Visitors to these wineries can enjoy both wine and fall while taking a hike, picking pumpkins, playing a game of pétanque and more.
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. 1474 Alexander Valley Road Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com. (Courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
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. (Courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
The Estate Hiking Adventure at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Healdsburg begins at the winery chateau, a favorite destination in fall with its ivy-covered walls. (Courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
Find the perfect pumpkin at Larson Family Winery, Sonoma: Guests to Larson Family Winery can pick pumpkins in the winery pumpkin patch every day of the week through Halloween. On weekends, they can also enjoy brunch, lunch or happy hour in the pumpkin patch (available with a reservation only). Kivelstadt Cellars, also in Sonoma, provides the food, which is paired with a glass of Larson Family wine. $25 to $60; children under 3 free (pumpkin included). 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com (Robbi Pengelly/Sonoma Index Tribune)
On Halloween, Larson Family Winery (one of the most dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma) hosts its annual Canine Costume Contest, featuring a pup parade and prizes for the winners. "Dress up your pup and bring the whole family down for some Halloween fun," says a post on the winery's website. Enter your dog here. Family/group costumes highly encouraged. (Courtesy of Larson Family Winery)
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 (Courtesy Dutcher Crossing Winery)
Outdoor seating at Dutcher Crossing Winery in Geyserville. (Courtesy of Dutcher Crossing Winery)
Vineyards in fall colors surround Dutcher Crossing Winery in Geyserville. (Courtesy of Dutcher Crossing Winery)
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 (Courtesy of Trentadue Winery)
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. (Courtesy of Anaba Wines)
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 that pair perfectly with a glass of vino. Click through the gallery above for some winery adventures worth getting on the calendar before Mother Nature sets her sights on winter.
