1. Board the Wine Trollies

Both the Napa Valley Wine Trolley and Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley whisk guests all around the region in a replica of a turn-of-the-century California streetcar. Two of the most unique and enchanting experiences, the wine trains a trip to the past with gourmet cuisine, stunning views, and stops at premier wineries. With refurbished, vintage pull cars, lush detailing, and a romantic setting, you’ll fall in love with the bygone era of locomotive travel. For more historical elegance in the evening, book a dinner reservation on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

2. Trot through Vineyards on Horseback

Let a beautiful steed be your guide through acres of vineyards as you trot beside grapevines and through Redwood groves before dismounting for a tasting at the Benziger Family Winery. The Triple Creek Horse Outfit provides guided rides through the state park that once served as Jack London’s home, while Sonoma Valley Trail Rides offers rides through a selection of local wineries, with and without tastings and dining.

3. Tool Around Paso Robles Wine Country in a Motorcycle Sidecar

Experience Paso Robles wine country like never before with Third Wheel Tours’ rumbling motorcycle sidecar excursions. Feel the wind on your face as you ride through picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, guided by your friendly driver. Stop at top wineries along the way for delicious tastings and lessons on the region’s history, the importance of its unique climate, and how it impacts different varietals.

4. Cycle through Wine Valleys

Sip, roll, and repeat. Cruise along the Napa Valley Wine Trail, a continuous car-free 12.5-mile path, stretching from Yountville to South Napa, visiting wineries including Silenus, Laird Family Estate, and Domaine Chandon along the route. If you’d prefer a more leisurely excursion, jump on a 100% electric, no-pedalling-required Glibe bike from Glidesdale Adventures to zip along without breaking a sweat, stopping at three wineries along the way for tastings and a deli-served lunch at the second stop.

5. Ride a Gondola to a Hilltop Tasting Room

Come for the wine; stay for the aerial tram. Sterling Vineyards is the only winery in the world with an aerial gondola, which has carried guests to and from the hillside winery since the 1970s, wowing with spectacular views of the Napa Valley along the way. The five-minute gondola ride features state-of-the-art, tinted glass, and wood teak interior seats, offering a luxurious ride to a delicious and unique tasting experience.

6. Float Above Vineyards in a Hot-Air Balloon

There is no form of transport more delightfully whimsical than riding in a woven basket hitched to a colourfully patterned balloon. Get a bird’s eye view of the rolling vineyards below on a group trip or exclusive flight for two with Napa Valley Aloft or Napa Valley Balloons.

7. Send the Kids on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Even though it’s a winery, it doesn’t have to be all about the grownups. At above Santa Rosa, while you taste wine, your kids can dive into a scavenger-hunt-style “adventure” backpack filled with field guides to wine country flora, fauna, birds, and insects, as well as magnifying glasses and checklists to keep track of all they’ve seen.

8. Freefall at 120mph over the Russian River

Watch the Alexander Valley come into quick focus during a tandem skydive anywhere from 8,000 to 15,000 feet, choosing to either experience your own adrenaline dose with the more mellow parachuting option or the accelerated freefall program which allows you to build up to a solo jump!