Best Hiking in Sonoma County: Vineyard Hikes with Views
If you’re looking to experience the beauty of Sonoma Wine Country in a non-traditional and exciting way, we’ve got just the idea for you: hiking (and wine tasting) amid scenic vineyards and winery estates. Below, we list Sonoma wineries that offer vineyard hikes with sweeping views of grapevines, mountains and open space. These hikes vary in length, style, and frequency but all of them get visitors out of the tasting room and into the vines. All wineries require reservations in advance to ensure an intimate group setting. Here’s a rundown on some of our favorite vineyard hiking in Sonoma County.
Best Hiking in Sonoma County: Vineyard Hikes with Views
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
The 1,200-acre Jordan Estate in Healdsburg offers plenty of room to roam, and the winery’s Earth Week Nature Hike events cover about three miles of trails in a four-hour immersion like no other. Tours begin with a protein snack at the winery chateau, then head out into the estate by foot. The moderate tromp passes through woods, meadows, and sustainably farmed vineyards before a break at Jordan Vista Point, the highest hilltop on the scenic property. From the top, there’s a 360-degree view of the entire Alexander Valley. The group will then have the opportunity to plant their own pollinator plant to add to Jordan’s butterfly sanctuary at Vista Point. Then, guests will enjoy light lunch prepared by the winery’s culinary team with chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon wine pairings. Offered Friday-Sunday, April 19-21 in honor of Earth Week. Tickets on sale, limited availability on their website. Be sure to sign up for their email newsletter to be the first to hear about event tickets.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery, 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com
Alexander Valley Vineyards
What makes the lunch hike at Alexander Valley Vineyards different from the rest on this list? Weather permitting, this tromp is available daily at 10:30 a.m. (It is also the lowest-elevation of the Sonoma wineries hiking trails, so the views are of benchlands rather than mountains.) The 90-minute excursion is an easy stroll from the tasting room through the vineyards while tasting wine where it’s grown. Along the way, the group passes the winery building, the original Alexander Valley school building, and the Alexander homestead. Tour guides regale hikers with area history, which, in this part of the valley, dates back more than 150 years. They also provide perspective on the evolution of farming practices, and information about any wildlife you might see. The tour ends with a barrel tasting in the cave. Guests can enjoy their wine country boxed lunch (and wine) on the deck at the tasting room or at picnic tables in the vineyard. Price: $80 per person, $60 for wine club members. 48-hour notice required.
Alexander Valley Vineyards, 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA, 707-433-7209, avvwine.com
Kunde Family Winery
Heading south, hiking in Sonoma Valley, there is another historic winemaking family that has offered vineyard exploration for several years. This year, Kunde is offering its popular “Dog Hikes” on select days throughout the year. The hiking experience is $100 per person ($90 for members), lasts about 4 hours and includes a lunch and wine pairing. This tour is led by fifth generation winegrower Jordan Kunde. A portion of event ticket fee will be donated to Dogwood Animal Rescue Project and the Sonoma County Humane Society. Reservations are required and hikes are offered several times per year. For more information about both hikes and availability, visit their website.
Kunde Family Winery, 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA, 707-282-1537, kunde.com
Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves
Located on West Dry Creek Road, Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves is a small boutique winery with sweeping views of Dry Creek Valley. Their team offers private vineyard hikes for up to six people led by certified health coach and nutritionist, Karen Austin. Take in scenic views of Lily Hill and learn about their estate’s natural environment before enjoying a tasting in their wine caves. The private hike and wine tasting takes about two hours. One week minimum advanced booking required. Offered daily at 10:30 a.m. Call or email the winery to book this private hiking experience. Price: $95 per person, $70 for wine club members.
Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves, 9711 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA, 707-473-9171, bellawinery.com
Benzinger Family Winery
Enjoy breathtaking views at Benzinger’s biodynamic estate located in Glen Ellen, close to Jack London State Park. Offered this April (in honor of Earth Day) and October, Chris Benzinger will host an hour-long hike through their Glen Ellen Ranch while sharing family stories, biodynamic farming practices and winemaking insight. Learn more on their website for additional details and ticket prices.
Benzinger Family Winery, 1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA, (707) 935-3000, benzinger.com
Bartholomew Estate Winery
On the outskirts of the town of Sonoma, Bartholomew Estate Winery is an organic property owned and operated by the Frank H. Bartholomew Foundation and winemaker Kevin Holt. They offer access to three miles of expansive hiking trails in the hills behind the winery, passing by 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. Trails are moderate and difficult in places and are free to roam. The nonprofit foundation of Bartholomew Park maintains the 375-acre property and trails and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily (with no entry after 4:30 p.m.) and tasting at the winery is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday through Monday, by appointment. Free parking available within the park. Profits from the foundation’s ownership in the winery go back to support the park and trails.
Bartholomew Estate Winery, 1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma, CA, 707-509-0450, bartholomewestate.com
If you’d prefer to a hike without a guide, Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures, a program run by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, facilitates a number of self-guided walking tours, some of which also involve vineyard tromps. For more information, visit their website.
If you’re looking for additional places to imbibe after your hike, be sure to read our advice on where to taste wine in Sonoma County.
