Santa Ynez Valley: Sideways Movie Inspired Wine Tour – A Practical Guide to a Filmmaking & Wine Lover’s Dream
If you’ve ever enjoyed the quirky charm of the film Sideways, this tour promises a fascinating blend of cinema nostalgia and winery exploration. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, it’s clear that this experience is designed for those who appreciate good wine, scenic views, and a dash of Hollywood history.
Three things stand out: the chance to visit wineries featured in the movie, the fun of seeing filming spots, and the opportunity to sample excellent wines. The tour also includes a quirky stop at the Ostrich Farm—an unexpected highlight.
However, a possible consideration is the eight-hour duration, which might feel long for some, especially those less interested in wine tasting or walking around vineyards. This tour is best suited for film buffs, wine enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a relaxed but engaging day in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Good To Know
- Authentic Movie Connection: Visit actual filming locations from Sideways.
- Wine Tastings: Sample wines at two of the four wineries included in the tour.
- Scenic Views & History: Enjoy stunning vineyard landscapes and learn about the area’s film history.
- Unique Stops: Includes a visit to the Ostrich Farm—an unusual but memorable part of the experience.
- Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 guests, ensuring a personalized feel.
- Flexible Payment & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, and cancel easily up to 24 hours in advance.
Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley on a Sideways-themed Tour
This 8-hour guided excursion is a delightful way to combine your love for movies and wine while discovering the scenic beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley. Offered by Captain Jack’s Tours, a reputation backed by a 5-star rating, the tour balances entertainment, education, and tasting experiences—making it a great choice for a relaxed day out.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting with a hotel pickup in Santa Barbara, the journey heads north into the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley. The tour’s core appeal lies in visiting 4 wineries that feature in the Sideways movie. Each winery provides a chance to taste local wines while soaking up the vineyard views—expect a mix of reds and whites, depending on what’s available and what you prefer.
A highlight for film fans is the visit to filming locations from the movie. While the details on exact spots aren’t specified, guests can anticipate seeing places where iconic scenes were shot—adding a layer of storytelling to the wine tasting experience.
The Wineries & Tastings
Guests get to enjoy tastings at two selected wineries. While the specific vineyards aren’t named in the summary, the focus on film-related sites suggests these are well-loved spots with excellent reputations. Many reviews praise the stunning vineyard views and the quality of wines, emphasizing that this part of the tour offers both visual pleasure and palate delight.
Lunch at the Wine Merchant
A key stop is the Wine Merchant, where guests can purchase a meal to enjoy at their own pace. This isn’t a fixed inclusion in the price, allowing for personal dining choices—whether that’s a light snack or a full meal. The setting is historically significant, as it’s where the characters in Sideways had their first double date, adding a fun, nostalgic element.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Ostrich Farm Encounter
A quirky addition is the visit to the Ostrich Farm, where Jack was famously chased in the movie. Guests can expect to see ostriches up close, making this a memorable, slightly humorous break from wine tasting. It’s a unique highlight that adds a bit of offbeat charm to the day.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Visiting film locations is often a hit with fans of Sideways, and the tour does a good job of blending film history with local scenery and wine expertise. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) enhances the experience, encouraging more interaction and personalized attention from the guide.
The guide’s insights about the movie and the wine trail are often praised, with some guests noting they learned more than they expected about both the film and wine production. This educational element enriches the experience beyond just tasting wine, making it more engaging.
Stunning vineyard views are a recurring compliment. Many reviewers mention how beautiful the landscapes are, providing excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful backdrop for the day.
Practical Details & What to Expect
Transportation is via a comfortable vehicle, and the small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd. This makes the experience more intimate, with ample opportunity for questions and conversation.
The duration of 8 hours means a full day of activity but also allows for a relaxed pace. The tour begins with a pickup in Santa Barbara, so you don’t need to worry about transfers or logistics.
Cost is $295 per person, which includes the guided tour, visits to four wineries, tastings at two, and the Ostrich Farm. While lunch isn’t included in the price, the flexibility lets you choose something that suits your style and dietary needs at the Wine Merchant.
Booking terms are flexible, with the ability to reserve now and pay later, plus free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This offers peace of mind, especially if your plans are still fluid.
The Experience for Different Travelers
Wine lovers will appreciate the tastings at reputable wineries and the chance to learn about local wine varieties. Those interested in Sideways will enjoy the cinematic connection, making it a nostalgic trip.
Casual travelers seeking a scenic day out will love the vineyard views and the quirky Ostrich Farm stop. Film fans will find the location visits particularly memorable, especially if they’re fans of the movie’s storyline.
The tour isn’t designed for children under 18, focused more on adult tastes and interests. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting an authentic taste of Santa Ynez’s wine scene.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
For anyone interested in combining film history with wine tasting, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s known for stunning views, excellent wine selection, and the fun of visiting film locations in a cozy, small-group setting.
The flexible booking and focus on local, authentic experiences make it a good value, especially considering the personalized attention from guides and the quality of the stops.
If you’re after an engaging way to spend a day exploring Santa Ynez’s vineyards and Sideways’ filming sites, this tour is a solid choice. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the area’s cinematic and vinicultural charm.
FAQ
How many wineries are visited during the tour?
You visit four wineries, but tastings are offered at two of them. The tour focuses on the film-related spots and vineyard views.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included in the tour price. Guests can choose their meal at the Wine Merchant, which allows flexibility based on personal preferences.
What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, making it a more intimate, personalized experience.
Are the filming locations detailed in the tour?
Yes, you will visit several filming spots from Sideways, enriching the tasting experience with cinematic history.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended to enjoy the day comfortably.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering a flexible booking option.
This Sideways-themed wine tour in Santa Ynez is perfect for those who love wines, movies, or simply a scenic escape. It provides a delightful mix of tasting, sightseeing, and storytelling, all within a cozy, small-group setting—making it a memorable way to explore California’s wine country.
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