About Us
Fostering sisterhood and strength in the outdoorsOur Story
Cindy and Angelique here! We met through a mutual friend of our husbands (A: now my ex-husband, thankfully). When the guys would go dirt biking, we’d hit the trail and explore Utah on foot. Our friendship grew, one mile at a time. Eventually, the hikes turned into backpacking trips and adventures overseas.
Our passion for hiking and backpacking quickly morphed into something bigger: a passion for supporting and empowering women in the outdoors! We wanted other women to have a space where they could enjoy the outdoors, regardless of their age, pace, or fitness level. A place where women could gain both skills and a community with zero judgment.
And from that friendship and passion, the Wine Hiking Society as you see it today was born.
Our Mission
Our Philosophy
We like to say that we’re a social club with a hiking problem. That’s because we’re not the group that races to the top. Rather, we’re the group chatting the whole way. Community is at the core of of everything we do. The fact that our community takes place on the trail is just an added bonus!
What’s with the alcohol?
Our events are all about fun and community, often featuring a theme centered around wine or another alcoholic drink. (We’re all about inclusivity—equal opportunity drinkers here!) That said, drinking is completely optional. Whether you sip, skip, or stick to water, we’re just thrilled to have you along! Many of our members don’t drink, and they still have an amazing time. We’re a lively, welcoming group—booze or no booze.
So, why the drink theme? It’s all about breaking the ice and making our group approachable. We know joining a new group can be intimidating, especially when some hiking communities take themselves very seriously. But that’s not us.
The drink theme signals that we’re here for the fun, the friendships, and the journey—not to clock your fastest summit time. It’s our way of saying, “Come as you are and let’s enjoy the adventure together!”
Here are a few ways our philosophy sets us apart from other hiking groups:
- We are happy to wait for you! Your safety is our priority, so it’s important to choose a hike that matches your ability. But if you’re a capable hiker who just happens to be slower, that’s totally okay! Our hikes aren’t about speed; they’re about enjoyment. We view hiking as a team sport, and it’s more fun when everyone makes it to the end (and the wine!).
- We make sure no one hikes alone. Our hikes are made up of women with varying paces, so there’s almost always someone walking at your pace. In the rare case there isn’t, the hike’s ambassador will stick with you. Many of our ambassadors actually prefer to lead from the middle or back. We’re here to foster connections!
- We want you to have fun and make friends! To ensure this, you need to know what to bring, where to meet, and when. We handle every detail of the hike, from start to finish, and begin coordinating with participants a week in advance. To make it easier to socialize and build connections, we limit our group sizes. With this level of service, you can simply show up, ready to hike, knowing you’re prepared for current conditions.
Hike with Us!
Our community is centered around fostering connections among women and enjoying the journey together. We prioritize camaraderie and shared experiences over speed or competition. If your focus is on racing to the summit or tracking the fastest time, our community may not be the right fit — and that’s perfectly okay! There are many other hiking communities that align with that style and may be a better match for your personal goals.
Become a Wine Hiker