How to Enjoy the Best Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara
Did you know that Santa Barbara, California is home to more than 200 wineries? Our county’s most famous wine region, the Santa Ynez Valley, produces some of the best wine grapes around. Pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah can be found in cool parts of the valley, and merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and sauvignon blanc dominate the warm areas. With so much to explore, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to visit every tasting room in one trip – and the Cheshire Cat Inn is here to help! Here’s how you can experience the best wine tasting in Santa Barbara.
The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
If you want to taste some of the finest wines produced in Santa Barbara County, take a self-guided tour on the Urban Wine Trail. The trail stretches across two distinct downtown neighborhoods and is comprised of over 20 tasting rooms and wineries. Novices and aficionados alike will have the opportunity to try a wide variety of wines crafted from the area’s best vineyards. Click here to view a full list of participating wineries.
Stagecoach Co. Wine Tours
Stagecoach Co. Wine Tours is Santa Barbara’s premier wine tour company. They offer unique, all-inclusive experiences that showcase our area’s world-class wineries. For a full day of relaxation and fun, we recommend the Wine Lovers Tour. This package includes a trip to four carefully selected locations as well as a delicious picnic lunch. Or try the Connoisseurs and Collectors Tour where you can purchase exclusive bottles from some of the top winemakers in the area. You don’t even have to worry about driving – Stagecoach Co. provides door-to-door service!
Captain Jack’s Tours & Events
Another guided tour option is Captain Jack’s. Their Wine Country Tour was voted the #1 Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara and includes a trip to popular AVAs in the Santa Rita Hills and the Santa Ynez Valley. You’ll also enjoy an olive oil tasting at a local farm and lunch at Trattoria Grappolo. For a more customized experience, request a private tour. Captain Jack’s is happy to accommodate any time constraints or special requests you may have.
Sustainable Vine Wine Tours
Sustainable Vine Wine Tours offers all-day trips to small production, family-owned wineries that are committed to sustainability. They don’t visit commercial wineries or tasting rooms – instead, each tour provides exclusive access to premium estate vineyards, barrel rooms, and the people behind the wine. Tours typically run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 or 5 p.m.
Book Your Stay at the Cheshire Cat Inn
Now that you know how to experience the best wine tasting in Santa Barbara, it’s time to book your stay at the Cheshire Cat Inn! Our bed and breakfast has everything you need to relax, including comfortable accommodations and top-notch amenities. We even offer a fabulous wine tasting hour each evening! Enjoy a glass of local vino paired with tasty bites like curried deviled eggs, stuffed mushroom caps, crudités & dip, and assorted European cheeses. Yum! Check our availability or call us at (805) 569-1610 to book your stay today.
