Agriculturally Historic Property, Initially an Equestrian Operation, Returns to its Roots with Horseback Trail Rides through Buttonwood’s Vineyard, Past Farm and Orchards
June 2, 2026 (Solvang, CA) — Buttonwood Farm and Vineyard, a picturesque winery nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, has officially launched weekend horseback Trail Rides, symbolically bringing the agriculturally-important Santa Barbara wine country property back to its equestrian roots.
“Guests are seeking more immersive hospitality experiences than ever before, and Buttonwood’s history as an equestrian and agricultural property makes it a natural fit for offerings like our new trail rides,” said Neil Schmidt, Estate Manager, Buttonwood Farm and Vineyard. “We’re thrilled to give both Santa Ynez Valley locals and visitors a new way to experience the beauty, landscape, and spirit of the estate.”
Santa Ynez Valley boasts a wide breadth of agricultural biodiversity, including fields of row crops and permanent crops, a broad array of fruit and vegetables, and the region’s famous wine grapes. The area is also known for its equestrian prowess, as home to some of the world’s top Arabian horse facilities, serving as an “off-season” location for many thoroughbreds, and boasting a strong equine industry, in general.
The new one-hour, guided rides wind through the Buttonwood vineyard trails with scenic photo stops, capped with a glass of estate-grown wine (for guests 21-and-over). The beginner-friendly rides include personalized horse-matching for each rider, instruction, and safety gear, with the option to add on a post-ride lunch. The trail rides are currently offered Friday through Sunday, at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM (all weather-pending), and riders should plan to arrive 30 minutes early to check in, sign waivers, and get settled. All experience levels are welcome; riders must be aged seven and up, with a minimum height of 48 inches (four feet) tall. Closed-toe shoes are required, as are riding helmets for guests under 18 years of age.
Buttonwood Farm and Vineyard, regionally known for its beloved annual events, often offers seasonal cooking classes plus weekly happenings, including live music in the Buttonwood garden on Saturdays. As summer sets in, Buttonwood will once again host its monthly live music series, Thursdays, June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 24.
For more information about the new Trail Ride experiences at Buttonwood Farm and Vineyard, please visit: www.buttonwoodwinery.com/trail-rides. Reservations may be made via Tock, although walk-ins will be accepted based on availability. Buttonwood’s Trail Rides are priced at $150++ per rider, and Wine Club Members receive an exclusive discount.
About Buttonwood Farm and Vineyard
More than a tasting room, Santa Barbara County wine country’s Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a place to slow down and settle in. Set across 107 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley, the property brings together estate wines, a working farm, scenic event spaces, seasonal events, and a longstanding connection to horses and agriculture. The property, founded in 1968 on a principle of sustainability, was first utilized as an equestrian operation, followed by the planting of organic fruits and vegetables, and in 1983, the initial planting of the vineyard. Whether guests are sipping on the patio, wandering the grounds, gathering on the event lawn, or experiencing the vineyard by horseback, every visit invites a deeper connection to the land.
Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard, located at 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA 93463, is currently open daily for wine tasting experiences and bottle purchases, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Advance tasting reservations are recommended, and Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is family- and dog-friendly. Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is online at www.buttonwoodwinery.com, and on social media at @buttonwoodwinery and facebook.com/ButtonwoodFarm.
