In Napa Valley, vinyasas in a vineyard and Pilates then Pinots

Vinyasas in a Napa vineyard? Pilates with Pinot? Cycling followed by Sauvignon Blanc!

This spring, several Napa Valley wineries are debuting workout-and-wine programs. It’s a fit for those seeking a bit more balance (and a good sweat) from your typical Wine Country regimen, where back-to-back tastings and nightly fine-dining excursions offer the (not-so-healthy) activity of lifting fork and glass to mouth.

For these, you’ll pedal through Napa’s magnetic mountainsides or salute the sun on a veranda overlooking acres of orchards—with a sommelier-yogi, no less. It’s a way to enjoy the terroir of Napa with a new perspective. Perhaps while you’re inverted in handstand?

Here are the scenic spots where you can work your core and swill the local goods—as well as a yoga barn for teetotalers. This way, any healthy antioxidants you’ll be sipping are a bonus. —Amanda Benchley

(Photo: Vineyard 29)

Vinyasa in the VineyardNapa, CA

At Domaine Carneros, Christie Dufault—a rare combo of yogi and certified sommelier—will guide you through asanas on the grounds of a grand Loire Valley-style chateau. Refresh afterwards (notice how we didn’t say hydrate?) with a flute of their signature champagne and a cool-down tour of the vineyard, followed by an open-air brunch featuring smoked salmon and pastries from the famed Model bakery.

Classes are weekday mornings and require advanced booking, $125 per person, for the yoga class, vineyard walk, and sparkling wine brunch. Contact Stacey Meyer at 707-257-2564 ext. 127 or [email protected]

“Pilates Essentials” at Vineyard 29St. Helena, CA

Always wanted to pulse with a glass of Pinot in your hand? Napa Valley teacher Robin Monette leads Pilates and barre classes on the terrace at Vineyard 29 with all kinds of vino experiences (that actually follow class).

This one has bridal shower or team building written all over it. After class, you’ll head down to the wine caves for a quick lesson in wine-making and taste their signature CRU Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs.

Then you and your vino-Pilates posse will nosh on a spa lunch, with organic bites sourced from the yummiest local purveyors. Now that’s finding balance.

The Pilates Essentials program is available to groups of 6 to 10 people, starting at $2,900, including class, tour, lunch, and a case of wine. For more information, contact the winery at 707-963-9292

“Cycle the Road Less Traveled” at Ladera VineyardsAngwin, CA

If you’re looking to earn your Cabernet, Ladera Vineyards offers gentle, self-guided seven mile road-bike tours that wind through the quiet roads of Wine Country and Howell Mountain. Coast into a picnic lunch from Dean and DeLuca in the hillside vineyard’s garden, as well as a tour and tasting. Customized rides are also available for those looking for a more strenuous outing.

The Cycle the Road Less Traveled is $125 per person (up to six), including bike and equipment rental, a map of the bike route, a guided tour of the Ladera Vineyards property, a wine tasting, and a picnic lunch. For more information, contact the winery at 707-963-2334

Yoga in a BarnNapa Valley, CA

Take in the serenity of the Silverado Hills from the second floor of Jami Grassi’s barn (September–June), which also overlooks 14 acres of vineyards and a pond stocked with turtles, frogs, and long legged herons. All yoga, no wine—this is a different kind of relaxation, where Grassi wants the natural beauty to help you discover the beauty of your own nature. That said, her vinyasa classes, routed in Iyengar, Astanga, and Anusara can be exacting and challenging. So mind how much you imbibe the night before.

For more information, contact [email protected]

More Reading

Why Gayle Olson gave up silent meditation for healthy hedonism and Exotic Yoga RetreatsThe world’s must luxurious hotel gymsThe 6 best Ayurvedic spas that aren’t in India