Many travelers to the wine country are finding that the typical group tour falls short when it comes to offering health and wellness. With today's travelers trending toward more active, wellness-inspired pursuits, the prospect of multiple winery visits without acknowledging the local surroundings is quickly losing its appeal. Fortunately, there is a California-based tour company, California Wine Hikes, that expects to capitalize on the wellness trend.
Company owner Russ Beebe says his tours are unlike those of the typical wine touring company. "It's all about the three E's," says Russ, "and the first E stands for Education. You're actually going to learn something on our tours - about wine, about local culture, and about our connection with Nature. Like other wine tours, we visit local wineries, but that's not our focal point. We encourage our guests to develop an understanding of why they like a wine, not just the idea that they like it and want to buy a case of it. So, we taste wine in a more formal setting. Our guests find these tastings fun, intimate, and educational. It's an experience they can take with them."
The second E denotes Exercise. Russ feels there's more to the wine country than being whisked around in a limousine to 4 or 5 wineries every day, only to return home with an oversaturated cerebellum. "You're going to get a workout," says Russ. "Rather than encourage a quantity of alcohol intake during a wine country tour, why not embrace quality, and earn a fabulous reward for your outdoor effort? The moments on the hiking trails, after all, are stimulating and invigorating, and build an appetite for good food, good sleep, and a sense of well-being."
The publicity these days does suggest a greater need for better diet and exercise. With a desire to live longer, more fulfilling lives, the demand is growing for healthier activities when traveling on business or vacation.
Rather than remain confined to a local wine region, the company offers hiking and wine-tasting tours that span the state from Santa Barbara to Mendocino and from Silicon Valley to Amador County. "That's a lot of territory," admits Russ, referring to his third E, which stands for Enormous. "Simply put, California offers so much. There are impressive hiking trails to be found all over the state's major wine regions, and I guide my guests on the best ones. We then reward ourselves by tasting the local fruit of the vine."
ABOUT CALIFORNIA WINE HIKES
California Wine Hikes offers guided hikes and small-group experiences that combine the best of Nature, wine, fine food & accommodations in the California wine country.
Special "winehiking" packages are available. Many tours sell out and guests should book early. For information and easy online booking, visit www.californiawinehikes.com.
