Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, United States
Santa Barbara, United States

Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour

Outty Ranking 61 5.0 · 13 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $650
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour worth booking?

Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour is a 6-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $650 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
5/5 (13)
Duration
6 hours
From
$650 per person

Experience the beauty of Santa Ynez Valley on a private 90-minute horseback ride through rolling vineyards and picturesque wine country before enjoying tastings at two carefully selected wineries. Your experience includes door-to-door transportation, a guided 90-minute horseback ride through the vineyards, and tastings at two exceptional wineries. Lunch is available for purchase during the tour but is not included in the tour price. This experience lasts approximately 7 hours and offers the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and world-class wine in one unforgettable day.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the beauty of Santa Ynez Valley on a private 90-minute horseback ride through rolling vineyards and picturesque wine country before enjoying tastings at two carefully selected wineries. Your experience includes door-to-door transportation, a guided 90-minute horseback ride through the vineyards, and tastings at two exceptional wineries. Lunch is available for purchase during the tour but is not included in the tour price. This experience lasts approximately 7 hours and offers the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and world-class wine in one unforgettable day.

    What's included

    Included

    • The price includes door to door transportation from anywhere in the Santa Barbara area, all tasting fees, and an expert guide to enhance your day. We also include a stop for lunch in the top-rated restaurant in the Santa Ynez Valley (lunch isn't included in price). We start this tour between 9:00 & 9:30 and drop back off around 5:00 & 5:30.
    • Bottled water
    • Alcoholic beverages

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Santa Barbara

      Travelers will be driven to the horse ranch for a 90 minute ride though a cayon with a seasonal waterfall. Amazing photo opportunity at the top of the trail overlooking the ocean.

      120 minutes here

    2. Santa Ynez Valley

      We will visit 2 wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. All tastings are included in the price. Lunch can be purchased at the first winery.

      240 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara, California, United States

    At a designated meeting point

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, California, United States

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Captain Jack's Santa Barbara Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Minimum drinking age is 21 years

    Photos

    Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, photo 2Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, photo 3Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, photo 4Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, photo 5Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, photo 6Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    13 verified traveler reviews for Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    13
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    HappyCampers85022 · March 2026

    Terrific Horseback / Wine Tour

    Had a wonderful private tour through Captain Jacks. Jacob picked us up promptly at our hotel and shuttled us up to the ranch for a gorgeous morning horseback ride. The wranglers chose our horses for us based on riding experience and I must say, I was impressed! The animals are well cared for and it shows. There were only 4 guests on our ride and it was easy to converse with trail guide. The scenery is stunning! After this, we drove up to taste wine at 2 different vineyards. We enjoyed a delicious ( optional purchase ) lunch at our first stop. I recommend eating as not only is the food delicious, you try a lot of different varietals. This was a delightful day and fun activity to experience while in the area. Pro tip : Book directly through tour operator and save yourself some $$.

    via Tripadvisor

    Voyage167447 · July 2025

    Sip & Saddle - Awesome day from pickup to drop off!!

    My wife and I wanted to do something fun and somewhat off the beaten path. The horse ride and wine tasting was a great combination! The staff at the ranch were amazing and picked horses based on the rider’s ability. Meredith not only ferried us from hotel to stables to wineries, but shared tons of interesting local history and made short detours to show us cool locations along the way. We never felt rushed and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day! Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Angela D · June 2025

    Great time

    Meredith was amazing! She gave us so much info as we were traveling and we saw some amazing views! The wineries were awesome and the horseback riding was so much fun!

    via Tripadvisor

    elizabethtT6094UK · July 2024

    Bachelorette party fun

    We had such a great time with Meredith!! She was so kind and warm and made the whole day so special. We went from horse back riding to wine tasting based on her recommendation!

    Response from the operator: It was a great day and we are so thankful that you took the time to leave a review!

    via Tripadvisor

    michellemL5735CH · July 2024

    10 out of 5 stars

    I booked a horseback riding and wine tasting tour for my besties bachelorette party this month. We had the most amazing experience with Captain Jack’s Tours. I honestly can’t say enough good things. Our tour guide Meredith was so kind, and really went above and beyond for our group of girls. Right from the start, she was comforting my friend who gets nervous on long drives. Throughout the day, she checked in and made sure we had cold water and snacks to keep us going. After horseback riding, she took us to a great winery for lunch and even ran a quick errand after one of the girls had an unexpected accident. At the last winery, we started getting a little silly and I accidentally twisted my ankle. Meredith was so quick to get me ice and prop up my foot in the van. By the end of the day, we were calling her Mom because she really looked after us!

    Response from the operator: The day with your group was a "best day ever" for me! You all were super people who really made my day as well. Thanks for the time you took in leaving a great review. xo

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Captain Jack's Santa Barbara Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.6.

    See everything Captain Jack's Santa Barbara Tours runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)42
    Booking momentum (14% weight)34
    Value for money (12% weight)11
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.

    How much does Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $650 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santa Barbara usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santa Barbara is not rushed.

    Is Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santa Barbara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santa Barbara can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santa Barbara and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santa Barbara within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Santa Barbara?

    +

    Santa Barbara runs wine tours into the Santa Ynez Valley, harbour sailing and whale watching, Channel Islands day trips, and Spanish colonial walking tours through the Presidio and Mission. Tasting-room access and group size make the biggest difference in wine tours here. On Outty we rank every Santa Barbara experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour, Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide, Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara?

    +

    March to June and September to November, dodging the May and June marine layer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Santa Barbara?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour?

    +

    Included: The price includes door to door transportation from anywhere in the Santa Barbara area, al; Bottled water; and Alcoholic beverages. Not included: Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 94 listed pickup locations in and around Santa Barbara. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Private Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting Tour?

    +

    Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

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