Solvang & Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country

Welcome! What a privilege it is to guide guests through Santa Barbara's beautiful wine country. When I am hosting your group, I want you to have the attention, care, and amenities of an upscale travel experience; but ultimately, I hope that you feel the comfort and warmth of being shown the area with your friend who lives here. I am a Southern California native, and Santa Barbara has been my home since 1988, when I came to attend the University. Just before graduation, I began working in the fine dining room of the world class, San Ysidro Ranch hotel. It was there that my interest in our local wines was sparked. For me, learning about our wine country was not a "requirement", but a joy. And I found that I loved sharing that knowledge with our guests. When you tour with me, you will get that attention to detail and knowledge that comes from my years in hospitality and wine. But enjoyment of wine doesn't begin and end in the glass. The best wine country experience is immersive and engaged: feeling the breeze as your ride through the vineyards and valley towns, noting the stages of development in the vines through the growing season, and getting a bit of exercise so you have balanced your day and earned that wine! Food is also an important part a wine country experience. So I strive to provide my guests with the freshest local ingredients for our rejuvenating picnic lunch, ingredients that are on par with Santa Barbara's excellent wines. I want your lunch to be in a beautiful setting, and presented thoughtfully. No boxed lunches! I have spent many years enjoying the tastes, sights, and history of our wine country. I would love to share that experience with you. Sommelier Experience CPUC Certified Commercial Driver Bachelor of Arts, University of California, Santa Barbara 7 years as Tour Owner/Operator