“Outside The Barrel” Team Building

Here in Sonoma County Wine Country, we offer team building concepts that are not only outside the box, they’re outside the barrel! The following are just a few of the fresh takes on team events you can hold in Sonoma County.

Tasting in the Dark

Blind since birth, chemist and culinary professor Dr. Henry “Hoby” Wedler designed this special wine tasting experience to focus on most of our senses—except sight. Your group members will be blindfolded in order to heighten their senses of smell, touch and taste, then guided by Wedler through an engaging introduction to the aromas, flavors, and terroir (sense of place) of several different wines from Sonoma County and beyond.

Fish Hatchery at Lake Sonoma

Tucked into northern Sonoma County’s coastal foothills, the remarkably beautiful Lake Sonoma is surrounded by forests, grasslands, and vineyards, with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Lake Sonoma Visitors Center hosts the Warm Springs Hatchery, which produces salmon (both coho and steelhead) to stock the Russian River; groups are invited here to learn all about their epic migration and triumphant spawning. In this unique team building event, everyone can bond by rooting for Team Salmon!

River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips

On its popular “Rio Trip,” this long-established outfitter can host groups of 30 to 150 on a gentle five-mile stretch of the Upper Russian River, renowned for its dynamic terrain, water clarity, unspoiled wilderness, and abundant birdlife. These group paddles can last three to six hours (per your preference), and safety instruction and assistance will be provided for all.

Epicenter

Join in the fun at this Santa Rosa-based arena sports center, where activities include laser tag, bowling, arcade games, and axe-throwing. Multiple event spaces make team building a cinch, from the private four-lane bowling alley to clubhouse suites and the cozy, private Trophy Room, as well as a banquet room that can be outfitted to seat 70 or provide dedicated food and bar service—including Sonoma County wine.

Interested in planning an out-of-the-barrel meeting or retreat in Sonoma Wine Country? The Sonoma County Tourism sales team is here to help—please contact us with any questions you may have!

Submit a Meeting RFP