Now and Zin

Hike and wine taste at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve

From colorful foliage to rainstorm-fed rivers and beautiful views, Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve showcases the best of autumn. For a relaxing walk beneath the trees, do the 4-mile (round-trip) Zinfandel Trail through the Cupertino foothills. The trail begins beside the historic Picchetti Winery, home to beautiful rustic barns, a scenic picnic area, and their famous flock of peacocks.

Signs for the Zinfandel Trail lead hikers to a seasonal pond. Watch your step, as newts, frogs, and banana slugs are common sights this close to the water.As the trail gently descends toward Stevens Creek, eagle-eyed hikers can catch sight of the Stevens Creek Quarry and Reservoir to the northeast, along with vineyards dotting the hills. But the real treat this time of year is the fiery foliage, from the bright red poison oak (look, but don’t touch!) to the yellow and orange maple leaves.

After a rainstorm, hikers can enjoy views of the creek while they relax at the Cooley Picnic Area. This lunchtime spot has picnic tables, toilets, and a water fountain and is easily accessible from Stevens Canyon Road for ADA access. On quiet mornings, be on the lookout for deer foraging at the edge of the forest.

To return to the winery, retrace your steps up the Zinfandel Trail. On the way back, hikers who want to continue the adventure can turn onto the Orchard Loop Trail, a half-mile stretch that arcs toward the reservoir before returning to the Zinfandel Trail.

And of course, the best way to end a day in the woods is with a picnic and a glass of wine, so be sure to put up your feet and enjoy the 125-year-old Picchetti Winery grounds after your hike.

To reach the trailhead, take the Foothill Expwy. exit from Hwy. 280 and travel 3.5 miles southwest on Foothill Blvd./Stevens Canyon Rd. Turn right on Montebello Rd. The Preserve is half a mile up Montebello Rd. on the left. No dogs on trails.

Story and photos by Poe Casavant

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View