NEED TO KNOW | TOURS & CRUISES

Sustainable wine tours in Santa Ynez Valley & Santa Rita Hills

By Mary E. Forgione, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
03:20 PM PDT, September 12, 2007

Here's a guilt-free trip for eco-conscious oenophiles: riding a biodiesel (soybean-powered) van to visit vineyards that practice organic and sustainable farming. A new Santa Barbara company called Sustainable Vine Wine Tours offers daylong outings to several wineries in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Rita Hills.

You meet the winemakers, sample their vintages and salve your conscience. The company donates 1% of the proceeds to environmental groups, said owner Bryan Hope, a "green" building consultant. The tour fee, $125 per person, includes pickup at the Amtrak station or your hotel, wine tastings and an organic picnic lunch. Reservations are required. (805) 698-3911, www.sustainablevine.com.

Where am I?

The French built this place before the Americans took it over. There are a couple of big lakes next door.


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