The Top 9 Carlsbad Wine Tours

Carlsbad isn’t just famous for its sandy beaches and family-friendly vibe; it’s also a surprisingly vibrant spot for wine enthusiasts. While this seaside town might seem more about surf and sand, its local wineries, gourmet eateries, and diverse tasting experiences make it a perfect place for wine tours. We especially like the Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting for its approachable blend of food and wine in a lively village setting. It’s a 3-hour walk that’s perfect for those who want to combine local cuisine, California wines, and behind-the-scenes stories into one compact experience.

Another stand-out is the Vino Vibes Carlsbad Wine Crawl and Italian Bites, which offers a guided wine and food adventure focused on Italian flavors and regional Californian wines. This 3-hour tour is ideal if you enjoy pairing wine with savory bites and learning about the local wine scene in a relaxed group setting.

For those craving a more personalized experience, the private Temecula wine tours from Carlsbad, Oceanside, Del Mar, or Solana Beach provide full-day trips that include visits to iconic vineyards, guided cave tours, and the chance to explore charming Old Town Temecula. Options like the Private Temecula Wine Tour from Carlsbad and others give you the flexibility to tailor your day while tasting award-winning wines.

Below, we’ve broken down the nine best wine tours, each with its unique appeal—so whether you’re in town for a quick tasting, a scenic sidecar ride, or a full-day adventure, there’s something here for you.

1. Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting

At number 1 on our list is the Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting, a highly-rated experience with a perfect 5.0/5 from 474 reviews. Priced at $78 per person, this 3-hour walking tour offers an intimate look at Carlsbad Village’s food scene. It’s especially good for those who want to enjoy delicious local cuisine, California wines, and scenic strolls—all with a small group ensuring personalized attention.

The tour hits nine stops, including Cicciotti’s for Italian pasta and cannolis, Witch Creek Winery for wine tasting, Froglanders for French crepes, and GelatoLove for authentic Italian gelato. What makes this tour stand out is the variety—tasting Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, French, and American foods all in one afternoon. Tour guides are praised for their storytelling, with several reviews mentioning guides like Ben and Sue sharing engaging stories about Carlsbad’s history and culture.

This experience is perfect if you love a relaxed pace, gourmet tastings, and discovering local hidden gems. The value is excellent given the number of tastings and the small-group format, making it a great choice for foodies and wine lovers alike.

Bottom Line: A lively, flavorful introduction to Carlsbad’s gourmet culture, ideal for those who want a mix of great food, wine, and local stories.

2. Vino Vibes Carlsbad Wine Crawl and Italian Bites

At number 2, the Vino Vibes Carlsbad Wine Crawl and Italian Bites offers an upscale yet relaxed 3-hour experience. This tour is perfect for couples, groups, or anyone eager to combine California wines with Italian-inspired bites. Priced at $96 per person and with a perfect 5-star rating from three reviews, it’s a dedicated wine and food experience in the heart of Carlsbad.

Your journey begins exploring local wineries and savoring tastings at Carruth Cellars, Napatini Bistro, and Gregorio’s Restaurant. The tour emphasizes learning about California’s wine scene while enjoying savory Italian dishes paired with each stop. This tour is unique for its focus on combining wine, regional cuisine, and regional wines in a well-curated itinerary.

Guests love the personalized touch of guides who are passionate and knowledgeable. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate pairing wine with authentic local flavors.

Bottom Line: A focused, wine-centered experience that pairs California wines with Italian bites—perfect for those wanting a balanced, fun tasting experience.

3. Oceanside, Auto Museum & Winery Tour & Tasting

Ranked third, the Oceanside, Auto Museum & Winery Tour & Tasting offers a full 3-hour adventure for $595 per group (up to three people). It combines scenic ocean views, a sidecar ride, and exclusive winery visits—a rare combo that appeals to those seeking a memorable outing.

Your guide will take you riding in a sidecar around Oceanside, providing helmets with communication systems so you can chat as you go. Afterward, you’ll visit Deer Park Winery, where wine tastings are complemented by a trip to the auto museum, which has an impressive collection of vintage cars. The tour includes stops at the historic Mission San Luis Rey, adding a dash of local history.

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers and vintage car aficionados. It’s a premium, personalized experience that combines scenic rides with wine tasting, making it different from typical winery visits. The price reflects the private, all-inclusive nature of the tour, including the auto museum entry.

Bottom Line: An adventurous, all-in-one experience for those wanting a scenic drive, vintage cars, and quality regional wines. Best suited for small groups or couples who enjoy activities with a twist.

4. Sushi Making Class at a Local Wine Bar in North County

Number 4 on our list is the Sushi Making Class at a Local Wine Bar. At $159 for about two hours, this hands-on class is perfect if you want to learn a new skill while pairing it with fine wine. Led by a professional chef, you’ll select fillings and master sushi rolling techniques—an interactive experience that’s more about fun than just eating.

This experience is less traditional wine tasting and more about culinary skills and pairing. It’s great for small groups or couples looking for a culinary adventure. The class includes instruction on rolling sushi, and participants often enjoy matching their creations with local wines in a cozy wine bar setting.

While this tour isn’t focused solely on wine, it offers a unique way to combine the art of sushi-making with wine pairing. It’s a good pick for foodies wanting a memorable, interactive activity that blends wine and cuisine.

Bottom Line: Great for those wanting to learn sushi techniques while enjoying regional wines, especially if you prefer active experiences over passive tasting.

5. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Carlsbad

Ranked fifth, the Private Temecula Wine Tour from Carlsbad offers an 8-hour full-day escape starting at $282.35 per person. It is tailored for small groups or couples who prefer a personalized, curated experience. The tour includes visits to Somerset Vineyard & Winery, Oak Mountain Winery (home to the largest wine cave in Southern California), and optional lunch.

The tour includes guided tours, tastings, and the chance to explore Old Town Temecula, with free time to shop or relax. The highlight is the cave tour at Oak Mountain, which adds a layer of uniqueness. Guides are well-reviewed, and the tour offers good value for those seeking an in-depth wine experience with added sightseeing.

This tour suits travelers with more time and a love for guided, private experiences. The price includes tastings at multiple wineries and a scenic drive through wine country, making it an excellent choice for wine aficionados and those wanting a luxe, intimate outing.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, private wine day trip perfect for small groups who want to explore Temecula’s best wineries with a flexible itinerary.

6. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Del Mar

Number 6, the Private Temecula Wine Tour from Del Mar, offers an 8-hour guided experience similar to the Carlsbad version but from a slightly different starting point. It features visits to the same wineries, Old Town Temecula, and optional lunch, all for $300 a person.

This tour emphasizes small-group personalized service and includes tastings at Somerset Vineyard & Oak Mountain, along with a relaxed exploration of Temecula’s scenic vineyards. It’s ideal if you’re staying closer to Del Mar and want a hassle-free day with wine, sightseeing, and good company.

Guests appreciate the well-organized itinerary and the chance to customize the day. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who want a private tour but at a slightly lower price point than other custom options.

Bottom Line: An excellent, flexible private tour for those based near Del Mar seeking a full day in wine country without the planning.

7. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Encinitas

The Temecula Wine Tour from Encinitas is designed for small groups and includes a full day of tasting at Somerset, Oak Mountain, and Cougar vineyards. For $300 per person, it offers a streamlined way to explore the region with tastings, cave tours, and optional lunch.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a personalized, guided experience with flexible pickups from Encinitas. It combines scenic drives and wine tastings, with the advantage of being based in a nearby location.

Guests appreciate the clear itinerary and the chance to see multiple wineries in one day. It’s ideal for wine lovers who want a curated experience but prefer to handle their own logistics.

Bottom Line: A convenient, private option for Encinitas-based travelers seeking a full-day wine adventure with personalized service.

8. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Oceanside

At number 8, the Private Temecula Wine Tour from Oceanside offers an 8-hour private outing at $282.35 per person. It includes visits to Somerset, Oak Mountain, and Cougar vineyards, with optional lunch. The tour emphasizes small-group flexibility and scenic drives.

Ideal for Oceanside residents or travelers, this tour combines wine tastings with a relaxed sightseeing itinerary, including free time in Old Town Temecula. The guide’s reputation for professionalism and knowledge makes it a reliable choice for a smooth, personalized experience.

While priced similarly to other private tours, this option lets you pick your starting point and customize the day. It’s best suited for those who want to avoid the hassle of planning and prefer a private, guided day with scenic stops.

Bottom Line: A flexible, full-day private tour perfect for Oceanside groups wanting an easy, all-inclusive experience.

9. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Solana Beach

Finally, the Private Temecula Wine Tour from Solana Beach provides a 7.5-hour guided day exploring Temecula’s best wineries. For $300 per person, it includes tastings at Somerset, Oak Mountain, and Cougar Vineyards, plus free time for shopping or coffee in Old Town.

This tour is ideal if you’re staying in Solana Beach and want a personalized experience with flexible stops. It’s a good fit for small groups or couples who value customized itineraries and relaxed pacing.

Reviews highlight the ease of organization and the quality of the wineries visited. It’s a good option for those who appreciate a well-structured yet flexible wine day.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for Solana Beach visitors seeking a relaxed, private wine tasting day with personal touches.

How to Choose Your Perfect Carlsbad Wine Tour

Picking the right wine tour depends on your budget, schedule, and interests. If you’re short on time but want a flavorful introduction, the Carlsbad Food Tour offers a fantastic mix of food and wine in just a few hours. For an all-in-one private vineyard experience, the Temecula private tours or Oceanside version are excellent choices, especially if you want a customized, guided full-day outing with tastings and sightseeing.

For those interested in learning new culinary skills, the Sushi Making Class offers a memorable pairing of food and wine in a fun, hands-on setting. Budget-conscious travelers who prefer smaller groups might choose the Vino Vibes experience, which emphasizes Italian flavors and local wines.

When booking, consider the season, as September through November is prime for grape harvests, and booking early ensures availability. Private tours tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so plan ahead.

Final Thoughts

Carlsbad offers a surprising variety of wine experiences—from relaxed food and wine walks to private vineyard tours and adventurous sidecar rides. If you love a good glass of wine paired with local food, you’ll find options that suit every style, budget, and schedule.

Two standout choices are the Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting for its rich variety and insider stories, and the Private Temecula Wine Tour from Carlsbad for a full-day, customizable experience. Whichever you choose, booking early is wise—these popular tours tend to fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Cheers!