Solvang Wine and True Crime Tour with Drinks Included

If you’re heading to Santa Barbara and looking to spice up your trip, the Solvang Wine and True Crime Tour might catch your eye. We’ve seen this tour get glowing reviews, and it’s easy to see why. It offers a distinctive blend of wine tasting, storytelling, and a dash of spooky history—perfect if you’re a true crime buff or just want something different from your usual wine tour.

What really appeals to us about this experience is how intimate and engaging it sounds. You’re not just bouncing between tasting rooms; you’re also hearing stories that make the wine tastings come alive. Plus, the quirky stops, like a slasher-themed winery and a tiki lounge, add a playful twist to the evening.

That said, it’s worth noting that this tour requires a full belly and a good tolerance for alcohol, as the tastings are pretty hefty, and the tour lasts only about two hours. It’s best suited for those who enjoy storytelling and don’t mind a lively, social atmosphere. If you love small, personalized groups and a bit of eerie fun with your wine, this one’s likely to be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Unique theme: Combines wine tasting with dark, true crime stories in a lively, small-group setting.
• Multiple stops: Includes a slasher-themed winery, tiki lounge, and karaoke-ready wine bar.
• Generous tastings: Enjoy three wine flights, a wine-based tiki cocktail, and a champagne toast—all included.
• Engaging guides: Known for knowledgeable, entertaining storytellers who make the experience memorable.
• Short but sweet: Two-hour experience fits easily into an evening outing.
• Dark city tour: Includes spooky stories about Solvang’s haunted spots and eerie landmarks.

What to Expect from This Tour

This tour is about more than just tasting wine — it’s about blending stories of dark history with local flavors in a cozy, intimate setting. The experience kicks off at Final Girl Wines, a slasher-themed tasting room where you’ll sample three local wines. This thematic start sets the tone, blending fun with a bit of creepy lore. The guide’s storytelling adds a layer of intrigue, making each sip more engaging.

Next, you’ll head to the High Roller Tiki Lounge, a funky spot where wine tiki cocktails steal the show. Think tropical drinks with a wine twist—refreshing and unexpected. It’s a great palate cleanser from the creepiness of the first stop and adds a playful vibe to the evening.

The third stop is Cali Love Wine, a lively wine bar where karaoke often makes an appearance. The energetic atmosphere here contrasts the spooky tales and slow sips earlier, letting you unwind and maybe sing a song or two. The guide keeps the stories flowing, providing a perfect balance of chilling tales and fun.

Finally, the tour concludes with a ghost tour of Solvang’s haunted corners, where your guide shares tales of hauntings, creepy locations, and dark secrets. The walk takes in the city’s historic sites, including its charming antique shops, motorcycles, and the iconic Danish windmill—each with its own mysterious angle.

In-Depth: The Stops and What They Offer

Final Girl Wines

This first stop is a standout, especially if you’re into themed experiences. The “slasher” motif isn’t just for show; it’s a playful way to introduce the dark side of Solvang’s history and local wines. The tasting includes three delicious wines, which are plentiful enough to keep you satisfied. Reviewers like Melanie mention, “Our guide Mike was super entertaining! The true crime stories were interesting and relevant.” It’s clear that the guide’s storytelling enhances the tasting experience, making it memorable beyond just the wine.

High Roller Tiki Lounge

This spot is a delightful change of pace. The mention of “wine tiki cocktails” is enough to pique curiosity. They’re described as tasty, and the funky atmosphere helps break the creepiness of the prior stop, making the night feel balanced. Kristel notes, “John was Awesome!! Would def recommend this tour,” highlighting how engaging the guides are and how much fun the stops can be.

Cali Love Wine

The final tasting spot is a lively bar with karaoke, where the drinks keep flowing and the energy stays high. It’s a fitting way to close the evening—relaxed, fun, and full of opportunity to socialize. Reviewers like Drea praise the guide John for his friendliness and storytelling, which keeps the energy lively. The wine here is paired with a celebratory champagne toast, giving the night a classy, festive finish.

The Haunted Solvang

The ghost tour part of the experience is a highlight for many. Your guide shares tales of hauntings, dark secrets, and creepy locations in Solvang’s historic core. The walk around the town’s beautiful Danish architecture, antique shops, and the windmill is atmospheric, especially at night. Jennifer calls it a “Fabulous murder mystery tour,” emphasizing how well the dark stories complement the setting.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

This tour is designed for adults 21 and over, with valid ID required. With a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s an intimate experience where guides can really focus on storytelling and making everyone feel involved. Starting at 6:00 pm, it’s perfect for an evening activity after dinner or a relaxed day exploring Solvang.

The total duration is about two hours, making it manageable even if you have other plans later. The price of $120 per person offers good value considering the three tastings, the drinks, and the storytelling. The inclusive nature of the tasting—covering wines, a cocktail, and a toast—adds to the overall value, especially for those who enjoy good quality drinks.

The meeting point is centrally located at Chomp on Mission Drive, very accessible and easy to find. Since it’s a small-group tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to chat with guides and fellow travelers, making it a social and engaging experience.

The Real Value of This Experience

While $120 may sound steep at first glance, it’s quite reasonable given what’s included. Three generous tastings plus a cocktail and champagne toast keep the drinks flowing without extra cost. Beyond the drinks, the storytelling and guide’s personality are the true gems, transforming simple tastings into a memorable night out.

Many reviews highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling prowess, which make the experience stand out. Drea mentions, “John was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The stories kept us entertained the whole time,” emphasizing how much personality can enhance the journey.

The tour’s focus on dark stories combined with quirky stops gives it a unique flavor. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a touch of spooky history alongside their wine, but it isn’t a heavy, serious historical tour. Instead, it’s light-hearted, fun, and geared toward creating a memorable evening rather than an in-depth exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is suited for adults who enjoy storytelling, quirky local spots, and a lively social atmosphere. If you’re into true crime, ghost stories, or just looking for a different way to enjoy Solvang’s charm, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s especially great if you prefer smaller groups, personalized attention, and a mix of fun and eerie tales.

However, if you’re not a fan of alcohol or prefer more structured, traditional wine tastings without stories, this might not be your cup of tea. Also, keep in mind that it’s about two hours long, so if you’re looking for a full-day activity, you might want to combine it with other explorations.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is age-restricted to 21+ with valid ID, due to alcohol consumption.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately two hours, making it easy to fit into an evening.

Are the tastings included in the price?
Yes, you get three wine tastings, a wine cocktail, and a champagne toast included.

What stops are part of the tour?
Stops include Final Girl Wines (a slasher-themed wine bar), High Roller Tiki Lounge, Cali Love Wine, and a ghost tour of Solvang’s haunted sites.

Is the tour accessible for public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers for a more intimate experience.

Does the tour run rain or shine?
The data suggests it’s an outdoor activity, so it’s best to check weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the included tastings, drinks, and personalized storytelling, most reviews say yes—it’s a fun, value-packed experience.

Can I book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 24 days ahead, and the tour is popular.

What should I bring?
Come with a full stomach, ID, and a curious mind ready for some spooky stories and delicious drinks.

Final Thoughts

The Solvang Wine and True Crime Tour offers a unique combination of local wine, quirky stops, and spooky stories, all wrapped into a cozy two-hour package. Guides like John and Megan are praised for their storytelling, making the experience more than just tastings. If you enjoy lively, themed adventures with a side of dark history, this tour is worth considering.

It strikes a good balance between fun, entertainment, and quality drinks—all in a small-group setting that feels personal and engaging. Just remember, it’s best suited for adults who want a relaxed, social evening with a hint of mystery and a lot of good wine.

This tour is perfect for those who like a mix of culture, storytelling, and a little spooky fun, making it a memorable part of any trip to Solvang or Santa Barbara.

Happy planning, and I hope your trip to Solvang is filled with intriguing stories and excellent wines!