Whether you are a curious wine traveler or serious wine enthusiast, if you are looking for an authentic wine tasting experience without having to leave Santa Barbara, we have you covered. There’s no greater way to get to know this city than by taking a stroll among the maze of tasting rooms, mixing with the locals while you sip a renowned vintage and take it all in.

Unlike other regions that are known for the handful of grapes they grow well, all varieties thrive in Santa Barbara County:
- Burgundian grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
- Rhone grapes like Syrah and Grenache
- Bordeaux heavyweights like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

Are you ready to taste the magic that makes Santa Barbara a world-class winemaking region?

About the experience - 1 hour and 45 minutes:

On Sunday afternoons at 12:15pm, come join us on a 2 stop journey for the ultimate oenophile experience (21 and over).

Gratuity for your guide has not been included in the ticket price and therefore left to your discretion.

Sip #1 and Savor - first stop - 45 mins:

6 glass wine tasting

We kick things off with a wine flight of 3 whites and 3 reds from the collection of favorite varietals handcrafted by the wine maker himself. It is definitely not your typical wine tasting!

Sensory experience using aroma wheel

We begin with the sensory experience using the aroma wheel while tasting the 3 whites. Smelling wine before tasting is important, as smell affects how we process flavor in the brain. Smelling wine also informs several wine characteristics: its primary scent, its wine alcohol content, secondary aromas, and its general acidity level. A wine's primary scent will indicate the type of grapes used. ⁠The aromatic experience takes pinpointing wine notes to the next level. By using actual aromatic elements found in different varietals you can more easily isolate specific profile characteristics that you may not have previously experienced. 

Wine & Food Pairing - Savory Bites

Next we learn why the proper balance of acid, spice, fruit, and tannins in their 3 Santa Ynez Valley red wines accentuates and complements the elements of the savory bites of the artisanal, Italian 3 part pizza. Each section of the pizza from the sauce to the cheese and its toppings pair perfectly with each of the varietals. 

Stroll - Santa Barbara Public Market down to La Arcada Plaza - 15 mins:
Afterwards we stroll down to our next stop to continue our adventure.
Along the way, your guide will point out specific places of interest.

Arlington Village

The Granada Theatre

Museum of Art

Sip #2 - final stop - 45 mins:

Pick your favorite!

Nestled nicely in the La Arcada Plaza with an attractive wall of wines as a backdrop to a very glam lounge-like tasting room, our second stop begins with a 5 glass traditional wine tasting handcrafted by a Master Sommelier. You will learn about their Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, vineyards and wine styles.  The wine offerings range from beautiful soft whites to big full red wines like Syrah, Petite Syrah, and Cab Franc. Your guide's personal favorite is an amazing Cab Franc Rosé which is dry and light bodied. You can taste and smell the subtle notes and aromas of passion fruit, orange peels and sour cherries.

Learn about varietals and wine styles


NOTE:
The cut off time for booking same day is 8:15am.
If booking same day, please text your host and guide Joseph Soltis for confirmation at 805.303.1931

Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in with Joseph outside the front door of the Santa Barbara Public Market.

Santa Barbara Public Market