Santa Barbara Wine Tours with Lunch

If you're craving coastal breezes, rolling vineyards, and a side of gourmet eats, Santa Barbara wine tours are calling your name. This slice of California wine country isn't just beautiful—it's delicious. Here, your wine tasting experience doesn’t pause for hunger pains. Instead, it’s elevated by curated lunch options that pair beautifully with the region’s best pours.

Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just in it for the panoramic views and artisanal cheese, these tours combine the best of both worlds—Santa Barbara wine tasting and catered culinary delights. Expect vineyard-hopping, Insta-worthy scenery, and maybe even a newfound love for Syrah. Below, you’ll find the inside scoop on the best Santa Barbara wine tours with lunch, plus tips for making your tasting tour unforgettable.

Presented by Whiskey ‘N Rye.

Winner of Restaurant Guru's Best BBQ 2024

Winner of OpenTable's 2023 Views Choice

Artisian Inspired Entrees:

• Served with a Chocolate Chip Cookie and bottled water.
• All sandwiches served with a side of Rustic Macaroni Salad.

Your day starts with a hosted pickup from a local hotel or designated meeting spot—no need to worry about assigning a DD. After a warm welcome, you'll kick off a wine tasting Santa Barbara adventure that includes stops at three picturesque wineries, each offering their own varietal gems.

Between tastings, you'll enjoy a leisurely catered lunch—think vineyard views, and seasonal bites that feel like they were made to mingle with a chilled Chardonnay. These aren’t your average boxed lunches. We're talking about fresh, flavorful meals that complement the wines you're sampling.

Many of the wineries you’ll visit offer scenic outdoor settings, cozy tasting rooms, and opportunities to chat with knowledgeable staff who know their Pinot Noir from their Petite Sirah. This isn’t a rushed tour—Santa Barbara wine tasting is a curated, relaxing day designed for wine lovers who appreciate the journey as much as the pour. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet upscale vibe, these tasting tours are where it's at.

Your lunch offerings include:

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich – Perfect with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc
• BLTA (that’s bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado) – Try it with a balanced Pinot Noir
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad – Light and lively, just like a Viognier
• Egg Salad Sandwich – Delicious with a sparkling Brut or Chenin Blanc
• Salt Roasted Beet Salad – An earthy match for a Rhône-style red
• Grilled Veggie Sandwich – Pairs wonderfully with a floral Rosé
• Steak Sandwich – Ideal with a bold Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon

This isn’t just lunch—it’s a thoughtful pairing experience that enhances your wine tasting tour.

Got food preferences or allergies? No problem. You can customize your menu with vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options. Just make sure to share your dietary restrictions when booking, so your lunch is just as memorable as your Merlot. Your hosts are pros at accommodating requests—it’s part of what makes these catered wine tours in Santa Barbara so seamless.

So, why book a Santa Barbara wine tour with a meal? Here’s the wine-down:

• Zero planning, all pleasure: Meals, transportation, and winery reservations are handled for you.
• Stay fueled for the fun: A satisfying lunch keeps you energized between sips.
• Safe and social: No driving means more relaxing, more mingling.
• Perfect for groups: Whether it’s a birthday bash or a getaway with friends, it’s a top-tier group tour experience.
• Memorable moments: With food and wine so thoughtfully paired, every bite and every glass feels a little more special. These are wine country tours you’ll talk about long after the final pour.

Don’t believe us? Check out testimonials from our incredible guests:

“Our tour guide Steve was awesome. He kept us on time at all 3 wineries. Lunch was good. Will definitely recommend!” - Lisa S

“Kris was an amazing tour guide who took us on an amazing wine tour. Wonderful history lesson and great ambience for a lovely lunch. Highly recommend.” - Leah F

“My friends and I all had a wonderful time on our Grapeline wine tour. They were able to pick us up at Chumash, not far from the Ranch at which we stayed. After picking up a few couples in Solvang, we were off for an informative and relaxing day or wine tasting, discussion and debate. Our driver Kris was super friendly, lovely and helpful in every way - sharing interesting facts about the wineries, wine, wine makers and region throughout the day. The lunches she picked up from Whiskey & Rye were delicious! Overall, a great tour and we so appreciated having someone else drive and plan so we could enjoy our time together.” - Jeff D

To read more testimonials, check out our reviews on Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor.

Grapeline partners with some of the region’s top-tier wineries to bring you a next-level Santa Barbara winery tour experience. Here are a few faves:

Nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills, LaFond delivers lush vineyard views and equally lush pours. Expect Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that truly reflect the coastal terroir. Their outdoor patio is ideal for al fresco lunching.

Known for its sleek architecture and ocean vistas, Presqu’ile offers a modern tasting experience with wines that shine—especially their Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Lunch here? Spectacular!

Rich with history and Rhône varietals, Zaca Mesa offers a welcoming tasting room and expansive picnic area. Their Syrah and Viognier are local standouts.

Want more ideas? Explore the full list of Santa Barbara wineries featured by Grapeline. These venues are not just wineries—they’re full-fledged attractions.

Before you sip, swirl, and savor your way through wine country tours, keep these tips in mind:

• Book your tour in advance – Especially on weekends and holidays
• Review the lunch menu – Don’t sleep on the Grilled Chicken Caesar
• Confirm dietary restrictions – Early notice helps avoid hiccups
• Dress comfortably – Layers, comfy shoes, and wine-friendly ‘fits
• Bring the basics – Sunscreen, water, and your sense of adventure

If you’re staying overnight, check out the top Santa Barbara hotels and inns for cozy accommodations.

Favorites include LaFond, Presqu’ile, and Zaca Mesa—each offering stunning views and fantastic wine.

Prices vary, but most Santa Barbara wine tours with lunch start around $179 and include transportation, tastings, and a catered lunch.

Absolutely! You’ll get curated experiences, scenic drives, and an education in California Central Coast wines—no Google search required.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options are available—just request them when booking.

Generous enough to keep you happily fed between tastings. Think quality over quantity, but you won’t go hungry.

Smart casual is your friend. Think flowy dresses, polos, or button-ups with breathable fabrics. Shoes you can walk a vineyard in. And definitely layers.

Yes! For a more exclusive feel, consider Santa Barbara private wine tours. These private wine tours are perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, or just treating yourself.

Yes. Treat someone to a day of vino and views with Grapeline’s wine tour gift certificates.

• Score tips to spend less on your next tour. 
• Dive into the Grapeline wine tour blog for inspo and stories from expert wine lovers.
  
• Or join Club Kay to earn wine tour rewards and sip your way to perks.

Santa Barbara is more than just a pretty face—it’s a wine-and-dine wonderland. So go ahead, book that Santa Barbara wine tasting tour, and toast to a day of tastings, good eats, and great company. Whether you're traveling solo or planning group tours, there's something for everyone among these memorable attractions.