Wente Vineyards to Del Valle Regional Park

Wine Tasting at Wente Vineyards followed by a hike at Del Valle

Pleasure Rating 1 2 3 4 5

Difficulty Rating 1 2 3 4 5

Mileage  3.5 miles
For a map of Del Valle Click Here

Why Wente and Del Valle?

When you think of northern California, wine usually comes to mind.  As it should, for California is home to some of the best vineyards in the world with Napa and Sonoma being the most famous regions.  However, less famous towns like Livermore are equally historic and distinguished among wine lovers, possessing some of the oldest wine growers in the state, Wente Vineyards being one of them.  In fact, it is the oldest and continuously operated family owned winery in the country. In 1883, C. H. Wente, a first-generation immigrant from Germany, purchased 47 acres in the Livermore Valley.  Recognizing that the warm days, cool nights and gravelly soils of the Livermore Valley were ideal for growing grapes, he planted vines and founded Wente Vineyards. 130 years later, Wente Family Estates continue to be family owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generation Wente's.
Located directly behind the Wente property is Del Valle Regional Park.  This wonderful East Bay regional park includes hiking trails, camping, fishing, boating, biking, and swimming.  Del Valle is especially beautiful with its rolling hillsides in the winter and spring seasons, conjuring images of Ireland with its emerald green grass.  In summer and fall, the hillsides are a carpet of dry grass dramatically engulfing the vineyards below, a brown and green quilt-work of thousands of rows of grapes.  Visiting this special place is like jumping into one of Monet's quintessential pastoral landscapes- an impression of Europe, right here at home.


Let's Get Tasting!
The drive out to Wente Vineyards is a pleasure in an of itself.  Located just about 10 minutes off  of I-580 in Livermore on Arroyo Road, the narrow country roads wind leisurely all the way out to the base of the hills, where you will be surrounded by rows of grapes as far as the eye can see.  There are two Wente locations, so when getting driving directions, ensure you are headed to the Arroyo Rd location.  Park your car and take some time to walk around the grounds and become acquainted with the setting.  This property is so beautifully designated with flowering walkways, a main fountain, and Spanish mission style architecture.  Find your way over to the small but cozy tasting room.  Here you can choose which grouping of wines you'd like to try, become educated in local grapes and the history of the vineyard, and get acquainted with what this winery is all about.  After you've been given your first pour, wander out to the outdoor tasting area- this is a divine and relaxing location to sip and savor your delicious local wine.  The landscaping and architecture of Wente is luxurious and elegant, but the ambiance is casual and relaxed.  You can be a wine expert or this could literally be your first tasting ever- the people here do not care.  They just want you to enjoy yourself and their lovely wine.  Sitting and sipping on this perfect patio feels as if you have slipped away on a European vacation, if only for a couple of hours; so take time to admire the surroundings and relax.

Let's Get Hiking!
After you have enjoyed your time at Wente, drive (or walk) about 1/4 mile up Arroyo Rd to the East Shore Trail parking lot on the left hand side of the road, just passed Camp Arroyo.  Here you will begin your hikeabout.  Bring water, a picnic lunch,  possibly a bottle of wine recently purchased at Wente Vineyards and your camera.

Begin your trek upon the East Shore Trail, a wide dirt path that will gradually lead you downhill toward a shallow creek bed.  Cross a bridge and approach the creek.  In the winter and spring this will be muddy and very saturated.  In summer it is a dry and cracking patchwork of parched earth.  Cross the creek bed and you will see an iron cow gate- pass thru the gate and continue on your hike.  Veer left on the trail and wind gradually uphill along a darling little creek bed toward the top of the hillsides.  Here you will be accompanied by the chattering chickadees and swallows that live in the valley oaks overhead.  Trees line the creek bed with a thin layer of lovely shade.

You will reach what looks like the face of some badlands-type of hillsides.  This dry and craggy outcropping is the home to more native birds who live in the small crevices.  Continue your gradual assent to the intersection of a new trail that veers right and you will climb uphill to the summit of the East Shore Trail.  

In the shade of a valley oak there sits a beautiful solitary bench, the perfect place to enjoy your picnic.  From this vista, you can see the grand expanse of Del Valle Regional Park- the majestic lake, the surrounding network of hiking and biking trails, the undulating hills as far as the eye can see.   Behind you is the incredible wine valley of Livermore, so pastoral and quaint. This is an East Bay treasure to savor, so sip, munch, and breathe the fresh air.  This is the good life- la bonne vie!

I recommend spending as much time up here as possible.  For the more adventurous and energetic hiker, head down any one of the gorgeous trails below to get a closer look at Del Valle; but for our kids, this is the perfect time to descend the hills and head back to the car.

You can head  back down the same way you came, but I prefer to make the loop by descending the adjacent trail.  This is a wider fire lane that winds back down to the same cow gate and eventually the parking lot.  

What I love about this hike is that it touches upon so many of my favorite things- fine wine, great trekking upon the hills, water features, wildlife, and stellar vistas- but most of all, it is such high quality time and fun for the whole family!  Cheers and enjoy!

Bikeabout Special: SF Golden Gate Bridge to the Marina Wave Organ

Bike the Golden Gate to the Marina Wave Organ
via Fort Point and Chrissy Field

Pleasure Rating:  1 2 3 4 5

Difficulty Rating:  1 2 3 4 5
Mileage:  6 miles

Why Bike the Golden Gate?
Is that really a serious question?  I mean, "why not" should be the question.  The infamous San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is the city's most iconic landmark and beckons visitors from all over the world to come see and experience its architectural and artistic design.  The mouth of the world's most glorious bay is enhanced with beauty and grace due to the towering ruby red bridge that adorns it.  Not only should you see it, you should step atop it, walk it, bike it, or drive it- everyone should experience in some special way the best bridge in the world and in my opinion the best way is on two wheels.

Lets Get Biking!
First, pack a picnic, water, helmets, and a jacket.  You might want snacks to keep the kids perky.  Do not forget your camera- these will be some of best photo opps of your life!  Drive into San Francisco and park on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge, at the intersection of Lincoln and Storey Ave which is located about one block off of HWY 1.   Here you will find a very inexpensive parking lot that is away from the dizzying crowds and traffic that surround the tourist pavilion.  Adjacent to this lot is the Battery of the famous Presidio where I recommend enjoying the lovely view of the bridge.  This is a fantastic spot to sit and enjoy your picnic, or if you prefer to do some activity first, you can save your lunch for a later part of the ride.

Start your ride by descending down Storey Rd,which turns into Merchant Rd toward the bridge.  From Merchant, make your first left onto Cranston Rd, which will lead you under HWY 1 and spits you out at the bustling Golden Gate visitors pavilion.  If you have time, take the opportunity to walk around and check out the exhibits.  Recently renovated, it features a very nice gift store, restrooms, a new restaurant, and awesome photography and history of the bridge.   This area is almost always busting from the seams with tourists and tour buses, which can be overwhelming and yet very cool.  To hear the variety of foreign languages and see the kaleidoscope of visitors who are so excited to be there is always a good reminder of how lucky I am to live here.

Proceed to the pedestrian path which for bikers will loop back under the bridge to the west side.  You will see signs for bikers leading you to the west side of the bridge because the east side is for pedestrians only.  This is a safety measure that frees up congestion and prevents collisions. Once atop the bridge carefully begin your trip across the bridge by bike!  Although at times there will be serious cyclists who zoom past you- ignore them and enjoy the ride.  You will want to savor this 1.7 mile stretch without the nuisance of busy bodies.

The view from the bridge is an unparalleled beauty; the lovely Marin headlands awaiting in the distance, the thundering waves splashing against their shear cliffs, the pelicans and seagulls swooping gracefully below the bridge, the juxtaposition of the loud rushing of a thousand cars flying by on your right and the tranquility of the sparkling sun hovering above the mighty Pacific to your left.  Above you the immense towers of red with their elegant swooping cables stand confidently with perfection and symmetry- a marvel of engineering and ingenuity.  Stop for a quick water break, take some pictures, touch the mighty bridge and savor the moment.

Proceed on your ride to the north side of the bridge where you can stop at the Marin Headlands parking lot and take more pictures.  Once you have had your fill of beauty from this perspective, you will double back on the same route toward the city.  From this angle, you will have stellar panoramic views of San Francisco and all its major landmarks.  Just try to count how many famous spots you can see- the Palace of Fine Arts, the Cathedral, Fort Mason, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, the list goes on and on.  I love to see the city from this one of a kind vista.

Fort Point:
Once you have safely crossed the bridge, follow the pedestrian signs for Fort Point, which is only 1/4 mile down the hill.  This path will wind you down toward the waters edge and you can park your bike right in front of the fort entrance.  This national historical site is an awesome voyage into San Francisco's past, dating over 150 years ago.  From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, the fort protected the city from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the Civil War. The architecture and design with lovely arched arcades, spiraling staircases and elegant balconies are impressive.  Fort Point happens to be the only fortification west of the Mississippi with this caliber of construction design.

 

Crissy Field 
After you have explored Fort Point, meander over toward the "warming hut" for a cup of coffee and a snack where you can enjoy more gorgeous views.  This is where you will continue your journey on what is called the San Francisco Bay Trail- a dirt path that stretches all along the waterfront.  To your right is the grand expanse of green- Crissy Field.  This open park space is a fantastic spot for kite flying, or flying model airplanes, frisbee, fetch and the like.  People gather here to picnic and just enjoy the scenery.  To your left is the bay and Crissy Field Beach where you find more people sunning on the shores.  This 1.5 mile stretch to the wave organ should feel like an easy going joy ride, so don't be in a hurry.  Just enjoy!
Continue to follow the path- you will pass the marsh, the east beach, and the beach hut.  You will then enter the marina area where you will pass the Saint Francis Yacht Club, and then the Golden Gate Yacht Club and finally reach the Wave Organ.

Wave Organ
The Wave Organ is located on a jetty that forms the small Boat Harbor in the Marina district of San Francisco. The jetty itself was constructed with material taken from a demolished cemetery, providing a wonderful assortment of carved granite and marble, which was used in the construction of this piece. The installation includes 25 organ pipes made of PVC and concrete located at various elevations within the site, allowing for the rise and fall of the tides. Sound is created by the impact of waves against the pipe ends and the subsequent movement of the water in and out of the pipes. The sound heard at the site is subtle, requiring visitors to become sensitized to its music, and at the same time to the music of the environment. The Wave Organ sounds best at high tide.  Unfortunately we didn't hear any music, but the site is still a lovely place to enjoy the views and appreciate a unique piece of architecture.

Your major destinations are now complete- the main attractions have been achieved.  But the ride isn't over and beauty continues.  Turn around and double back along the San Francisco Bay Trail.  If you time it just right, you can return to your car in time to drive out to the edge of the Battery and watch the sunset- always the perfect ending to a day by the bay.

Mount Tamalpais to Stinson Beach

Mount Tam to Stinson Beach via Matt Davis Trail and Steep Ravine Trail

Pleasure Rating:  1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Mileage:  Apx 7 miles
For a map of this trail click HERE

Why Matt Davis and Steep Ravine?
Towering above San Francisco's north bay at 2,572 feet is the majestic Mount Tamalpais.  What makes this mountain so incredible is not its height, but its proximity to the prepossessing Pacific ocean and surrounding bay.  Located just a hop skip and a jump from the thundering shores of Stinson Beach, the rugged rainforest of Muir Woods,  and the bustling big city of San Francisco, Mount Tam stands like a silent giant.  Green, gorgeous, lush, lavish, wild, wet, and simply lovely; Mount Tam and the surrounding beaches are an incredible sight to see and experience.  I recommend taking the twisty turning roads to the top of the mountain and then descending onto the sandy shores where you can relax and enjoy a fish taco or two, before looping back around through the dense redwood forest.  This unforgettable hike includes everything quintessentially awesome about Northern California- redwoods, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, cliffs and tacos.  What more could you want on a hikeabout?

Lets Get Hiking!
Park at the Pantoll lot off of the Panoramic Highway in Mill Valley, located close to the summit of Mount Tampalpais.  Here there is a parking lot with flush toilets, water spigots, and all the trail heads for your hike.  Start on the Matt Davis Trail, which is a gradual downhill dirt path brimming with evergreens, ferns, low lying mossy branches from ancient trees.  Eucalyptus and the ever-present smell of unidentifiable freshness that only can be found where the ocean meets the dense forest create a meditative and almost prayerful feeling.  The air smells so clean, green, pure- almost healing.  On a clear day you can see clearly the grand expanse of the Pacific below you, but on foggy days the view is limited to the thickly wooded surroundings, making a more intimate feeling among the prehistoric giant redwoods.  On the warm but drizzly January day we were here, an extreme storm had just blasted the north bay leaving a lingering fog and moisture in the air.  We appreciated the mysterious beauty in the sudden changes in light, mixed with the rolling and rising clouds.
While you zigzag your way down the mountain on the long and winding switchbacks you will be entertained and amazed by a plethora of water features, a carpet of diverse flora, and the effervescent smell of the approaching Pacific Ocean.  The vibrant and varying shades of green of the lush rainforest dazzle you along the descent.
Once you have made it the bottom, you veer right on the trail which will spit you out smack dab in the middle of the quaint seaside town of Stinson Beach.  This little surfers paradise is a flashback into the classic hippy culture of San Francisco's north bay with funky shops and "take it easy" ambiance.  The town offers a long and gorgeous stretch of beach, unique and delicious dining options, and an array of beautiful coastal flowers blossoming around every corner.

I highly recommend walking all the way out to the public beach, and about 200 yards south from the public restrooms is an old lifeguard tower that has been converted into a beachfront taco shack.  The Siren Canteen serves an unparalleled lunch and has earned the title in my books for the Most Delicious Fish Tacos in the World! Serving an array of options such as burgers, wraps, fish and chips; their specialty is their taco.  From carnitas, carne asada, to shrimp, shark, cod, and tuna- all using the freshest ingredients, a decadent array of pickled accouterment, and peppy service.  At a VERY reasonable price point, I think Sirens is the best deal with the best view in town- bar none.

After you've had your fill of taco deliciousness, head down to the beach to enjoy the sand and surf.  Often times you can spot surfers and possibly some wildlife, as gray whales and great whites are commonly found swimming along these shores.  This is a great place to digest, rest, and breathe in the fresh sea air.  Your uphill ascent returning to the car is not an easy one, so ensure you are reenergized for the second leg of your journey.

Once you have completed your lunch break, its time to start the climb back up along the Dipsea Trail, and then the Steep Ravine Trail.  The title "Steep Ravine" is not only accurate, but also a fair warning to anyone who finds themselves easily taxed- this might not be for you.  But for others, it is like channeling your childhood self- back to the the days when exploring the forest, climbing ladders, swinging on ropes, and splashing in streams was a dream of a day!

Follow the Dipsea Trail signs that wind steadily upward for about 2 miles, then intersect with Steep Ravine Trail.  The climb will start small with gentle waterfalls and damp granite walls dripping with dew.  Ferns, redwoods, and dense foliage abound as you make your way along the ravine.  The gentle sound of trickling will become more forceful as you approach a series of steadily flowing waterfalls.  Along what will now be a 1.8 mile uphill climb you will encounter some exciting obstacles that add excitement to the hike.  First, a few small wooden bridges to cross, perhaps a downed tree or two to hop, several enormous boulders to climb, and finally a ladder to scale up and over a steep ledge.

 There are drop offs, slippery slopes, skinny stints of trail where single file is most definitely the only option.  You may have to work as a team at parts to help cross the obstacles safely.  Once you have gotten comfortable with the maneuvers required for this type of hime, your stream of adrenaline will aid you to the end.  You soon find that fears have been replaced by a new feeling of being alive- alive and wild on this gorgeous green earth!

All of us have this free spirit deep within, that sense of reckless abandon that allows us to take risks, rise up to challenge and stand fearless to any obstacle. This is good for your soul!
This near 2 mile straight up leg of the hike is exhausting- your thighs and calves will tell you so.  But the mental and physical rewards of this unforgettable hikeabout are priceless.

Your hikeabout will come to its final steps as you reunite with your car at the Pantoll Campgound.  This giant loop is complete and you can celebrate your accomplishment!  You did it!  Head into town and get yourself some dinner, some cold beers, and relive it over and over as you retell the memories of your great adventure- you've earned it!