

    Every guided ride ends at a winery lunch. The Leisure Valley Stroll ($185) stops at Lincourt, the Happy Canyon ride ($195) at Rideau, and the e-bike tour is $220. To ride on your own, rent a hybrid for $55 a day or an e-bike for $90.

    Go if you'd rather earn your lunch on a bike.

    Price

    $185–$220 per person

    Booking

    Online or phone

    BookWebsiteAdd to My Trip

    More details

    Go for: Riding to lunch and a tasting at a winery

    • Leisure Valley Stroll $185; Happy Canyon $195; e-bike tour $220
    • Rentals: hybrid $55/day, e-bike $90/day
    • Multi-day tours from $1,249

    2449 Baseline Ave, Suite 104, Ballard, CA 93463 · 805-686-9490

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

24. 24

    $45 half-day hybrid with a free route map

    Wheel Fun Rentals Solvang

    Bike & e-bike rental, self-guided route · Solvang

    Bike & e-bike rental, self-guided route · Solvang

    Wheel Fun Rentals SolvangBook

    The budget bike day. Rent a hybrid for $45 a half day, or an e-bike for $60, and the self-guided route map is free with it. The loop runs past Mission Santa Inés, Ballard, Los Olivos and Mattei's Tavern. Walk-ups are welcome, but reserve to have a bike set aside.

    Go if $45 and your own two legs beat a chauffeur.

    Price

    Hybrid $45 half day; e-bike $60 half day

    Booking

    Online (Peek); walk-ups welcome

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    Go for: The cheapest way to pedal to a tasting room

    • Full day: hybrid $55, e-bike $65
    • Helmet and basket or bike bag included
    • Self-guided route takes about 2–4 hours

    475 First Street, Solvang, CA 93463 · 805-688-0091

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Horseback riding in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley

Three stables, three different rides: a group ride with a glass of wine, a private ranch ride, and river trails with pony rides for small kids.

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    Guided horseback ride through the vines · Edge of Solvang

    Buttonwood Vineyard Trail RidesBook

    One hour on Buttonwood's farm and vineyard trails, Friday to Sunday, finishing with a glass of wine. Riders must be 7 or older and at least 48 inches tall, and under-18s wear helmets. Its own page and its Tock listing show different time slots, so check Tock.

    Go if one hour in the saddle should end with a glass of wine.

    Price

    $150 per rider

    Booking

    Tock

    Getting there

    On Alamo Pintado Rd north of the village, about 2 min by car from Copenhagen Dr

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    Go for: An hour on a horse, then a glass of wine

    • Group ride, about 1 hour
    • Closed-toe shoes required
    • 24-hour cancellation
    • Members get a discount

    1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA 93463 · 805-688-3032

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    $190 private ranch ride, about 70 minutes

    Vino Vaqueros at Demetria

    Private horseback ride on a vineyard ranch · Foxen Canyon

    Private horseback ride on a vineyard ranch · Foxen Canyon

    Vino Vaqueros at DemetriaBook

    Your group rides alone, never mixed in with strangers, for about 70 minutes on Demetria's ranch and vineyard trails. Rides go out at 10am, noon, 2pm and 3:30pm daily except major holidays. Gratuity isn't included, and parties of five or more get 20% added.

    Go if private means two people and their horses, no strangers.

    Price

    $190 per person, 2-person minimum

    Booking

    Reservation form, $50 deposit

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    Go for: A private ride for two

    • $50 deposit; cancel 24 hours ahead or pay in full
    • No dogs

    6701 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441 · 805-944-0493

    DirectionsApple MapsInstagramSource

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    Pony rides from age 2, and river trail rides

    Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides

    River trail rides & pony rides · Buellton

    River trail rides & pony rides · Buellton

    Santa Ynez Valley Horseback RidesBook

    The family pick, a mile off Highway 101 at River View Park in Buellton. River Trail Rides run 60, 75 or 90 minutes down to the Santa Ynez River for riders 8 and up, and kids 6 and up can join the one-hour Family Fun Ride. Little ones aged 2–12 get the Pony Encounter. Staying at a partner hotel such as the Landsby or Hotel Corque gets you $10 off per rider with its promo code.

    Go if kids as young as 2 are angling for a pony.

    Price

    Price shown at booking; Pony Encounter $114 per child

    Booking

    Online (FareHarbor), phone or text

    Go with The kids

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    Go for: Families, with rides for kids from age 2

    • Open every day except major holidays
    • Cancel 48 hours ahead for a full refund; late cancellations get a rebooking certificate plus a $35 fee
    • Helmets provided

    151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton, CA · 805-693-4600

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Jeep wine tours from Santa Barbara

One operator does this, and it takes the long way: over the mountains in an open Jeep.

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    $800 open-air Jeep over the mountains, Cold Spring stop

    Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours

    Private open-air Jeep wine tour · Santa Barbara

    Private open-air Jeep wine tour · Santa Barbara

    Cloud Climbers Jeep ToursBook

    The only Jeep wine tour we found. An open-air Jeep takes you over the Santa Ynez Mountains to the valley for five to six hours, with a stop at Cold Spring Tavern along the way. The $800 is for the whole Jeep, two to six people. Tasting fees aren't included, and lunch is billed on what you order.

    Go if getting over the mountains in an open Jeep is half the point.

    Price

    $800 per Jeep (2–6 guests)

    Booking

    Request form, then they call

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    Go for: The scenic way over the mountains

    • You book the wineries, or Cloud Climbers picks them
    • Family-owned and operated, per its site

    Pickups in Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and Solvang

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

The Solvang Trolley and its $45 valley loop

The cheapest guided way around the valley, and the closest thing to a hop-on, hop-off wine route. It doesn't include tastings, but it stops in downtown Los Olivos, where tasting rooms line the street.

Book the valley loop on the trolley's own booking page. The horse-drawn trolley can't be reserved, so just turn up on a weekend afternoon.

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    Since1973

    Solvang Trolley & Carriage Co.

    Town trolley tours & valley hop-on hop-off loop · Solvang

    Town trolley tours & valley hop-on hop-off loop · Solvang

    Solvang Trolley & Carriage Co.Book

    The Santa Ynez Valley Tour is a hop-on, hop-off loop from downtown Solvang at 10am, noon and 2pm, and the ticket is good all day. It stops at the Wilding and Elverhøj museums, the Chumash Cultural Center, the Carriage House Museum and downtown Los Olivos. In town, the 25-minute motorized tour is $18, and the horse-drawn trolley (since 1973) runs weekends from noon.

    Go if nobody volunteered to drive and $45 sounds about right.

    Open

    Horse-drawn: $23; seniors $21; kids $15; Sat, Sun and some holidays 12–5pm, no reservations

    Price

    Valley loop $45 adults, $30 kids 3–11

    Booking

    Online (Peek); horse-drawn trolley is walk-up only

    Go for A drop-in visit

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    Go for: A car-free valley loop for $45

    • Motorized town tour: $18; seniors $16; kids 3–11 $14
    • Horses stop when it hits 95°F
    • Boards at Copenhagen Dr and 2nd St, across from the Visitor Center
    • Not affiliated with the Solvang Visitor Center, per its site

    1620 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA 93463 · 805-794-8958

    DirectionsApple MapsSource

Is a tour worth it?

For two people tasting at three or four wineries, usually yes, once you price the alternatives honestly. The valley bus is $1.50 a ride but stops around 7pm, skips Los Alamos, Foxen Canyon and Santa Rosa Road, and runs only Dial-A-Ride on Sundays (details). The $45 Solvang Trolley loop gets you to Los Olivos's walkable tasting rooms but not the estates. An hourly Sprinter is $150 an hour, so a six-hour day is about $900 before the tip; a private day for two runs $700 to $950, plus a 20% gratuity at Villa. If your day is one walkable town, skip the tour: park once in Los Olivos or Solvang and walk, using our list of walk-in tasting rooms. If it's Foxen Canyon or the Sta. Rita Hills, book the driver, or follow our day-trip routes with a designated driver.

Private or group?

Pick a shared tour to save money: Stagecoach caps each van at eight guests and Sustainable usually carries six. Pick a private tour to choose the wineries, the pace and the lunch stop. Per-group pricing gets better as the group grows: Wine Canyon's private tour is $649 for two but $1,295 for eight, about $162 each before the 20% gratuity. For four or more, private is often close to the shared price.

How far ahead to book

Shared tours seat eight or fewer, so book early for weekends. The Santa Barbara Vintners recommend booking several months ahead for holiday and festival weekends and the busy summer season, and the Vintners Festival is typically in October ^[2]. Check each cancellation rule before you pay: Stagecoach wants 5 days' notice for a group tour and 10 for a private one ^[1], Rooted Vine 72 hours, and Villa Wine Tour keeps 50% if you cancel inside 72 hours. Booking the wineries yourself? Many valley tasting rooms want a reservation for groups, and Rockstar says most do for seven or more.

Who did we leave out?

Not listed: Grape Adventures and The Wine Line, whose websites wouldn't load; Koast, a national booking app that only quotes; and Elegant Image Limousine, which is based in San Luis Obispo. If you book a company that isn't here, ask for the all-in price with gratuity before you pay.

Good to know

How far in advance should I book a wine tour? Book weeks ahead for weekends, and months ahead for holiday and festival weekends, which the Santa Barbara Vintners say fill early. Read the cancellation line: Stagecoach wants 5 days' notice for group tours and 10 for private ones, Rooted Vine 72 hours (10 days for groups over six), and Villa charges 50% inside 72 hours.

Quick answers

How much does a Santa Ynez Valley wine tour cost?

Shared tours run $139 to $256.80 a person. The $139 Wine Country Shuttle leaves tasting fees to you, while Grapeline (from $159) and Stagecoach ($225, tip included) cover tastings and lunch. Private days for two cost $700 (Alta Vista) to $950 plus 20% (Villa Wine Tour). Hourly Sprinters start at $150 an hour plus 15%. Prices as published, Oct 2026.

What are the best wine tours from Solvang?

For two people, Alta Vista Tours is the lowest all-in private price at $700 total, with tastings and a picnic. Rooted Vine is $375 each ($750) and picks up in the valley at about 11am. Stagecoach's private tour is $800 with the tip included. Villa Wine Tour ($950 plus 20%) says most of its wineries are not open to the public.

Is there a limo wine tour from Solvang?

Yes. Silk Road Transportation is based in Solvang and adds a party bus for a $400 flat fee. Luxe Transportation runs party and limo buses out of Solvang, and Golden Rooster in Buellton does limo or party bus packages for 2 to 14 people with tastings and lunch included. Rockstar and Cloud 10 send cars from Santa Barbara.

Is there a Santa Ynez Valley wine shuttle or hop-on, hop-off tour?

The Solvang Trolley's Santa Ynez Valley Tour is a hop-on, hop-off loop from downtown Solvang at 10am, noon and 2pm, $45 for adults and $30 for kids 3 to 11, good all day. It stops in downtown Los Olivos but doesn't include tastings. For a wine shuttle with a guide, Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours' shuttle is $139, tasting fees extra.

Which wine tasting tours from Santa Barbara include the tasting fees?

Stagecoach, Grapeline, Sustainable, Rooted Vine, Alta Vista, Villa, Coastal Concierge and Silk Road all include tasting fees, and all pick up in Santa Barbara or start there. Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours' $139 shuttle and the Cloud Climbers Jeep tour do not, and hourly drivers never do.

Is a wine tour in the Santa Ynez Valley worth it?

For estates spread over Foxen Canyon or the Sta. Rita Hills, yes: the valley bus stops around 7pm and doesn't reach them, and an hourly Sprinter at $150 an hour plus 15% adds up fast. For one walkable town, like Los Olivos or Solvang, park once and walk instead.

Can I do a wine tour from LA to Solvang?

Yes. LA Discovery Tours runs a 9-hour day for $399 a person, leaving at 8:30am, with free pickup at LA hotels and Airbnbs, three tastings and a picnic lunch. For your own car and driver, Black Tie Car Service sends SUVs and Sprinters from Greater LA. Or stay over and book a valley tour.

How much do horseback rides cost in the Santa Ynez Valley?

Buttonwood's one-hour group ride is $150 a rider, ending with a glass of wine, for ages 7 and up. Vino Vaqueros at Demetria is $190 a person for a private ride of about 70 minutes, with a two-person minimum. Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides in Buellton shows trail-ride prices at booking, and its Pony Encounter for kids 2 to 12 is $114.

Is the Solvang trolley free?

No. The 25-minute motorized town tour is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for kids 3 to 11. The horse-drawn trolley is $23, $21 and $15, weekends and some holidays from noon to 5pm, with no reservations. The all-day Santa Ynez Valley loop is $45 for adults and $30 for kids.