You might assume that a trip to wine country means that you have to kiss your weight loss and wellness goals goodbye. But that’s not the case. In addition to breathtaking views, tours of the vineyards, and all the vino a girl can handle, hotels and resorts in wine havens like Sonoma, Napa, and Santa Barbara are adding health and fitness components to the already perfect weekend package. (Talk about making a good thing even better!) Think green smoothies by the pool, bike rides through the vineyards, grape-themed spa treatments, and Pilates classes….all with a glass of wine in hand, of course.
So where should you go? Here are three places we learned about in a recent article on The Huffington Post:
Wine, Women, and Wellness
The Westin Verasa in Napa to learn about the growing demand for fitness and wellness activities for their guests. They now host a “Wine, Women and Wellness” event during Women’s History Month in March, celebrating women’s health and female winemakers. Seminars included demonstrations from raw food chefs, yoga instructors, and makeup artists who create products from the antioxidant-rich byproduct of wine: grape seeds. They even staff a Running Concierge. That is correct: it is someone’s job to guide you through the many paths and trails for a walk or run through wine country. They can ever lend you running shoes! Talk about eliminating excuses.
Vinyasa in the Vineyard
It is now common knowledge that your Napa Valley weekend could include Pilates on a veranda overlooking a vineyard, a hike through the rolling hills, or a detox smoothie seminar…and of course some retox with a glass (or three) of wine at the end. The sparkling wine house Domaine Carneros offers “Vinyasa in the Vineyard”, their outdoor yoga class meant to kickstart your day. The class ends with a flute of organic sparkling wine and a tour of the vineyards. The class is led by a certified yoga teacher who’s also a sommelier, which means the class truly integrates wine and wellness. Talk about a perfect day!
Napa Valley Vine Trail
Because walking through Napa Valley simply isn’t beautiful enough, there are now great efforts to create a Napa Valley Vine Trail where you can bike or walk up and down the entire valley without sharing the road with cars. The 47 mile long trail has been in the works since 2024 and is about 20% complete, according to Chuck McMinn of Venyard 29, who spearheaded the coalition for the trail.
Also Read:
Yoga and Wine Blends Complementary Health Benefits
Work it Off: Burn Away 250 Calories from 2 Glasses of Red Wine