Pair Wine Tasting With Outdoor Activities at These Sonoma County Wineries

Fall is the perfect time to get outside in Sonoma County. Sunny blue skies remain but cooler temperatures prevail. And as vineyards start to display their gorgeous take on fall colors, a number of wineries in Sonoma County are offering outdoor experiences—from taking a hike to playing a game of pétanque—that pair perfectly with a glass of vino. Check out these winery adventures worth getting on the calendar before Mother Nature sets her sights on winter.

Take a hike at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg

Guests to Jordan Vineyard & Winery cover an impressive amount of the 1,200-acre estate during the “Estate Hiking Adventure,” a moderately strenuous four-mile trek. They pass through vineyards, meadows, woods and olive groves, take a break at the winery’s Vista Point (the highest hilltop on the estate with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape) and visit the winery’s recently planted pollinator sanctuary, designed to provide habitat for native bees and butterflies of various kinds, including the Western monarch.

Hikes at Jordan Vineyard & Winery finish on the winery terrace with a charcuterie picnic and wine pairing, with meats from Journeyman Meat Co. in Healdsburg, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon from Jordan winery and vegetables from the estate gardens. $135 per person. Hikes are offered by reservation only, on select dates in November. Visit the winery’s website to make reservations.  1474 Alexander Valley Road Healdsburg, 707-431-5250,  jordanwinery.com. 

Play a game of pétanque at Dutcher Crossing Winery, Geyserville

A glass of wine pairs perfectly with a game of pétanque, says the staff at Dutcher Crossing. Often referred to as the French version of bocce, pétanque is similar to a tossing game like horseshoes. Seated outdoor tastings by appointment ($35) last about 90 minutes, which allows time to sip five “favorite Dutcher Crossing wines” while taking in sweeping views of fall vineyards. 8533 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville, 866-431-2711, dutchercrossingwinery.com 

Find your zen at Trentadue Winery, Geyserville

Every Monday morning from 9-10 a.m., yoga instructor Kate Remsen from Yoga On Center in Healdsburg leads an all-level Vinyasa class at this Geyserville winery. Taking your practice outdoors and to a beautiful setting has a way of enhancing the experience. The class is $17, wine is not included. Reservations for tastings of five small production wines ($15) are highly recommended. Pre-register for the class at yogaoncenter.com/schedule. 19170 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville, 707-433-3104, trentadue.com 

Have a ball at Anaba Wines, Sonoma

In 2009, this Sonoma Valley winery became the first in Northern California to use wind to help power operations (anabatic winds from San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean turn a 45-foot Skystream wind turbine’s rotors and produce electricity). Guests to the winery can power their pickle ball game with some burgundy or Rhone Valley-inspired reds. The winery’s paddle tennis/pickle ball court can be reserved for two hours. There’s also a bocce ball court. 62 Bonneau Road, Sonoma, 707-996-4188, anabawines.com.

Written by Dana Rebmann