Wineries are proving that wine and wellness can go hand-in-hand. From Vinyasa in the vines to sip and cycle, these outdoorsy and adventurous winery experiences promote balance beyond the bottle. Meet four California wineries that offer visitors more than tastings.
CYCLING
Owned by the family behind Clif Bar, Clif Family Winery in Napa Valley’s St. Helena has partnered with a local bike shop for a range of wine and cycling experiences. For the new Tour de Chef package ($95–135 per person), choose from three picturesque Napa Valley routes. Each was chosen by a local chef who’s also an avid cyclist and concludes with a wine and bruschetta pairing back at the winery.
YOGA
Chaturanga before you Chardonnay at Bricoleur Vineyards. The winery hosts yoga classes ($15) on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, seasonally, under their vineyard view pavilion in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Classes range from Hatha to Vinyasa to the calming Yin Yoga practice (the winery even has cork yoga mats you can purchase) and most guests stay afterward for a picnic, bocce ball or food and wine pairing.
DISC GOLF
Paso Robles’ Castoro Cellars built an 18- hole disc golf course right in the middle of its certified organic Whale Rock Estate Vineyard. The course is suited for all levels, from first-timers to experts, and visitors can play around amongst the Primitivo and Pinot Grigio for just $5 before or after a wine tasting, though fair warning: Wine before disc golf may impair one’s throwing skills.
HIKING
Set in Santa Barbara’s Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA), Alma Rosa Winery has 628 acres of rugged mountain terrain to explore. Before settling down for a wine and cheese pairing, journey on either a one-mile or more rigorous two-mile guided hike ($75–95) featuring a few pours of wine along the way. Panoramic vineyard views abound—planted in 1983, this was the first certified organic vineyard in the county—yet the majority of the estate is unspoiled land inhabited by all kinds of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled.
This article originally appeared in the December 31, 2021 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!
Last Updated: September 28, 2022
