Around the world, springtime brings a sense of rejuvenation. In the warmer days of wine country, we see bud break in the vineyards, wildflowers popping up, and longer days to spend on outdoor activities. A popular past time year-round, hiking gets a boost come spring with more people on the trails. Luckily, some wineries offer options for hiking that can often be less crowded than public trails.  If you’re seeking a little solitude and an off-the-beaten-path experience, why not combine a tasting appointment with a hike at one of the following  wineries?

– SONOMA COUNTY –

Bartholomew Park Winery, Sonoma
Explore the 3+ miles of trails within Bartholomew Park, taking in the duck pond and windmill, weaving through mature oaks, madrones, redwoods and vineyards, following wildflowers up the log steps and cresting at a view of San Francisco Bay.

Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen
Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Benziger Family Winery boasts an expansive estate with hiking trails that wind through their biodynamic vineyards. The trails offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the estate’s diverse ecosystem while learning about sustainable farming practices and organic viticulture.
Knowledgeable guides will lead guests through rows of meticulously tended grapevines. Along the way, hikers learn about Benziger’s commitment to biodynamic farming, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and humans, the highlight of which is the insect garden, where visitors can see firsthand the beneficial insects that help to maintain a healthy balance in the vineyard ecosystem. From ladybugs to lacewings, the garden is teeming with life, providing a fascinating glimpse into the natural world. The trail culminates at a scenic overlook, where hikers can relax and enjoy a glass of Benziger’s award-winning wine while taking in panoramic views of the vineyards below. After the walk, stay and enjoy a boxed lunch from the Glen Ellen Market – select your sandwich option online at check-out.

Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood
Hike and Taste in the Vineyards
Take a fun, casual hike through Kunde’s 1,850-acre volcanic and vertical estate. This is a remarkable opportunity to see sustainable winegrowing practices at work while taking in wine country’s spectacular scenery. Meander through a range of distinct ecosystems and native habitats as you learn how each one uniquely contributes to the process of sustainable winegrowing for Kunde Family Winery. Experience grape-to-glass firsthand by tasting wines along the way in the very vineyards where the grapes are grown. This moderately strenuous hike lasts approximately four hours. The tour is $40 per person. Reservations are required and space is limited to 30 people. Best to pack a sack lunch, wear sunscreen and appropriate footwear.

Donum Estate, Sonoma
The Carneros Experience showcases  Donum Estate’s signature Carneros property with one of the world’s largest accessible private sculpture collections. This 60-minute experience starts with a splash of award-winning wine, then visitors are invited to taste Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from certified organic Carneros Estate Vineyard while enjoying a guided walking tour of the culinary garden, and private, open-air sculpture collection. The tour concludes in the newest tasting venue, Vertical Panorama Pavilion. This experience is offered daily, by reservation, at 10:30am, 1pm, and 3:30pm for $100 per person.

Cline Cellars, Sonoma
Visitors can book a behind the scenes vineyard hike up Cline Family Cellars’ Hat Strap Hill Take in the spring air, see what stage the vineyard is at, and learn about the farming practices the Cline Family has carried on from generation to generation. A breathtaking view, estate wine tasting, and light bites await at the top. This moderate (steep) hike lasts for approximately 2.5 hours and is available for a small tasting fee.  Reservations required.

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards, Windsor
To include some wellness with your wine tasting, the property here features 350 acres of “Forever Wild” protected open space and 250 acres of beautiful rolling vineyards. Trails are accessible by wine club members. For single-day-use simply purchase the Member for a Day package which includes three bottles of wine.

Medlock Ames, Healdsburg
Bell Mountain Immersive Sound Experience
In this 90-minute private tasting experience at Bell Mountain Ranch, guests will explore the sights and sounds of the property through a self-guided audio experience developed by local sound artist, Hugh Livingston. Following the walking tour, our wine educator will guide the guests through a flight of five estate wines. $75

– NAPA VALLEY –

Hudson Ranch, Napa
Need a little break between tastings? For an additional $20, add on a hike prior to your tasting experience at Hudson Ranch. Take a scenic hike on a private 3-mile hiking trail around the ranch and enjoy expansive views of the vineyards and the bay. Hiking reservations are only available as an add-on to a tasting and must be reserved in advance. Contact the winery to book your hike. Members can hike complimentary up to 4 people.
 

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, Napa
While not a winery, di Rosa offers hiking trails through its picturesque sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. Visitors can explore the estate’s outdoor art installations and encounter native wildlife amidst the vineyards and wetlands.

Pine Ridge Vineyards, Napa
This grape-to-glass experience begins with some trail treats, followed by a hike through  beautiful, dramatically terraced hillside vineyards.
Learn about how  sustainable farming techniques build to deliver supremely high-quality grapes. As you are led through the vineyard, you’ll learn about diverse ecosystems, why Stags Leap District locations matter, and why these vineyards are so distinct. Taste Stags Leap District wines alongside wines from other appellations and revel in the variation at play. Scheduled hikes are available Saturday May 18, 25, Saturday June 1, 15, 22, 29, Saturday July 6, 13, 27 from 9:30am to 11 am , Cost is $150 per person.

– LAKE COUNTY –

Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Lower Lake
Six Sigma  welcomes wine enthusiasts and adventurers who are seeking a different kind of wine country experience.  Located at the foot of the Vaca Mountains, Six Sigma offers guests the chance to explore its expansive property on foot with six miles of hiking trails that wind through oak-studded hills and beautiful meadows. Hikers have an opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife ranging from deer and wild turkeys to the elusive mountain lion. Also watch for hidden waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and ancient oak groves. At the highest peak, a breathtaking view of Clearlake awaits in the distance. A trip back to the tasting room makes for a full and fun day.