Exclusive Sommelier-Led Wine Tours in Santa Barbara County, CA
Discover the heart of Santa Barbara and Ojai wine country with Appellation Tours. Unlike other tour companies, every tour is a private, curated experience led exclusively by owner and certified Sommelier, Paul Tilson. With over 20 years of elite industry experience, Paul offers unparalleled access to the region's most exclusive wineries and winemakers.
Why Choose Appellation Tours for Your Wine Experience?
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Expert Sommelier Guide: Your tour is personally guided by certified Sommelier Paul Tilson, not a hired guide. Benefit from his deep knowledge, passion, and personal relationships within the local wine community.
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Exclusive Access: We bypass crowded public tasting rooms. Your tour includes private tastings in vineyards, cellars, and production facilities, where you'll meet the passionate winemakers behind the bottle.
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Fully Customizable Itineraries: Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to wine tasting, Paul will tailor the perfect day for you. We cater to all levels of interest and expertise.
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Luxury & Comfort: Travel in comfort and style as you explore the world-class appellations of Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley, and Ojai.
Meet Your Guide: Paul Tilson, Certified Sommelier
Paul's extensive background ensures a truly premium experience.
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Wine Educator & Senior Wine & Cuisine Manager at Meadowood Napa Valley
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Restaurant & Wine Director at The Ojai Valley Inn
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Food & Beverage Director at The Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara
Current Pricing Options
Tour Information
Luxury 4x4 SUV for tours consisting of 2-6 guests and utilize a Sprinter Van for tours between 7-12 guests. This includes lunch, tasting fees, and transportation.
Wine is available for guests to purchase at all the wineries.
All lunches are gourmet Pic Nic style, I utilize tablecloths, cloth napkins, dishware and flatware to create a beautiful setting for the picnic lunch. I have a Michelin background and ensure the lunch experience is upscale and memorable.
Any dietary restrictions can be accommodated, 48 hours advance notice is appreciated.
My typical tour consists of 2-4 wineries, all tours are private experiences except for the lunch venue, (but I will always have a pre-arranged lunch venue which will be either a table, section and area which will be reserved and exclusive to my guests only).
All tours are curated individually for my guests, I welcome correspondence and/or conversation to determine and satisfy any personal wine preferences and expectations of my guests. Preferred varietals and/or wine styles, level of interest in education, and how one prioritizes purchasing wine are just a few of the details I consider while designing a unique experience.
A typical itinerary will be a pick up at a local hotel in Santa Barbara or Ojai, between 9:30 - 11am and a return between 3-5pm (all guest preference and pre-arranged). Typical tours last 5-7 hours.
Just a Few Vineyards We Visit
