Outdoor Adventure And Riverside Wineries Make This Sonoma County River A Scenic Hotspot
The Russian River, twisting and turning through California's wine country on its way to the Pacific Ocean, is the perfect place to explore if you're looking to combine wine tastings and outdoor recreation during your trip to Sonoma County. California's legendary wine region is one of California's best attractions, and a must-visit destination for foodies and lovers of fine wine, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for adventurous travelers to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Located in Northern California, within an easy drive of the bustling San Francisco metropolis, wine country encompasses several counties, with the two most popular being Napa and Sonoma. The area has the perfect Mediterranean climate for growing grapes and produces some of the best wine in the world. Sonoma County is well known for producing excellent pinot noir, red blends, chardonnay, and zinfandel wines.
The vineyards are stunning with gorgeous architecture and rows of grapes nestled amongst the rolling hills, meadows, and forests. The Russian River runs through the valley, adding to the picturesque landscape and providing water to the vineyards. There's no better place to slip a glass of delicious wine, but make sure you carve out time to enjoy adventurous activities like hiking, kayak tours on the Sonoma Coast, and exploring the magical forests of giant redwood trees.
Sip wine near the Russian River, swim, and hike through redwood groves
Throughout the Russian River Valley area there are about 70 wineries. If you're a fan of sparkling wine, head to the Korbel Winery. The vineyard dates back to the 1800s, and you can enjoy a seated tasting of five wines for $25 per person. A complimentary hour-long tour of the vineyard and wine cellar makes for a great budget-friendly activity. Benovia Winery offers an intimate experience tasting small-batch wines in a rustic renovated farmhouse on 70 acres. Tastings are by appointment only. Visit the MacRostie Estate House for a five wine tasting with panoramic views of the river valley for $45 per person. There are dozens of wineries to choose from, but keep in mind that many require reservations for tastings.
If you're more of a beer person, head straight to Sumptown Brewery which is perched on the banks of the Russian River. There's a large patio overlooking the water, and some picnic tables down below on the banks of the river. It's a great place to dip your feet in, enjoy the views, and sip on some delicious local craft beers. On warm days, cool off with a plunge in the Russian River. There are several beaches with public river access including Steelhead Beach, Sunset Beach, and Forestville River Access. You can swim, fish, tube, or launch kayaks and canoes. Some beaches offer free lifejacket rentals.
Immerse yourself in the majesty of California's iconic redwood trees on a visit to Riverfront Regional Park which has a 15-acre grove to explore along with two lakes for kayaking and fishing. Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Preserve is an excellent place for a hike, with over 800 acres and plenty of trails where you can walk amongst the old growth giants.
Take a kayak tour of the Sonoma Coast
The Russian River Valley is a must-visit U.S. destination for wine tastings in Sonoma County, but once you've finished indulging, make sure to explore the outdoors and enjoy some adventurous activities. Viator, an online marketplace for tours and experiences, has some excellent options to choose from. The "Russian River Kayak Tour at The Beautiful Sonoma Coast," is an ideal choice for travelers in search of adventure, wildlife viewing, and gorgeous scenery. It's one of the best ways to enjoy Sonoma County without any wine.
During the experience, you'll spend about two and a half hours exploring the coastline with a knowledgeable guide. The tour begins at 10 am, and you'll meet your guide near the Sonoma County Visitor Center. From there, you'll paddle along the coast in search of wildlife like bald eagles, seals, river otters, osprey, and whales. Travelers who booked the kayaking tour loved the opportunity to spot wildlife, according to reviews. Many of them enjoyed chatting with the friendly and knowledgeable guide while they paddled and enjoyed the scenery. In total, there are over a hundred reviews, all of whom gave the Viator experience a five star rating.
After attending the tour in July of 2024, Anna_W wrote a glowing five star review about her trip. "Our Kayak tour was the highlight of our trip to Northern California! The scenery, the river, the Pacific Ocean and the wildlife were spectacular! And our guides Eric and Tim were incredibly knowledgeable and warm and friendly – they made us feel more like friends than tourists! Can't wait to return and tour with these guys again!" If you're looking for an unforgettable outing in Sonoma County, it's well worth adding this exciting tour to your itinerary.