Welcome Back Bartholomew

Hike a Winery Trail in Sonoma

Locals call it Bart Park, but the distinguished nature of this beautiful 400 acres tucked just a few miles east of Sonoma’s historic plaza beckons an official callout: Bartholomew Park is a beauty.

Thank the Frank H. Bartholomew Foundation (a private nonprofit) for reopening the park’s beautiful hiking trails after repairing damage from the 2017 wildfires. Also new, the property’s winery, reimagined, revamped, and featuring tasty organic wines in a historic building hosting a rotating exhibit of plein air art. But before the wine, do the hike!

Hiking at Bartholomew Park Winery in Sonoma

We recommend a 3-miler starting at the South Gate Trailhead, where you’ll find a sign with a trail map. Begin hiking on the You-Walk Miwok Trail, winding next to a stream and climbing among madrones and oaks to beautiful views of the valley and vineyards.

Hiking at Bartholomew Park Winery in Sonoma

Benches are set in perfect spots overlooking the scenery. The trail is rugged in parts, and built-in stairs help take you higher, to Benicia’s Lake, an oasis festooned in redwoods. The Grape Stomp Trail takes you back to the vineyard property as you exit via the North Gate.

BONUS WINE: Now it’s time to relax and “unwined” at Bartholomew Estate Winery. Plan ahead and book a tasting on the Oak Knoll, or purchase a glass or bottle and bring a picnic to enjoy in the park’s charming wine garden (open to all).

Sunset at Bartholomew Park Winery in Sonoma Valley

SUNSET TIP: For a sunset to remember, linger a little longer at the picnic area near the Oak Knoll and overlooking the vineyard. The sun sinking across the horizon is truly sublime at Bartholomew Park. Wait for it, wait for it … now glow

Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

    View
  2. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Hike top Angel Island Mount Livermore San Francisco Bay

    Good Heavens

    The 4-mile hike to the top of Angel Island offers Bay-mazing scenery. Some people claim you get a five-bridge view: Richmond-San Rafael, Bay, Golden Gate, San Mateo-Hayward, and Dumbarton bridges.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  3. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    View