Where do we begin! Our first trip to Santa Barbara was a welcome weekend escape capped off by our day with Karina and Sustainable Wine Tours. After some car troubles pushed our tour back 1 day (truly a blessing in disguise as it allowed for a spa day and some beer tasting), we were picked up promptly at our hotel. Karina greeted us with exuberance and proceeded to give us the background and history of Santa Barbara wine county as we made our way to the first stop. We pulled up on the side of a vineyard and met with the winemaker, learning the history of the estate before making our way to a private tasting. The rest of the day was just as good, with stops at a production/storage/packing facility to taste more wine and talk with one of the owners of another small winery. The last stop was in an absolutely beautiful and laid back setting. After more conversation and wine tasting at a 3rd winery/vineyard, we were safely delivered back to our hotel in time for dinner
Takeaways:
1. Karina was an excellent tour guide/host. Upon booking, we indicated preferences for lunch and answered a few questions about our background with wine. Sustainable Wine Tours took it from there and curated a perfect itinerary. The private tour option was perfect, especially in the midst of the pandemic.
2. Scott was prompt and decisive when car troubles arose, offering for us to both complete the tour on the scheduled day (albeit later) or reschedule to the following day.
3. The wineries visited were top notch. The wine and conversation were excellent. All tours/tastings were private.
4. We have recommended this to our friends and will plan to book an additional tour upon our return to Santa Barbara.