What to Expect:

The Wine Country’s vineyards are edged by diverse forests, rolling hills, and volcanic peaks each with their own unique character and distinct beauty. On our first day, we visit pristine woods unlike any others we will see during the week. We begin by walking along Ritchey Creek among elegant stands of Douglas fir and redwood trees. Along the way we glimpse views of Spring Mountain to the west and Mount St. Helena in the north, and at our highest point enjoy a filtered view of Napa Valley’s vineyards below. We will finish hiking in the early afternoon and head to our first wine tour/tasting for our official indoctrination into the California wine culture.

The following day you will have the option of hiking or staying at the inn for a “free” day. The volcanic landscape in Napa is decorated with red-barked manzanita, madrone, grey pine, bay laurel and flowering shrubs like chemise and mountain mahogany. We will hike along a volcanic ridge that is visible from the town of Calistoga and defines the east side of northern Napa Valley. Those who wish to take a day off from hiking may schedule spa appointments in the morning or the afternoon on this day.

On our transfer day to Sonoma we will hike an old stagecoach and wagon road from the 1860’s that takes us into the foothills above Calistoga and along the base of the towering Palisades cliffs. After just a few minutes of hiking you begin to see fantastic views of vineyards and estates. As we meander between shady stream canyons, into grassy meadows, and through oak and bay tree forests, we find old wagon ruts in the rock, which remind us of the historic origin of our trail.

Our first full day in Sonoma takes us to the headwaters of Sonoma Creek and to ridge top viewpoints encompassing more than six counties. On very clear days the view includes portions of the San Francisco Bay Area and even a glimpse of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With mule deer in the meadows and acorns falling from oak branches, it is easy to imagine the quiet and vital life the Wappo Indians enjoyed in this area.

On our final day in Sonoma, we will head north to Glen Ellen to visit Jack London State Park. Beauty Ranch was a winery before Jack London lived there and a functional farm under his watch. Today we will take a hiking tour of the property, which includes fragrant eucalyptus groves, active vineyards, historic winery buildings, a revolutionary “pig palace”, and a museum dedicated to Jack London’s life, work and travels.