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?

This hotel, which dates to 1921, has 39 rooms and commanding perch by a big river.


Air France's A380 debuts

A look inside the airline's first Airbus A380.

My Trips

Subscribe to the Daily Deal blog Daily Travel & DealBlog

Santa Barbara: Third night free at 22 hotels with '24 More' promotion
Who can't use an extra 24 hours in Santa Barbara? Whether you're heading to this popular va...
Read more »

SIGN UP Newsletter_icons

Taking restless Southern California on vacation

Los Angeles Times e-mail newsletter, delivered every Thursday


Expedia
  • Departing from:
    Depart:
  • Going to:
    Return:

Subscribe to this section    

Subscribe to
Save and share