Solvang: Wine and True Crime Tour with Drinks Included

Discover the Dark Side of Solvang: Wine and True Crime Tour

If you’re visiting Solvang, a charming Danish-inspired town in California, and want to add a dash of intrigue to your trip, the Wine and True Crime Tour offers a fascinating blend of eerie stories and local wine tastings. This 2-hour experience takes you through the town’s most unusual sights—think haunted tunnels, mysterious incidents, and quirky wineries—all while enjoying some of the region’s best wines.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to explore Solvang’s hidden stories—from serial killers of the 70s to secret tunnels—paired with carefully curated wine tastings. We love that it combines history, storytelling, and a touch of spooky fun. Plus, the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge really elevate the experience.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour involves walking through a town with uneven surfaces and some standing or moving around for a couple of hours. It’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and who enjoy storytelling that’s a little darker than your average wine tour.

This experience is perfect for true crime buffs, history lovers, and those wanting a unique twist on a wine tasting. It’s also a good fit if you’re curious about the less-polished, more mysterious side of Solvang beyond its picturesque streets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Balanced mix of spooky stories and wine tastings
• Unique venues including a slasher-themed winery and quirky wine bars
• Expert guide with engaging storytelling about local legends and dark history
• Small-group setting enhances intimacy and interaction
• Two-hour duration makes it manageable for evening plans
• Age restriction of 21+ ensures a mature, storytelling-focused atmosphere

An In-Depth Look at the Solvang True Crime Wine Tour

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give a different perspective on Solvang. Instead of just strolling past the photogenic streets, you’ll be delving into stories of serial killers of the 70s, hidden tunnels, and haunted locations. The tour starts outside the Little Mermaid fountain at Chomp restaurant—a spot that’s easy to find and a fitting beginning for a journey into Solvang’s darker tales.

Your guide, often praised as knowledgeable and engaging, takes you on a walk through the town’s historic architecture, pointing out buildings that have ghostly energy or unsettling stories attached. The walking portion is straightforward but involves enough movement to keep things lively, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Visiting the Wineries and Bars

The tour includes visits to three distinct spots: a slasher-themed winery and two unconventional wine bars. These venues aren’t your typical tasting rooms—each offers a quirky vibe that aligns well with the spooky theme. This makes the experience feel intimate and memorable, rather than a standard wine tasting.

The slasher-themed winery is particularly fun for those who enjoy horror movies or dark stories, with the ambiance adding a theatrical touch. The other two wine bars are described as quirky and fun, with award-winning local wines served to complement the tales.

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The Wine Tasting Experience

You’ll sample award-winning wines at each stop, with the guide providing insights into the local wine scene. The price of $115 per person covers all tastings and stories, making it a solid value considering the quality and uniqueness of the venues. It’s worth noting that additional wine purchases are not included, so if you find a favorite, be prepared to buy it on your own.

The Stories and Atmosphere

The true star of this tour is the storytelling. You’ll hear about notorious serial killers from the 70s, haunted mortuaries, and hidden tunnels that add a spooky layer to the town’s charm. The guide’s well-researched tales, combined with the atmospheric venues, create a delightfully eerie vibe.

According to reviews, guides like Ryan or Dan made a significant difference, with one guest noting, “Ryan was so much fun and extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter,” and another emphasizing, “Dan was very involved with everyone and made sure we were all comfortable and laughing.”

Practical Details and Value

The tour lasts for about 2 hours, usually in the evening, making it an excellent addition to a day of sightseeing or dining. It’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for ages 21 and older, which helps keep the atmosphere mature and focused on storytelling.

Pricing at $115 per person covers expert guiding, three wine tastings, and the stories, which many guests find to be a good value considering the quality of the wines and the immersive storytelling. Reviews highlight that guides are not only knowledgeable but also fun and personable—adding real value to the experience.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Feedback

From reviews, guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling. One guest said, “John hosted such a fun experience,” while another commented, “Ryan was the best!!!” The stories seem to resonate, especially when paired with the unique venues.

Several reviewers mention that the tour offers more than just wine tasting, emphasizing the entertainment and storytelling aspect. One noted, “The drinking and stories were fun,” but also pointed out the importance of having a designated driver if you plan to indulge.

On the practical side, some mention the late arrival of guides or the need for tips, but these seem to be minor hiccups in an overall very positive experience.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This is not your typical wine tasting. If you’re someone who enjoys creepy stories, history, and a spooky vibe, you’ll love how this tour combines the two. It offers a small-group environment, which keeps things intimate and allows for more interaction with the guide and fellow participants.

The two-hour format makes it ideal for an evening activity before dinner or as a fun nightcap. The mix of venues adds variety, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

While it’s perfect for adults seeking entertainment with a dark twist, it’s not suitable for children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. It’s also designed for those comfortable with walking and standing for a short period.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Wine and True Crime Tour in Solvang offers a charming yet spooky twist on your typical wine tasting experience. It’s ideal for adventure-seeking adults, especially those with an interest in haunted stories and local legends. The combination of quirky venues, engaging guides, and atmospheric storytelling makes it a memorable outing.

If you’re craving something different—a chance to learn about Solvang’s unspeakable secrets while sipping on award-winning wines—this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for small groups who enjoy storytelling, history, and a little spooky fun. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your ID, and prepare for an evening of chilling tales and excellent wine.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, participants must be 21 or older, making it unsuitable for children or minors.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be some walking. Dress warmly if it’s cooler in the evening.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours, typically in the evening.

Are drinks included?
Yes, all three wine tastings at different venues are included in the price.

What if I want to buy wine?
Additional wine purchases are not included, so you can buy your favorites directly from the venues.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Do we go inside the venues?
Yes, you’ll visit each of the three venues, which are private tasting rooms or wine bars.

What is the guide like?
Guests praise guides for being knowledgeable, engaging, and fun—adding entertainment value to the experience.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but casual and comfortable clothing is recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In summary, the Solvang: Wine and True Crime Tour offers a unique way to explore the town’s darker stories while enjoying excellent local wines. It’s perfect for those who want a little thrill with their sip, and it provides a personal, engaging experience that goes beyond the traditional wine tasting. Whether you’re a history lover, a true crime enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable evening, this tour has plenty to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby