One of the highlights of our trip!
We stopped in Santa Barbara as part of a two-week long tour of the West Coast. Someone from the local Visitor’s Center recommended Melissa’s tour to my husband and I when we inquired about a wine tasting in the area.
The tour we went on was about 3 1/2 hours, and included a brief stop at the Santa Barbara Mission, a tour of the county courthouse, two wine tastings, and a stop at the Santa Barbara Public Market for lunch. Everything was included in the tour price, except for lunch and souvenirs (obviously).
Melissa was very friendly and accommodating, while also being extremely knowledgeable of the local area. It’s clear she cares deeply about Santa Barbara, and the tour was an incredible value for the experience offered.
I wish we’d had longer to visit at the Santa Barbara Mission, there was only time for about a 30 minute stop. I think extending the tour to an even 4-hours for a full half-day and providing a little longer at the mission would make the tour perfect.
Otherwise, both wine tastings were from local vineyards, Carr and Lafond, and they were excellent, and very accommodating of some non-red wine drinkers in our tour group. I’m not a big wine drinker, and they were very patient with me.
Overall, it’s an excellent tour and worth your time if you want a good overview of Santa Barbara, either because you’re just passing through and don’t have a lot of time, or need a chance to get your bearings before spending a longer period in the area.