Hiking meets wine tasting in the Bay Area’s Tri-Valley

Livermore may have more wineries, but the vineyards that do exist within Pleasanton’s city
limits provide Napa-style estates in luxurious settings. And when you pair them with gorgeous, scenic hikes, you create an itinerary for exploring the best nature the region has to offer — under your feet and in your glass.

First the hike

The 9,090-acre Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park offers a wide variety of hiking options and views that take in lush green hills and towering oak trees — and inter-park trails that connect this park with  Kilkare Canyon and the Sunol Ridge. In general, trails start from the Foothills Staging Area, which opens at 8 a.m.

The popular Courdet Trail, for example, which takes about two hours, offers 3.9 miles of moderate terrain. There are open grasslands and a good amount of shade cover, but the big draw is the view of the surrounding cities. (If you’re looking to extend the route, continue on to the Shady Creek, Bay Leaf and Schuhart trails.)

Those looking for a faster way to see the park — and a little water — can traverse the Oak
Tree Woodland Loop. Just shy of two miles, the trail takes most hikers just over an hour to
complete thanks to an elevation gain of 524 feet that switches quickly between short climbs and level ground.

If you’re looking for more of a saunter, head for Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, where a lake offers boating and water sports. In the colder months, the chilly air makes for comfortable treks. The hikes here are more leisurely than most found in Pleasanton Ridge, with  gorgeous views of the water from the 1.3-mile Shadow Cliffs Loop and a 1.2-mile West End Pond Trail.

Now the wine

You may want to trade in those yoga pants for something a bit fancier before you explore two notable Pleasanton wineries, which lie about a mile from each other. Pleasanton Ridge is a 15 to 20-minute drive from the wineries, while Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is about half that distance.

Ruby Hill Winery is your first stop, with wine flights ($25) that include four reds or whites. One of the more exciting ways to see the property, which was established in 1887 — and one that gets you off of your tired feet — is a 90-minute vineyard and estate tour aboard the Mello Cielo, the winery’s colorful vintage school bus, retrofitted with wine barrel seats.

The bus takes you from the manicured lawns and elegant fountain in front of the tasting room, through the vineyards and to the production facility. Along the way, you’ll sample wines — some released and some still in barrels — followed by a sit-down tasting experience.

The other must-see is Rubino Estates, a California wine-meets-Italian heritage experience featuring everything from chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon to trebbiano, sangiovese and barbera. Sample a four-wine flight during your tasting session on the winery’s courtyard or fountain patio, or book an in-depth educational experience that includes food pairings and lasts about 60 minutes.

Afterward, grab a glass or bottle and a spot on the grounds to soak in the surroundings. An on-
site deli serves sandwiches and other picnic fare, and a bocce ball court offers one
more delightful excuse to sip away the afternoon.

If You Go

Ruby Hill Winery: Tastings start at $25 per person, with reservations required on weekends. The Mello Cielo tour is $45; book a spot or get more information by calling 925-931-9463 or emailing events@rubyhillwinery.net. The winery is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily at 400 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton; www.rubyhillwinery.net.

Rubino Estates Winery: Tastings start at $25 per person, with reservations required on weekends. The winery is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily at 1188 Vineyard Ave. in Pleasanton; www.rubinoestateswinery.com.

Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park: Open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily. No fees for parking or dogs. Find trail maps at www.ebparks.org/parks/pleasanton-ridge.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area: Open from 7 a.m. to dusk. $6 parking fee, $2 fee per dog. Find trail maps and details at www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow-cliffs.