Sometimes hikes are more fun when you know there's wine at the end of the trail. Or at the beginning. At Picchetti Ranch and Winery in the hills above Cupertino, hiking trails weave through their 300 oak-studded and chaparral-covered acres. The Zinfandel Trail is a short and easy (3.4 miles roundtrip) out-and-back hike. Within minutes of starting, a shallow pond surrounded by tall mint-colored blades of grass shines in the sun; as the hike continues, the exposed fire road narrows to a shaded trail with one open section showing the sweeping golden valley below. The path eventually crosses a quietly flowing creek by way of a wooden bridge and ascends to a final stretch of tree canopies before the turnaround point. After the hike, step into the brick-walled Picchetti tasting room (one of the oldest wineries in California, Picchetti dates back to the 1890s) and sample a variety of wines, from award-winning red fusions to crisp white dessert ports. Look out for the unabashed peacocks that roam the grounds—they just might flash some serious plumage your way.

TIP: Bring your own lunch, or buy a deli-ready sandwich at the winery, then kick back in the shade at one of Picchetti's outdoor picnic tables. Later, continue up Montebello Road another 3 miles to Ridge Vineyards for some great views and varietals.

Picchetti Winery, 13100 Montebello Rd., Cupertino; 408-741-1310. The winery is open everyday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tastings cost $5. The Zinfandel Trail leaves from the winery. Follow it all the way to the Steven Creek County Park entrance. Turn around and retrace your steps back. For more info on the trails at Picchetti Ranch and directions click here.