Discover Santa Barbara's Hidden Wine Gems on a Private VIP Tour

Travel with Chef Marcus & Jamie Guiliano to the best wineries of this region

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Honored with Top Industry Awards

Luxuri Awards 2025: Most Authentic Wine & Culinary Tour - VIP Winery Vacations, New York USA.

Prestige Awards: Wine Tour Operator of the Year.

VIP Winery Vacations: Best Chef-Led Wine & Gastronomy Tours Business 2025 USA by LUX Life Magazine.

VIP Winery Vacations: Best Wine-to-Table Experience 2024 New York by LUX Life Magazine.

VIP Winery Vacations: Excellence Award for Tequila Tours 2025 by LUX Life Magazine.

North America Business Awards: Sustainability & Local Sourcing Excellence Award 2024 - VIP Winery Vacations.

North America Business Awards: Wine & Culinary Tourism Innovators of the Year 2024 - VIP Winery Vacations.

CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards: VIP Winery Vacations - Wine Tour Operator of the Year 2025.

Why Journey to Santa Barbara with Marcus & Jamie Guiliano?

Forget the usual tourist trails. VIP Winery Vacations invites you to experience Santa Barbara’s wine country through an entirely new lens – one crafted by the personal passion and insider access of Chef Marcus and Jamie Guiliano. Since 2003, our relationships with family-run wineries and culinary artisans have been cultivated, allowing us to unveil the authentic heart of this stunning region, far from the crowds.

This isn’t just a wine tour; it’s a soul-shifting immersion into Santa Barbara’s rich terroir, intimate stories, and exceptional flavors. Prepare for private tastings, hidden barrel rooms, and meals that celebrate the true essence of California’s Central Coast.

What Makes Santa Barbara Special

With over 200 years of winemaking history, Santa Barbara is a tapestry of viticultural wonder. Our journey will reveal why this region is a global treasure. Nestled between majestic mountain ranges, Santa Barbara boasts five official wine regions and over 275 wineries, each with a unique story to tell. The transverse nature of these ranges creates a captivating mosaic of microclimates and diverse soil types – from the calcareous limestone that preserves vibrant acidity to the diatomaceous earth yielding concentrated wines, sandy soils for fruit-driven styles, and moisture-retaining clay loams for thirsty vines. It’s here that exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah thrive, alongside countless other varietals, all waiting to be discovered by you.

Your Curated Santa Barbara Escape: A Glimpse into the Journey

Day 1: Coastal Charms & Historic Vineyards

Upon your arrival at Santa Barbara Airport, just minutes from the vibrant heart of town, feel the Pacific breeze inviting you into your adventure. We’ll rendezvous in the lively Funk Zone, a short stroll from our luxurious Santa Barbara Inn. Here, we’ll uncork our journey at Santa Barbara Winery, the oldest in the region, established in 1962, where history flows in every glass. Continue our intimate exploration to Melville and Pali wine tasting rooms, savoring the distinct expressions of the land. As evening descends, we’ll gather at Toma! for an exquisite Italian dinner, the Pacific Ocean’s gentle murmur just across the street, before a leisurely seaside stroll back to our boutique sanctuary, the Santa Barbara Inn.

Day 2: The Sideways Trail & Family Legacies

Awaken to the promise of Foxen Canyon! After a delightful local breakfast, we’ll embark on the famed wine trail immortalized in ‘Sideways,’ stopping at the very wineries that shaped its iconic scenes. Our first stop: Foxen Winery, nestled in the valley named after its pioneering family. Here, amidst the serene outdoor tasting area, we’ll delve into their brilliant Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and rare Chenin Blancs. Next, a truly VIP experience awaits at Fess Parker Winery. This family-run estate, once owned by the legendary Davy Crockett himself, will host us for an exclusive tasting, gourmet lunch, and a tour that reveals generations of winemaking passion. Just down the road, immerse yourself in the Rhône-inspired artistry of Andrew Murray Winery with an intimate garden tasting. Our day culminates in charming Los Olivos, where we’ll discover the innovative Epiphany Winery by Eli Parker, followed by a superb dinner at Barlacote, all before returning to our serene Santa Barbara Inn.

Day 3: Santa Rita Hills & Organic Pioneers

Today, our journey deepens into the renowned Santa Rita Hills! After breakfast, we venture to Lompoc to uncover two extraordinary wineries. First, Ampelos, a pioneer in organic viticulture and the very first Certified Organic vineyard in the US! Prepare to be captivated by their concentrated Viognier and exceptional Syrah – wines that truly stand apart. Then, we travel to Lafond Winery, founded by Pierre Lafond, who also established Santa Barbara Winery. Here, we’ll enjoy an exclusive tour, tasting, and lunch, gaining profound insight into his legacy. Our evening culminates with a memorable dinner at Bells restaurant in Los Alamos.

Day 4: Burgundian Elegance & Farewell Feast

Savor a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, preparing for a day dedicated to Santa Barbara’s iconic wineries. Our first immersion is into the world of Au Bon Climat (ABC), founded in 1982. This esteemed winery focuses solely on Burgundian-style wines, crafting some of Santa Barbara’s finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. While in this esteemed area, we must also experience Alma Rosa Winery, where more exquisite French-inspired wines await your palate. As the sun sets on our extraordinary journey, we return to Santa Barbara for our grand farewell dinner at Barbareno, a culinary celebration of the memories we’ve created.

Day 5: Farewell & Funk Zone Delights

As our Santa Barbara wine journey gracefully concludes, you have the flexibility to depart at your leisure or join us for more delightful tastings around Santa Barbara. Depending on your flight, we can head to the Carr wine tasting room for a final lunch and tasting, or simply wander through the vibrant Funk Zone and along the pier, savoring last moments of local flavor at your own pace. This personalized approach ensures your departure is as seamless and enjoyable as your arrival.