For a special outing, local wineries and hotels are offering guided hikes with boxed lunches and wine tastings.
April 22 - 25, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Healdsburg: This 1,200-acre winery estate is unveiling its new pollinator sanctuaries with a series of Earth Week hikes April 22 to April 25. The pollinator sanctuaries are designed to provide habitat for native bees and Western monarch butterflies. $110 per person. 1474 Alexander Valley Road Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com. (Courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
The moderately strenuous four-mile trek at Jordan Vineyard & Winery also takes hikers through vineyards, olive groves, and the estate garden, before ending on the winery terrace for a charcuterie picnic and wine pairing featuring Journeyman Meat Co. and vegetables from the winery’s garden. (Charlie Gesell / Sonoma Magazine)
Jordan Vineyard hikes have an elevation change of about 300 feet. This is the view from Vista Point, the highest hilltop on the Healdsburg estate. Face coverings are required when hikers cannot maintain six feet distance with people not in their party, which is rare. (Courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
In addition to the hikes offered during Earth Day week, Jordan Vineyard and Winery has additional hikes schedule in May and in the fall. (Courtesy of Jordan Vineyard & Winery)
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Healdsburg: More of a stroll than a hike, this one-mile tour includes tastings of four wines along the route. Guests will learn about the history of the estate and surrounding area, and view the Alexander Valley schoolhouse, built in 1868. $60 per person. 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-7209, avvwine.com (Courtesy of Alexander Valley Vineyards)
Along with taking in the views, outdoor enthusiasts at Alexander Valley Vineyards typically get to meet a flock of hens that reside at the winery and a handful of friendly winery dogs. Reservations required with a 36-hour notice; a minimum of two people is typically required for vineyard hikes. (Courtesy of Alexander Valley Vineyards)
Alexander Valley Vineyard hikes include a Wine Country box lunch prepared by Big John’s Market in Healdsburg. Social distancing is practiced by all participants when hiking; staff are masked when pouring wine (photo taken prior to the pandemic). (Courtesy of Alexander Valley Vineyards)
Hotel Healdsburg, Healdsburg: Hotel Healdsburg's Wildflower Walks package includes an up to two-hour hike with a local trail guide. The outing is customized to guest’s interests and fitness level. Cost is $200 for two, in addition to cost of room. Pepperwood Preserve pictured. 25 Matheson Street, Healdsburg, 707-431-2800, hotelhealdsburg.com. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Hotel Healdsburg provides a box lunch from onsite restaurant Dry Creek Kitchen and essentials including snacks, water, and sunscreen. The Wildflower Walks package is available now through the end of May. Walks must be reserved 72 hours in advance. Masks are not required when outdoors; but social distancing is practiced. (Courtesy of Hotel Healdsburg)
Sonoma County boasts some of the best hiking trails in Northern California. The mild weather allows for year-round outdoor activities but spring may be one of our favorite seasons to explore the area on foot. This spring, local wineries and hotels are offering guided hikes with boxed lunches and wine tastings. Click through the gallery above for three guided hikes to sign up for this spring. Did we miss one of your favorites? Leave a comment below.
