Coastal California: a journey through wine, geology and heritage

Highlights

• Learn to read the stories written in the Californian landscape as your expert Tour Leader unpacks millions of years of geological history along beaches, valleys and coastal mountain ranges. 
• Taste varietals shaped by fault lines, volcanic soil and the cool Pacific air, hear talks by winemakers and take private tours of renowned vineyards, including a bespoke tour of a cutting-edge wine and viticulture facility, where future vintners master their craft. 
• Encounter California’s incredible wildlife as you hear elephant seals roar at Piedras Blancas, spot otters beneath Morro Rock, and discover rare native plants in Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. 
• Walk in the footsteps of Spanish missionaries at La Purísima Mission, explore Hearst Castle’s Hollywood heritage, and uncover the layers of Santa Barbara’s colonial past. 
• Stay in boutique hotels in eclectic San Luis Obispo and pretty, easy-going Santa Barbara – coastal cities that blend vibrant food and art scenes with Pacific sunsets. 

A note on recent events: The areas we visit on this tour remain unaffected by the recent wildfires in Southern California (January 2025). Our thoughts are with those impacted. 

Overview

Forget the crowds of San Francisco and Los Angeles – this tour of California takes you off the beaten path to the landscapes that shape California’s world-class wines. Every rock, vineyard and coastal view along this stretch of the Pacific has a tale to tell. 

Guided by local geologist Rick Behl and a team of handpicked local winemakers and historians, you soon discover what makes this stretch of Californian coast so special – and quaffable.  

You’ll journey from the laid-back university town of San Luis Obispo – or SLO to those in-the-know – to the elegant, Spanish-influenced streets of sublime Santa Barbara. Along the way, you’ll explore geological wonders millions of years in the making, spot seals and otters, and wander through world-renowned gardens, impressive mansions and beautifully preserved Missions.  

Each day brings a generous splash of California’s thriving wine culture, with almost-daily wine tastings, numerous vineyard visits, and several private talks and tours. But this isn’t just a wine tour. It’s a journey through deep time, where the Californian landscapes reveal how the wines you taste are shaped by the earth beneath your feet. 

By the time you leave, you’ll never look at a bottle of Californian wine in the same way again! 

Join us for this incredible coastal journey. Just one run in 2025, so reserve your place soon!

Start/ finish

The tour begins in San Luis Obispo, California, and ends in Santa Barbara, California.

Activity level

Leisurely, with most walks of under 1 mile (1.6km) on generally easy terrain (view our activity level definitions here).

Transport

We will travel by small, comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

Weather

Autumn temperatures range from a high of 75°F during the day to a low of 51°F at night (24 to 10°C).

Accommodation

We will be lodging in centrally located boutique hotels in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, with easy access to city centre walks. See details of the hotels in the Need to Know tab.