CANCELLATIONS OR RESERVATION CHANGES
We have a 5-day cancellation policy for all group tours. If a reservation is cancelled less than 5 days of the tour, the full fare is charged, because we have already allocated staff and resources for your tour. A credit towards future use is issued if a person or tour is cancelled at least 5 days before the scheduled start date.
We have a 10-day cancellation policy for private tours. If a reservation is cancelled within 10 days of the tour, the full fare is charged. A credit towards future use is issued if a person or tour is cancelled at least 10 days before the scheduled start date.
We have a 14-day cancellation policy for large groups (over 13 Guests). If a reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the tour, the full fare is charged. A credit towards future use is issued if a person or tour is cancelled at least 14 days before the scheduled start date.
We have a 30-day cancellation policy for corporate and extra-large groups (24+ guests). If a reservation is cancelled within 30 days of the tour full fare is charged. A credit towards future use is issued if a person or tour is cancelled at least 30 days before the scheduled start date.
WEATHER AND TRAFFIC
We will not be held liable for refunds due to issues beyond our control (natural disasters, unforeseen weather or environmental changes, road closures, traffic issues, etc.).
In the event of a declaration of a local, state, or national State of Emergency, we will only be able to offer credit for future use, which supersedes all other cancellation policies.
Consider Travel Insurance if this is of concern.
MOTHER NATURE
Please be aware that Santa Barbara Wine Country is located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, which is a rural area, home to a variety of wildlife, including pets, livestock, insects, rodents, arachnids, and birds.
At certain times of the year, there are more insects, including flies, gnats, and bees, especially during harvest.
We visit a few equestrian properties. If you are allergic or have a fear of horses, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate any necessary changes.
LUNCH, FOOD & DRINK
Lunch orders need to be placed 48 hours before the tour, or turkey sandwiches will be ordered for all.
We provide plenty of bottled water. Eating or drinking (besides water) in our vehicles is prohibited.
Private tours and By-The-Hour service will be allowed a cooler with advanced notice.
Wineries prohibit any outside alcohol on their premise due to liquor license laws.
SERVICE ANIMALS
If you intend to bring a service animal, we require 48 hours' prior notice. The ADA does not require us to host most emotional support animals. These are not permitted. Please contact our sales representative if you have any questions.
ARRIVING LATE
If you are running late, please notify us immediately at 805-699-6618. We will try to make accommodations where possible. However, you may need to meet us, etc.
If your party is more than 10 minutes late for pick-up or departure, we are not responsible and we will leave to maintain our schedule. Private tours are slightly more flexible, but we won't be held liable for missed appointments or having to augment the tour.
CAR AND MOTION SICKNESS
If you are sensitive to car or motion sickness, it may be wise not to use our services. Wine County has windy roads. In the unfortunate event that you become ill in our vehicle, a cleaning fee of up to $ 1,000 will be charged to cover any necessary cleaning, loss of business, or damage.
LOST OR LEFT ITEMS
We are not responsible for lost or left items at wineries or in our vehicles. Please ensure you check your seat and surroundings, and confirm you have all your items and purchases. Stagecoach will not be responsible for returning any items. If we agree to return items, all shipping and handling fees will be charged back to the customer.
We select three unique locations that offer special wines, excellent service and a beautiful atmosphere. Customer feedback is #1 factor in our selections, so we always take guests to the best wineries available. (On Private Tours, you can visit more vineyards or specific wineries.)
We provide a delicious picnic lunch made by New Frontiers Marketplace, sourced locally and made fresh. We typically serve lunch at the 2nd or 3rd stop - around 1pm or 3pm. (See the menu)
5½ to 6 hours for Santa Ynez Valley area pickups and 7½ to 8 hours for Santa Barbara area pickups.
The Santa Ynez Valley is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (Burgundian style wines) along with Syrah, Grenache (Rhone style) and Sauvignon Blanc. We also visit wineries with unusual varieties such as Albarino, Mouvedre and Cabernet Franc.
Most wineries serve 4 to 6 wines with one-ounce pours each per flight. Visiting three wineries, you may drink a bottle or more if you don't espectorate (spit).
Absolutely! Our tour hosts have a thorough knowledge of the geography, history and wines of our region. Each tour host also has at least an entry level Sommelier Certificate. (We are extremely passionate about the wines in our county area!) Meet your tour guides
A maximum of eight guests per vehicle for our most popular Wine Lovers Tour. Private wine tours will depend on your group size.
Yes, but the tasting fees are included in our tour prices. (Wineries typically charge $20-$65 per person.)
We use a Mercedes Sprinter van for most tours. Our vehicles are spotlessly cleaned and maintained daily!
No, but it's a great opportunity to purchase exceptional Santa Barbara County wine directly from the producers and or winemakers. Wine not only makes a great gift but also perfect for special occasions and holidays.
We come to you at your hotel or location, or we can pick you up at one of these locations that have all-day parking.
Wine Lovers Tours depart at:
9:45-10:20am from the Santa Barbara Area
10:45-11:15am from the Santa Ynez Valley Area
10:20-10:30am from Santa Maria, Los Alamos, or Lompoc
Private tours are more flexible, as it is your day. However, leaving later or coming back early may limit your possibilities, as standard winery hours are 11am-5pm, with last pours beginning around 4pm.
Dress casually, and remember it can be very hot here in the summer and chilly in wintertime. (You can leave your sweater in the van.) We encourage you to have a good, solid breakfast before the tour - and go easy the night before!
You might also want to read our tasting primer, Wine Tasting 101.
Yes, a 10% gratuity is included with your all-inclusive tour. It is not uncommon though for guests to tip extra for your host as well as your wine servers. It's not expected but deeply appreciated. They work very hard to assure you will have an amazing wine tasting experience!