Combine wine tasting with biking and horseback riding in Sonoma.
Beautiful and tasty vineyards, stunning scenery and top adventure attractions, what to do in California Wine Country, including Napa and Sonoma.
With beautiful and tasty vineyards, stunning scenery and top adventure attractions, there’s a lot to explore in California Wine Country. If you’re visiting this part of Northern California, which includes Napa and Sonoma Valley, don’t miss these top things to see and do. Watch the video for our top picks and read on for more specifics.
#1 Vineyard Tours
With hundreds of wineries in Sonoma County alone, California Wine Country has diverse wines and vineyards tours from which to choose. Whether you like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll have your pick of vineyard tours here. We particularly liked touring Gundlach Bundschu Winery, California’s oldest family-owned winery where you can enjoy tasting everything from Chardonnay to Gewürztraminer in the outdoor courtyard.
#2 Biking Adventures
Cycling is a great way to explore wine country. Beginners can find organized bike tours on relatively flat, paved roads, leading to top vineyards and educational tastings that sometimes combine Sonoma city and even culinary delights. Sonoma Valley Bike Tours offers both a guided and self-guided option.
#3 Beaches
Take a side trip along dramatic Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, and hit the beach, where rocky cliffs, sheltered coves and crashing waves delight photographers and adventure seekers alike. Along the Sonoma Coast, enjoy beaches at Bodega Bay, Doran Beach and beyond.
#4 Redwoods
Many people are surprised to learn that Redwoods forests are found in California Wine Country. Enjoy the peaceful and humbling experience that trekking amid the world’s tallest living things can bring. An accessible park for exploring the Redwoods is Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Bring a picnic and enjoy the shade under this dense canopy.
#5 Riding Horses
Riding horses is a fun and active way to enjoy wine country and whether you want to observe the grapes from up high on a vineyard ride or walk along the beach, you’ll have your pick along the rugged Pacific Coast. Triple Creek Horse Outfit, who we filmed with for Equitrekking, leads riding tours through Sonoma Valley at the 1400-acre Jack London State Historic Park. On this riding tour, drinks are available after the trek! Guests get vouchers for complimentary tastings at Benziger Family Winery.
