Santa Barbara isn’t just about stunning coastlines and charming streets—it’s also a fantastic destination for lunch experiences that combine great food with memorable scenery. Whether you’re a wine lover eager to sample some of California’s best reds and whites or an outdoor enthusiast looking for an active day, this city offers a variety of options. We particularly like the 3-Winery Tours, especially for their all-inclusive nature and the chance to enjoy tastings paired with a picnic lunch, all without worrying about who’s the designated driver. Plus, the Bike & Lunch Tours offer a lively, fresh-air way to explore vineyards, olive groves, and lavender farms, perfect for those wanting more than just a sit-down meal. For a more immersive experience, an E-bike wine tour combines scenic riding with tastings and a gourmet picnic, making for a truly active yet indulgent day.
Quick Overview
Santa Barbara’s lunch experiences range from guided winery tours that include tastings and picnic lunches (3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang) to bike-based explorations of wine country (Wine Country Farm to Table Bike Tour). There are full-day adventures with kayaking, hiking, and e-biking, as well as small-group, intimate tasting tours. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each so you can pick the perfect fit for your taste, budget, and energy level.
1. 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang
This all-inclusive tour takes you through the Santa Ynez Valley, a highlight of California’s wine country. For $169, you’ll visit three wineries, with tasting fees, a picnic lunch, and bottled water included. The tour provides transportation in a comfortable climate-controlled vehicle, ideal for those who want to relax and focus on the wine and scenery. The itinerary features stops at well-known spots like Kaena at the Ranch or Fess Parker Winery, offering a blend of boutique and more established wineries.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on local wines and the picnic lunch served amid vineyard views (weather permitting). Tour guide Carrington’s expertise shines, and reviews frequently praise the friendly driver and the quality of the included lunch. With a duration of about 5 hours, it’s a relaxed way to taste some of California’s best wines while enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers who want a comprehensive, worry-free experience with great scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a delicious picnic.
2. 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch from Santa Barbara
For around $199, this 6.5-hour tour offers a similar experience in a slightly longer, more immersive format. It includes visits to three Santa Ynez wineries, with the added benefit of transfers from Santa Barbara hotels, making logistics straightforward. The wines sampled are top-tier, and the tour adjusts its stops based on the season, providing a variety of winery atmospheres—from rustic charm to elegant estates.
The tour’s focus on personalized tastings and a gourmet picnic lunch makes it ideal for those wanting a taste of the region’s diversity. Drivers like Kerry and guides like Kris receive praise for their local knowledge and friendly service. The small group size creates an intimate setting, which enhances the enjoyment of wines and conversations. One review notes, “The wine was Devine,” highlighting the quality of the tastings.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a seamless, full-day wine experience with flexible winery choices and a gourmet picnic.
3. Wine Country Farm to Table Bike Tour w/Lunch
This bike tour, priced at $175, combines outdoor activity with culinary and wine tasting delights. Starting in Santa Ynez, you’ll pedal through the countryside visiting lavender farms, olive oil tastings, and vineyards, with a farm-to-table picnic lunch included. The tour’s small-group setting and expert guide make it perfect for those who want to stay active while savoring local flavors.
Highlights include stopping at the lavender farm to learn how oil is pressed, tasting olive oils, and enjoying vineyard views on two wheels. The tour is designed to be accessible but still engaging, allowing you to experience Santa Barbara’s rural charm firsthand. Reviewers mention the relaxed pace and the personalized touch of the guide, making it a memorable outing.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for active travelers who want to combine cycling with wine, olive oil, and lavender tastings—great for couples or small groups.
4. Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour from Solvang – w/o Lunch
At just $155, this half-day bike tour offers a quick yet thorough taste of Santa Barbara’s wine country, with scenic routes around Los Olivos. The tour includes visits to vineyards and stops at olive oil farms, with the option to include a stop at Folded Hills Tasting Room & Vineyard for a wine tasting and olive oil sampling.
What sets this apart is its flexible timing and the small group size, which allows for a more personal experience. The route is designed to be manageable for most fitness levels, making it suitable for casual cyclists and wine enthusiasts alike. Reviews highlight the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, especially noting the opportunity to sample olive oils and wines along the way.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those looking for a short, active taste of the region without the full-day commitment.
5. Santa Barbara: 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings & Lunch in SYV
This 7-hour tour balances wine tasting with a leisurely lunch, costing $179. It offers pickup and drop-off from Santa Barbara hotels, making it very convenient. The tour includes visits to three distinct wineries, with tastings and an artisan picnic lunch with seven options, including bottled water.
The tour focuses on small, family-owned wineries that offer a more authentic, less commercial experience. The guide’s expertise ensures smooth logistics, and reviews mention the value of the gourmet picnic and the relaxed pace. This tour suits those who want a deeper connection to local wineries and prefer a full day of tasting and exploration.
Bottom Line: Great for wine aficionados wanting personalized visits and a gourmet picnic in a relaxed setting.
6. Santa Barbara: E-bike wine tour w/ transport, tasting, lunch
For $225, this e-bike tour takes active travelers to two estate wineries, with a gourmet picnic lunch included. It’s perfect for those who love to combine physical activity with culinary delights. You’ll see vineyard views, visit a lavender farm, and experience olive oil tastings—all while riding an electric bike that makes hills a non-issue.
Guests rave about the stunning scenery and the ability to taste five wines at each estate, plus local oils and balsamics. The tour’s highlight is the active immersion into Santa Barbara’s agricultural landscape, making it ideal for adventure-minded foodies. The guide’s friendly approach and the personalized experience add to its appeal.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for active, curious travelers wanting a comprehensive, hands-on wine and food experience.
7. Santa Barbara: Wine Country Tour with Lunch
This 6-hour tour priced at $225 offers a curated visit to boutique wineries, emphasizing small-production, family-owned wineries. The tour includes tastings, a gourmet lunch, and various stops designed to showcase the diversity of Santa Barbara’s wine scene. It’s well-suited for those interested in learning about winemaking while savoring fine wines.
Reviews mention the gourmet picnic and the relaxed, educational atmosphere. Guides help you understand the nuances of boutique wines, making this tour perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a more intimate, artisanal experience. The focus on smaller wineries provides a different perspective than larger estates.
Bottom Line: Great for wine lovers who appreciate boutique wineries and a relaxed, educational environment.
8. Santa Barbara: All Day E-Bike, Hike, Kayak Excursion + Lunch
If you’re after a full-day adventure, this $250 tour combines e-biking, hiking, and kayaking. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers who want a multi-sport experience, including a packed lunch. You’ll pedal along the coastline, hike to scenic viewpoints, and paddle around Santa Barbara Harbor.
Reviews highlight the breathtaking views and the well-paced itinerary. The guide’s tips help you find hidden spots for the best bites or photo ops. This tour is best suited for active travelers with a sense of adventure who want a diverse day in nature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for energetic travelers wanting a comprehensive outdoor day with food, views, and physical activity.
$250 per person
9. 3-Winery Tour Includes Lunch in Santa Ynez from Santa Barbara
Starting from Santa Barbara, this 7-hour tour costs around $129 and focuses on visiting three carefully selected wineries. The logistics are handled seamlessly, and tasting fees can even be refunded if you join wine clubs or buy bottles. The included gourmet lunch features seven options, ensuring you stay satisfied.
While no reviews are available, the tour’s emphasis on personalized reservations and a full day’s exploration makes it attractive for those wanting a flexible, relaxed wine experience.
Bottom Line: Good value for those wanting a well-organized, full-day wine tour with a customizable lunch.
$129.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interest in active versus relaxed experiences. For a comprehensive, worry-free day with excellent scenery, the 3-Winery Tour in Santa Ynez (link) is hard to beat. If you prefer an active outing with scenery and local flavor, the Bike & Lunch Tours (link) or E-bike wine tour (link) are excellent choices. For a more intimate wine experience, consider the Wine Country Tour with Lunch (link), which emphasizes boutique wineries.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons like spring and summer. Think about whether you want a full-day adventure, a half-day jaunt, or an active biking experience. Also, many tours include transportation, making logistics simpler.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara offers a rich variety of lunch experiences that cater to different tastes and energy levels. From leisurely winery visits with gourmet picnics to active bike tours through vineyards and farms, there’s something for all. If you want to relax and sip quality wines, the Santa Ynez winery tours are excellent. For those craving a more dynamic day, the bike and adventure tours provide a lively way to explore while enjoying local flavors.
To get the most out of your trip, consider your interests, fitness, and whether you prefer guided tours or more independent exploration. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on your top choice, especially during busy seasons. Whatever you pick, Santa Barbara’s diverse lunch experiences promise a memorable taste of California’s wine country and countryside.