Is the Triple Crown Tour suitable for first-time visitors to Kentucky?

Absolutely, it's designed to showcase key highlights of the Bluegrass region, providing newcomers an insightful and enjoyable overview.

Do I need to be 21+ to join the tour?

Yes, participants must be at least 21 years old to participate in the bourbon and wine tastings.

Is transportation included in the tour?

Yes, the tour includes private vehicle transportation with a professional guide/driver for the entire day.

Can I buy bourbon bottles during the tour?

Yes, the Buffalo Trace Distillery offers bottles for purchase, with two daily bottles available through the tour's exclusive access.

Meals are not included, but bottled water is provided between stops to keep you refreshed.

Can I customize the tour stops?

The itinerary includes fixed stops at the horse farm, bourbon distillery, and winery, but the winery choice depends on availability.

Explore Kentucky’s Triple Crown Tour: Horse Farms, Bourbon Distilleries & Wineries | Distillery | Guided Tour

Kentucky’s Bluegrass region invites you on the Triple Crown Tour, an immersive eight-hour journey through the heart of the Commonwealth’s most iconic landscapes and industries. Centered around Lexington, this tour elegantly blends the state’s legendary horse heritage with its world-renowned bourbon and vibrant winery culture, offering visitors an authentic snapshot of Kentucky life beyond the usual tourist tracks. The experience begins at Claiborn Farm, a historic Thoroughbred horse farm famously known as the resting place of Secretariat, one of racing’s greatest champions. As your knowledgeable guide leads you through this sprawling estate, you’ll gain insight into the Bluegrass’s unique limestone-rich soil and rolling pastures, which create ideal conditions for breeding and training champion racehorses. The farm’s storied past and pastoral scenery provide an evocative backdrop to appreciate the culture and economics that have made equine sports such an integral part of Kentucky’s identity. Next, the tour shifts gears to the Buffalo Trace Distillery, nestled near Lexington and one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of select bourbons, sampling the smoothness distilled from generations of craftsmanship. While the full distillery tour is not included, the tasting and access to the exclusive bottle shop—which offers two daily bottles available for purchase—make this a must-stop experience for bourbon lovers eager to witness the story behind the spirit. Finally, the journey culminates at one of Kentucky’s celebrated wineries—either the 1922 House Winery or Prodigy Winery, subject to availability. Both venues showcase the surprising and delightful breadth of Bluegrass viticulture, where local varietals produce elegant wines that capture the area’s terroir. Sampling wines here highlights Kentucky’s emerging reputation as more than just a bourbon destination. Offered as a private vehicle tour with an expert driver, the Triple Crown experience delivers a seamless, comfortable exploration of the region’s cultural trifecta. Supplemental bottled water ensures guests stay refreshed throughout the day, allowing for effortless immersion in Kentucky’s history, craftsmanship, and scenic rural charm. Lexington's proximity to other attractions such as historic downtown and the Kentucky Horse Park means visitors can easily extend their stay for a deeper dive into the Bluegrass lifestyle. The Triple Crown Tour stands out as an accessible yet richly nuanced adventure, ideal for first-timers who want to connect with the soul of Kentucky on a curated path that spans horse farms, distilled spirits, and vineyards. This tour is a rare chance to savor the best of the Bluegrass all in one day—an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

8 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most adults with moderate stamina for walking and standing periods

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Eastern wild turkey

History

Kentucky’s horse farms date back to the early 18th century, rooted in settlers’ appreciation for the region’s fertile soil and ideal climate for pastures.

Conservation

Many horse farms participate in sustainable land management practices to protect the Bluegrass’s unique limestone terrain and waterways.

Horse and Barrel Tours is a Lexington, Kentucky–based tour operator specializing in private, flexible day trips to Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries, wineries, and cultural sites. The company offers curated itineraries that let guests set the pace and decide how long to stay at each stop, removing the stress of fixed schedules and ticket hassles. Operating from Lexington, Horse and Barrel Tours presents multiple route options including Five Star Lexington, Five Star Bardstown, Five Star Louisville, the Kentucky Wine Tour, and the Triple Crown. Each Five Star itinerary visits five notable distilleries in a private vehicle with an experienced driver who guides the route and manages logistics. The Kentucky Wine Tour visits three unique wineries and includes tastings, making it a popular choice for bachelorette parties and girls’ weekends. The Triple Crown tour combines a visit to a historic horse farm, a bourbon distillery, and a local winery to showcase highlights of the Bluegrass region. The business emphasizes private transportation and flexible timing so guests can savor tastings, tours, and local attractions without rushing. Tailored for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike, Horse and Barrel Tours positions private vehicles and guided routing as the core offering, simplifying planning for individuals, couples, and small groups seeking a curated Kentucky beverage and cultural experience.

Base locationLexington, Kentucky

Tours offered5+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

My Trip

My Trip

Explore Kentucky’s Triple Crown Tour: Horse Farms, Bourbon Distilleries & Wineries

A full day in Lexington.

More experiences with Horse and Barrel Tours