Our Sip and Stir tour (21 and over) was created for the wine curious visitor looking for that authentic Santa Barbara in town wine tasting experience and a well-crafted cocktail... but with an Instagram-ready presentation designed by a highly respected Los Angeles mixologist.

About the experience - 1hour and 30 minutes:

On Saturday afternoons at 3:30pm, for 1 hour and 30 minutes, this tour offers bits of local history and details about the hip Funk Zone area wine scene and Downtown SB area cocktail culture from a local guide who is not only an oenophile, but is also a cocktail enthusiast. Both venues are less than a 1 block walking distance of one another. You will spend a good amount of time in each location, allowing you to soak up the vibe and luxuriate in the details of the experience. 

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

Sip - wine tasting - 45 mins:

Wine wall

First we make a targeted stop on Santa Barbara's famed urban wine trail to enjoy a tailored five glass traditional wine tasting from a renowned family owned and operated estate winery with roots in Sonoma County's Knights Valley. This is one of the most highly regarded estates in California with high quality and greatly sought after grapes.
 
One of the best things about their wine is that at the time of harvest, they consider the wines to already be made and strive to not interfere with their natural path in the cellar. To this effect, they maintain a minimalist approach by aging their wines only in neutral French oak and stainless. They also utilize whole cluster fermentation to contribute to the depth, structure and complexity of their wines.

Patio tasting area

Indoor tasting area

Stir - cocktail - 30 mins:

Mixological cocktail alchemy

Next we take in the Funk Zone's lively cocktail scene with a presentation of mixological cocktail alchemy at one of Santa Barbara haute de gamme bars lavishly designed by acclaimed "Million Dollar Decorator" interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

This is where you will witness the beauty and skill that goes into making one of these signature cocktails and then enjoy a drink that you will never forget. One of your guide's favorites is the Eagle Rare bourbon drink Puff, Puff, Pass which is served on a moss bed enclosed in a mesquite smoke-filled glass cloche.

Cocktail lounge area

Cocktail lounge area

The tour ends with recommendations for further drinking and dining. 

NOTE: 
The cut off time for booking same day is 2pm.
If booking same day, please text your host and guide Joseph Soltis for confirmation at 908.295.4712.

Check in with Joseph outside the front door of Melville Winery Tasting Room.

Outside the front door

Please arrive 10 minutes before tour begins to check in with Joseph.

About your Tour Guide:
Joseph is a gifted storyteller, foodie, oenophile and history buff. Prepare to indulge yourself in all things delectable with a bespoke curated itinerary for the discerning traveler. We take the guesswork out of where to go and what to do so you can relax and enjoy more time during your stay.

Escape the ordinary and get introduced to the culture and lifestyle of Santa Barbara as you explore it in an immersive manner with a local tour guide. Gain an insider perspective on the arts, gastronomy and history during your meaningful discovery on one of our tours: wine tasting, food tasting or architectural walking tours. Enjoy each adventure by itself or combine them for an extraordinarily memorable day.