Wine Country Farm to Table Bike Tour w/Lunch

A Friendly Ride Through Santa Barbara’s Wine Country: The Farm to Table Bike Tour

Imagine pedaling through rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and charming small towns — all in the fresh air of California’s wine country. For $175 per person, this 5-hour guided bike tour offers a leisurely way to explore Santa Ynez Valley’s best sights, with the bonus of tastings, a delicious farm-to-table lunch, and plenty of personalized attention. Led by knowledgeable guides, it’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic experiences without the fuss.

What we love most is how the tour combines scenic beauty with educational stops, like olive oil and lavender oil tastings, all wrapped in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, with a catered lunch at a family-owned vineyard, you get a true taste of local farm life. On the downside, this experience might be less suited for those looking for a strenuous workout or a very fast-paced day. Instead, it’s best for relaxed travelers, food and wine lovers, or anyone wanting a genuine glimpse into Santa Barbara’s countryside.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided, small-group experiences that blend outdoor activity with local culture, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip. Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or simply craving a unique way to see the area, it offers a lot of value packed into a manageable timeframe.

Key Points

• Balance of activity and relaxation: Enjoy a gentle bike ride with plenty of stops for tastings.
• Personalized experience: Limited group size means you’ll get more attention from your guide.
• Diverse highlights: Olive oil, lavender oil, and wine tastings combined with a farm-to-table lunch.
• Stunning scenery: Rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and charming small towns.
• Educational stops: Learn about olive oil pressing and lavender farming.
• Good value: Includes tastings, lunch, and professional guiding for the price.

Exploring Santa Barbara’s Wine Country by Bike

We found this tour to be an inviting way to soak up Santa Barbara’s countryside without the feeling of being on a bus or in a crowded group. Starting in Santa Ynez, you’re greeted by your guide, often a friendly local like Scott or Mike, who quickly puts everyone at ease. The ride is gentle and accessible, making it suitable for most fitness levels, and the bikes are fitted comfortably, ensuring a smooth experience.

The first stop in Santa Ynez allows for a brief stroll while your guide familiarizes you with the area’s history and landscape. It’s a great warm-up, especially as you get used to the bikes. As one reviewer put it, “Great time riding around and learning the history of the city,” which sets the tone for a relaxed, informative day.

Visiting Neverland Ranch

Pedaling through Los Olivos, you’ll pass the site of what was once Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch — now a point of curiosity and part of the local lore. The route takes you along scenic country roads that showcase the beauty of the San Rafael mountains. It’s a peaceful ride, and many reviews mention the “beautiful scenery” and “breathtaking views,” making it a highlight for nature lovers.

Although brief, this stop adds a touch of celebrity intrigue to your day, and it’s a reminder of how Santa Barbara’s countryside has been part of American pop culture. The ride continues smoothly, with your guide sharing stories and insights about the area’s development and farming history.

Olive Oil and Lavender Farm Visits

The tour’s focus on local produce shines through with stops at a small olive oil tasting in Los Olivos and a lavender farm. The olive oil tasting provides an authentic taste of the region’s culinary traditions, and the guide might explain how local producers press their olives for maximum flavor.

The lavender farm is a fragrant highlight, where you can see how fresh lavender is pressed into oil, enjoy the scent, and stroll through the family-owned property. One reviewer remarked, “We enjoyed strolling through their gallery and gift shop,” which adds a personal touch to the experience. These stops show the diversity of the local agricultural scene, adding a sensory dimension that’s often missing from more conventional wine tours.

The Farm-to-Table Lunch at Lincourt Vineyards

At Lincourt Vineyards, the tour reaches its culinary peak with a catered lunch that emphasizes farm-to-table freshness. You’ll sit in a beautiful vineyard setting, enjoying a selection of wines from a family-owned winery. The lunch is often described as delicious, with “excellent food and a great wine flight,” according to reviews. The experience is relaxed but informative, with your guide sharing details about the vineyard’s biodynamic practices.

This stop is particularly appreciated by those wanting a true taste of local life — small-scale, family-run operations that prioritize quality over quantity. The inclusion of wine tasting and lunch in the price adds significant value, making this more than just a sightseeing trip.

Returning to Solvang

After a leisurely afternoon, the ride circles back to the starting point, often with a few extra scenic detours or shaded areas suggested by your guide. The trip concludes around 3:00 p.m., leaving plenty of time to explore Solvang or other nearby towns.

What the Tour Means for You

This bike tour strikes a lovely balance between active outdoor fun and culinary discovery. We loved the relaxed pace, which allows plenty of time for chats, tastings, and soaking up the scenery. The small-group format means you’ll likely get personalized stories and attention from your guide, making it more engaging than large bus tours.

The tastings — olive oil, lavender, and wine — are all included, which means you’re not just sightseeing but actively tasting and learning about local products. The lunch, served in a vineyard setting, is a highlight that provides a genuine farm-to-table experience, often praised as “delicious” and “beautifully presented.”

One thing to consider is the pace of the ride. While most reviews mention the ride as being relaxing and suitable for most, it’s still a bike tour, so some physical readiness is helpful. Also, if you’re hoping for multiple vineyard stops, be aware that the tour usually includes one main wine tasting, as safety dictates. The stops at lavender and olive oil farms are the perfect length for taking photographs and relaxing between riding.

How It Compares in Value

At $175, this experience offers a lot — guided cycling, tastings, a hearty lunch, and exclusive smaller-group attention. For travelers who enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences that combine activity with local culture, this is a worthwhile choice. The included tastings and lunch are a significant perk, making it a better deal than many standalone tastings or casual bike rentals.

Many reviewers mention how well the guides respond to individual needs and how the experience feels personalized. “The guide was very friendly, pleasant, and patient,” said one traveler, reflecting how this tour is tailored to make guests comfortable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a fan of relaxed outdoor activities with a focus on local food and wine, this tour will suit you well. It’s ideal for curious travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a unique way to explore Santa Barbara’s countryside without feeling hurried or overwhelmed. If you like the idea of learning about local farms, sampling farm-fresh products, and enjoying scenic views all in one day, this is your tour.

However, those wanting a more vigorous cycling experience or multiple vineyard visits might need to look elsewhere, as the focus here is on quality over quantity, with a gentle pace designed for enjoyment and discovery.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour can be suitable for kids depending on their comfort with biking and outdoor activity. Child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?
Yes, these dietary preferences can be accommodated — just be sure to advise at the time of booking.

What is included in the tour price?
The fee covers professional guides, local knowledge, wine and olive oil tastings, a visit to a lavender farm, a farm-to-table lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers plan about 16 days ahead on average, which is recommended since the tour is popular and limited to small groups.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 2449 Baseline Ave, Solvang and ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

Is transportation provided?
No, you meet at the designated start point with your bike ready to go. The focus is on biking and exploring, not transportation between sites.

What if it rains?
Most tours are weather-dependent, but check with the provider in case of rain, as the experience is outdoor-focused.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Wine Country Farm to Table Bike Tour offers a friendly, authentic way to experience Santa Barbara’s countryside, with a perfect blend of gentle activity, scenic beauty, and local tastings. It’s ideal for curious food and wine lovers who want to see beyond the vineyards and into the farms and small towns that make this region special. The personalized guides, included tastings, and lovely setting make it a memorable outing that’s worth considering if you’re in the area.

Travelers who value small-group intimacy, local insights, and a laid-back pace will find this tour especially appealing. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with Santa Barbara’s agricultural roots — all without sacrificing comfort or quality. Whether celebrating a special day or simply seeking a unique local experience, this bike ride delivers an enjoyable and insightful slice of California wine country.