Five wines to take on a Sonoma County hike

Hiking wines? You bet. John Muir, the late American naturalist, said: “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”

Muir didn’t mention anything about uncorking wine to celebrate wildness, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a superb idea. Especially now that producers are making “hike-friendly” mini wines, easy to toss in your backpack.

Enjoy these hiking wines and when you reach a great vista, be sure to toast John Muir and the wild.

Korbel Brut, NV California Champagne, 12% alcohol, $4.49 for each 187 milliliter bottle. The brut is made from this assortment of grapes: chardonnay, chenin blanc, french colombard and pinot noir. Its best quality is its crisp acidity, which pairs well with fried or salty snacks.

Cavit’s “Lunetta” NV Prosecco, 11%, $13 for 3 187 milliliter bottles. This Italian prosecco is a refreshing quaff. It has aromas of peach and apple, but it’s dry on the palate with crisp acidity taking center stage. Great with antipasto, if you want to pack up any.

Cupcake Vineyard NV Prosecco, 11.2%, $15 for 3 187 milliliter bottles. This is a sweeter styled prosecco, but it may appeal to some who were raised in America’s soda pop culture. It’s creamy, with notes of melon, peach and toast.

Bandit, NV California Pinot Grigio, 13%, $11.10 for a 1 liter cardboard container. A balanced pinot grigio with its peach and pear notes kept in check with its tart lemon and green apple flavors.

Vendange NV Chardonnay, $4.74 for 500 milliliter cardboard container. A quaffer that’s light on its feet. Notes of citrus, green apple, melon and pear. Bright acidity. Finishes crisp.