Wine lovers who also happen to be adrenaline junkies are being courted in an emerging trend with ziplining tours that soar above vineyard canopies. There is a disclaimer, however: don’t drink and zip.
The Pinot Express zipline
A California ziplining outfit is the latest to take winery tours to new heights, with a ride that flies guests above a Pinot Noir vineyard in the Paso Robles wine country.
Instead of gentle biking or walking tours, riders on The Pinot Express dangle 125 feet (38 m) above ground on a 1,800-foot (550 m) long zipline that swoops low over Pinot Noir vines at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.
The zipline canopy ride by Margarita Adventures includes a guided tour of the 18th century ranch founded by Franciscan missionaries, and an optional wine tasting.
The Pinot Express joins other zipline winery tours such as the Napa Valley Zip Lines that begins in Yountville, and a ziplining tour in Maipo River Valley in Chile that flies over the Maipo River.
Watch a video of The Pinot Express zipline experience below:
Photo: Chris Leschinsky