Sonoma County has more than 425 wineries, and many feature wine tastings and tours of winemaking facilities. Some go beyond the chance to sample local wines and look behind the scenes. These Sonoma County wineries pair traditional hospitality options with hands-on experiences that incorporate a bit of adventure, too.
Whether it’s hiking, pickleball, tram tours, or vineyard dining, these experiences engage the senses in a wholly different way. The best part? Many are available year-round.
Hike through Healdsburg and Sonoma Valley vineyards
The 1,200-acre ranch at Jordan Vineyard & Winery offers plenty of room to roam.
Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Wine tasting can be fun and…sedentary. Several Sonoma County wine producers complement tastings with hikes and other athletic activities amid the vineyards.
At Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Healdsburg, the two-hour Vineyard Hike starts with breakfast at Vista Point, the highest spot on the 1,200-acre ranch. Covering three miles of hills and valleys, the hike passes through wildlife habitats, sustainably farmed vineyards, and olive orchards. In spring, you might see wildflowers, too. Other Healdsburg wineries that host vineyard hikes include Alexander Valley Vineyards and Seghesio Family Vineyards, to name a few.
In Sonoma Valley, Kunde Family Winery’s four-hour dog-friendly hike traverses the 1,850-acre estate. The hike includes wine and lunch; a portion of the per-person fee is donated to Dogwood Animal Rescue Project and the Sonoma County Humane Society.
Play pickleball at Anaba Wines in Carneros
Playing pickleball at Anaba Wines
Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Hiking isn’t the only active option at some Sonoma County wineries. At Anaba Wines in the Carneros region, a short drive from downtown Sonoma, guests can reserve a pickleball court in the middle of a picpoul blanc vineyard.
The winery experience includes one hour of pickleball (paddles and balls included) and one-ounce pours of four different wines. The tasting takes place under a gazebo adjacent to the court, and guests often pair their wine with pizzas from the on-site wood-fired oven.
Ride a tram, trolley, and ATV at Sonoma County wineries
A trolley at St. Francis Winery
Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
For a more laid-back way to explore a vineyard landscape, you can choose the comfort of a tram, trolley, or ATV on tours offered by wineries throughout Sonoma County. At Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, the Biodynamic Tractor Tram Tour whisks guests around the crowd-free 85-acre estate on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain. A tractor-pulled tram takes visitors up to the expansive gardens, then back down through the vineyard to the tasting room, where wine is served. Along the way, a tour guide explains the rigors of biodynamic farming.
As part of the 90-minute Tour de St. Francis at St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa, guests spin through the vineyard on a pedal trolley. The wheeled vehicle has 16 seats, and guests pedal, like on a bicycle, to propel it—it’s hard not to laugh hysterically on this tour. (Another tour at St. Francis, the Secrets of Sonoma, focuses on food pairings.)
ATV excursions are popular, too. Dry Creek Vineyard, the first winery in Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition, offers an experience that includes a 4x4 tour of the vineyard and a tasting.
In the Russian River Valley, outside Forestville, the owners of Enriquez Estate Wines prefer getting around the 8.5-acre estate by ATV. These tours aren’t something you need to schedule in advance; guests simply inquire in the tasting room and (provided it’s not a busy day), winemaker Cecilia Enriquez or another friendly face will take the 4x4 out for a spin.
This tour is particularly fascinating because the Latina-owned Enriquez estate overlooks the valley, which usually floods in winter. From the trail, you can see how the Russian River dominates the landscape for a true sense of place.
Sonoma County wineries offer picture-perfect settings among the area’s natural beauty.
Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Enjoy dinner in the Kendall-Jackson garden
Many wineries host on-site dinners throughout the year, but Kendall-Jackson sets its table in the heart of its working culinary garden, where the evening’s ingredients grow just steps from the plates.
During the annual Farm-to-Table Dinner Series, chef Tracey Shepos Cenami partners with Master Culinary Gardener Tucker Taylor to craft menus guided by the harvest and thoughtfully paired with Kendall-Jackson wines. Expect locally raised proteins, peak-season fruits and vegetables, and dishes that let the garden’s freshness speak for itself.
The evening begins with a garden reception, followed by guests gathering at a long table beneath the open sky. As courses unfold, the experience introduces diners to the farmers, growers, and artisans who’ve helped shape Sonoma County’s agricultural identity for decades. The shared table encourages easy conversation, turning a memorable meal into a sense of connection that lingers long after the last glass is poured.
