Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch w/Wine Tasting - What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch w/Wine Tasting

Explore Santa Barbara Wine Country on a guided e-bike tour with vineyard lunch, wine tastings, and stops at lavender farms and olive oil tastings for a true tasting adventure.

Santa Ynez Valley’s rolling hills, sun-kissed vineyards, and charming small towns make up some of California’s most appealing scenery. The Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch offers a fantastic way to experience this countryside in a relaxed, engaging manner. Guided by local experts, you’ll pedal high-quality e-bikes through scenic back roads, stopping at lavender farms, olive oil tastings, and miniature horse farms, all topped off with a farm-to-table lunch paired with local wines.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible it is—thanks to power-assisted e-bikes—making cycling through the wine country suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. The combination of picturesque scenery, authentic tastings, and a delicious lunch creates a well-rounded day out. However, it’s worth noting that the tour spans about four hours, which might be a long time for those who prefer shorter or more leisurely outings.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies eager for an authentic taste of California’s wine region with a bit of adventure and comfort thrown in. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, this experience offers a good mix of activity, education, and relaxation.

Key Points

Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch w/Wine Tasting - Key Points

  • Accessible Cycling: The use of Class 3 e-bikes makes pedaling effortless, suitable for most fitness levels.
  • Authentic Local Guides: Guides who live in the wine country provide insider insights, adding depth to the experience.
  • Diverse Stops: Visits include a lavender farm, mini horse ranch, and olive oil tastings, enriching the tour beyond just wine.
  • Farm-to-Table Lunch: Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal with local ingredients paired with wine overlooking vineyards.
  • Scenic Routes: The journey takes you along oak-studded hills and sunlit vineyards, perfect for photography and soaking in the views.
  • Flexible and Supportive: Vehicle support is available for purchases or if you need a break, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch w/Wine Tasting - The Experience: What You Can Expect

The tour begins at the Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours retail store in Santa Ynez, just outside Solvang. Here, you’ll meet your guides—who we learned are local residents with a passion for sharing their knowledge of the area—and get fitted to your high-quality e-bike. The process is smooth, with staff explaining how to operate the bikes, so even newcomers feel confident to hop on and enjoy.

The Route & Stops

Start at Santa Ynez: From the retail shop, your ride heads into the back roads of the Santa Ynez Valley. These less-trafficked routes are perfect for a relaxed yet scenic cruise. The first stop is a lavender farm, where the vibrant purple fields and fragrant smells make for memorable photos. The guides often share interesting tidbits about lavender cultivation, making it a pleasant learning experience.

Next, you’ll visit a miniature horse farm—an ideal spot for animal lovers. The guides mention that the horses are adorable and friendly, making it a charming break from the cycling. Olive oil tastings in a quaint town add a savory stop, where you’ll sample high-quality oils and vinegars—perfect for those who love adding local flavors to their kitchen.

The Main Event: Vineyard & Lunch at Beckmen Vineyards

After a few hours of riding and exploring, everyone gathers at Beckmen Vineyards for the highlight: a farm-to-table lunch served on a beautifully laid table outside, overlooking the estate vineyard. The meal is thoughtfully prepared, featuring locally sourced greens, charcuterie, pasta salads, and a sweet dessert. We loved that the lunch is paired with wine tastings on the veranda, giving an authentic vineyard experience.

Guests have praised the lunch, with one reviewer noting the “delicious food and stunning vineyard views.” The wine tastings are led by knowledgeable staff who explain the nuances of each pour, adding a layer of education that pairs perfectly with the relaxed ambiance.

The Return Journey

Post-lunch, the ride continues with a gentle cruise back toward Santa Ynez. The shorter segment through Solvang offers a chance to appreciate its Danish-inspired architecture and small-town charm. The group often appreciates the breezy, scenic return, feeling both energized and relaxed at the tour’s end.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch w/Wine Tasting - What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic Local Insights: Having guides who live in the wine country makes a difference. They’re eager to share stories about the area’s history, wine-making traditions, and hidden gems, which elevates the experience beyond just a sightseeing ride.

High-Quality E-Bikes: The sleek, powerful Class 3 e-bikes from Specialized and Electra are a major plus. They make the ride accessible and comfortable, even for those who might be hesitant about cycling for hours.

Diverse Experiences: From lavender fields to olive oil tastings and a miniature horse farm, the stops are thoughtfully curated to showcase the region’s agricultural bounty. The lunch at Beckmen Vineyards is a gourmet highlight, with local ingredients and a stunning vineyard view.

Flexibility & Support: The tour support vehicle ensures you can comfortably purchase souvenirs or take a break if needed. This level of support is especially helpful for families or less-experienced cyclists.

Analyzing the Value

Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch w/Wine Tasting - Analyzing the Value

At $205 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive and luxurious experience. The price includes guides, e-bikes, a premium farm-to-table lunch, and tastings—all of which would cost significantly more if booked separately. Travelers should consider the value in terms of the all-inclusive nature of the experience, the scenic beauty, and the opportunity to learn from local experts.

The duration of around four hours strikes a balance—long enough to cover multiple stops and enjoy a full meal, but not so lengthy that it becomes exhausting. The availability of support means you’re free to focus on soaking up the views and flavors without worrying about the logistics.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch w/Wine Tasting - Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want to combine outdoor activity with culinary and wine tasting adventures. It suits those who appreciate authentic, local experiences and are comfortable on a bike—though the e-bikes make this accessible to beginners or those with moderate fitness. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, stunning scenery, and a splash of farm life.

If you’re interested in learning about the region’s agriculture, tasting local wines, and enjoying picturesque landscapes, this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially appealing to couples, small groups, and solo travelers wanting a guided, immersive day in California’s wine country.

The Sum Up

The Los Olivos: E-Bike Tour + Vineyard Lunch offers an engaging, authentic way to experience Santa Barbara Wine Country. Combining easy pedaling, diverse stops, and a delicious farm-to-table lunch, it provides a well-rounded day that balances activity with relaxation. The knowledgeable local guides, stunning scenery, and thoughtful itinerary make it a worthwhile choice for anyone looking to explore the region’s beauty and flavors without the fuss.

This tour is best suited for visitors who love scenic outdoor experiences, are curious about local food and wine, and want to do it all in a comfortable, eco-friendly way. It’s a fantastic option for a memorable day out, especially if you appreciate a good mix of adventure, education, and indulgence.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the use of Class 3 e-bikes makes pedaling easier, so most people, even beginners, can enjoy the ride comfortably.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts around four hours, including cycling, stops, and the vineyard lunch.

Are support vehicles available?
Yes, there is vehicle support to assist with purchases or if you need a break during the ride.

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers guides, e-bikes, helmets, a farm-to-table lunch, wine tastings, and visits to lavender farms, olive oil tastings, and a miniature horse farm.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours retail store in Santa Ynez and finishes back there at the end of the ride.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. All bike and safety gear are provided.

This experience offers a thoughtfully curated day of scenic cycling, authentic tastings, and delicious food—perfect for discovering the charming Santa Ynez Valley while savoring its best offerings.