Solvang’s lunch scene combines Danish charm with California wine country flair. The standout midday experiences here revolve around wine and food tours. I love the gourmet picnic-and-wine packages – they pair local vintages with fresh California cuisine in picture-perfect vineyard settings. The e-bike tour is a particular gem, combining exercise with stops at a lavender farm, olive oil producer, and a memorable farm-to-table lunch. For flexibility, the private wine tours let you customize your winery visits and lunch spots. Each tour delivers excellent value and requires guests to be 21 or older.
Let’s look at my favorite lunch tours in Solvang:
Key Points
- Solvang Wine Tours offers a picnic lunch as part of their 5-hour wine tasting experience, which includes visits to three small artisan wineries.
- The E-Bike Tour in Los Olivos, a nearby town, includes a farm-to-table lunch at Beckmen Vineyards as part of the 4-hour tour.
- The Santa Barbara E-Bike Wine Tour provides a gourmet picnic lunch during the 7-hour small-group tour, which combines scenic biking with olive oil tasting.
- Private Guided Wine Tours can be customized to include lunch at a winery or other local hotel, with door-to-door service from various locations.
- Many Solvang wine tours emphasize artisan wine and avoid a party atmosphere, ensuring a high-quality and memorable lunch experience.
Solvang: Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tours W/ Lunch & Tastings
For those seeking a delightful wine tasting experience in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Solvang wine tours offer an excellent option.
These 5-hour tours, priced at $180 per person, whisk participants to three small artisan wineries and a private vineyard. Along the way, guests can enjoy a barrel room tasting, a chocolate pairing, and a picnic lunch at one of the wineries.
The tour also includes a 10% discount on wine purchases at the last boutique winery. With a small group size limited to 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
Guests can savor the flavors of the region, learn about the area’s history and winemaking, and enjoy scenic drives through the different wine trails.
The tours are suitable for those 21 and older who are interested in artisan wine, not a party atmosphere. With a 5-star rating and positive customer feedback, the Solvang wine tours are a must-try for wine enthusiasts visiting the Santa Ynez Valley.
Read our full review: Solvang: Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tours W/ Lunch & Tastings Review
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Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch With Wine Tasting
Adventurous travelers can embark on an exhilarating e-bike tour through the picturesque Los Olivos region, culminating in a delectable vineyard lunch and wine tasting experience. Priced from SEK 2,234 per person, the 4-hour tour departs from the Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours retail store.
Riders will explore the Santa Ynez Valley on high-quality Class 3 e-bikes, with highlights including visits to a lavender farm, olive oil tasting, and a miniature horse ranch.
The tour’s centerpiece is a farm-to-table lunch at Beckmen Vineyards, featuring a locally-sourced salad, charcuterie, baguette, pasta salad, and dessert, complemented by a wine tasting on the veranda.
Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the quaint town of Los Olivos and, time permitting, the nearby communities of Santa Ynez and Solvang.
With complimentary vehicle support and knowledgeable local guides, this e-bike tour offers a seamless and unforgettable way to experience the best of Santa Barbara Wine Country.
Read our full review: Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch With Wine Tasting Review
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Santa Barbara: E-Bike Wine Country Tour W/ Tastings & Lunch
This comprehensive e-bike tour allows visitors to explore Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country in an immersive and eco-friendly manner. Priced from ₹19,026 per person, the 7-hour small-group experience is limited to 8 participants and led by a live English-speaking guide.
After meeting at the Peppertree Inn, you will be transported by van to the biking departure point at 9:45 AM.
The itinerary includes a morning bike ride through the scenic Santa Ynez Valley, with stops at a lavender farm, miniature horse farm, and a quaint Danish village. Participants can look forward to an olive oil tasting, a gourmet picnic lunch at a winery, and two wine tasting flights featuring five wines each at different estate wineries.
Throughout the tour, cyclists will enjoy stunning views of vineyards and hills. The experience caters to those comfortable riding a bike; non-riders can join in the van.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option is offered.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: E-Bike Wine Country Tour W/ Tastings & Lunch Review
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Santa Barbara: Private Guided Wine Tour With Lunch
Visitors seeking an intimate, personalized exploration of Santa Barbara’s acclaimed wine country can embark on a private guided tour. This 6-hour excursion whisks guests away to up to 3 small, family-owned wineries for tastings.
Along with tasting fees, the experience includes a gourmet picnic lunch and an educational vineyard tour to enhance wine knowledge.
The tour is customized based on the group’s preferences, with a flexible pickup time either at 10 AM in Santa Barbara or 11 AM in Santa Ynez. Participants can choose the wineries or let the guide select them.
Door-to-door transportation is provided from various locations, including Montecito, Goleta, and Solvang.
At $4,122 per person, this private tour offers a premium experience with a knowledgeable guide in a non-shared vehicle. Guests must be 21 or older, and an 18% minimum gratuity is expected.
Certain restrictions apply, including no intoxication, party groups, pets, or outside food and drinks allowed in the vehicle.
Read our full review: Santa Barbara: Private Guided Wine Tour With Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Have Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Options?
Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options are available in Solvang. Many local restaurants cater to dietary restrictions, offering a variety of meatless and gluten-free dishes to accommodate different preferences and needs.
Can We Customize the Wine Tasting and Lunch to Our Preferences?
Yes, visitors can often customize their wine tasting and lunch experiences in Solvang. Many local restaurants and wineries accommodate dietary preferences like vegetarian and gluten-free options, and may allow customers to personalize their tasting and meal selections.
How Long Do the Lunch and Wine Tasting Experiences Typically Last?
The typical lunch and wine tasting experience lasts around 2-3 hours, allowing visitors to savor the flavors and enjoy the ambiance at a leisurely pace. Many venues offer the flexibility to customize the timing and offerings to suit individual preferences.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for These Experiences?
Many Solvang wineries and restaurants offer discounts or package deals for lunch and wine tasting experiences. Visitors can often find special offers, such as bundled pricing or discounts for booking multiple activities together, to save on their visit.
Can We Bring Children Along to the Wine Tasting and Lunch Tours?
Yes, children are generally welcome on wine tasting and lunch tours in Solvang. However, some establishments may have age restrictions or require adult supervision. It’s best to check with the specific tour operator before booking to ensure the experience is suitable for children.
The Sum Up
Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Barbara offer excellent lunch experiences paired with wine tastings and scenic e-bike tours. These guided tours provide a hassle-free way to explore the region’s vineyards and enjoy delectable local cuisine. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable day out, these lunch experiences are worth considering for your next visit to the Santa Ynez Valley.