Announcing Ultra-Premium Tours of California Wine Country
Four valleys of world-famous vineyards. Forests of soaring redwoods, quiet pastoral landscapes and the dramatic Pacific Coast. They could be four separate adventures, but they're not. This is Northern California. Sonoma. Russian River. Dry Creek. Alexander. For some it's like a pilgrimage. For others, a retreat. For you it's a remarkable four days and an incredible ride. Off-route tastings that enlighten your palate. Gourmet meals that live up to the wines. A top-of-the-line Specialized carbon fiber bike that makes all the difference. Chats with Bob Roll. And breathtaking sights in a remarkable place simply known as the wine country.
In addition to the peerless standard of excellence that Backroads offers on its premium wine country bike tours, Bicycling's Dream Rides include bespoke enhancements to further exceed the expectations of discriminating cyclists.
- Pedal alongside and dine with cycling legend Bob Roll
- Experience four days on a carbon-fiber Specialized S-Works Roubaix (men's) or Ruby Pro (women's)
- Dress like a pro with limited-edition Bicycling apparel from Castelli
- Record your rides and track your speed, distance and altitude with a Garmin Edge 500 on-bike GPS
- Accessorize in style with a Giro helmet and gloves
- Ride safely and confidently with a customized Road ID bracelet
Day 1 Time at the spa followed by Michelin-starred cuisine at Santé Restaurant 
Kick things off in Napa Valley with a tour, tasting and lunch at Etude Winery Hop on your carbon fiber Specialized bike and pedal past neatly manicured vineyards, old barns and picturesque farmhouses Care for a sip? Feel free to stop at Ravenswood, known for its zinfandel and memorable in-your-face motto, "No Wimpy Wines" This evening's reception is a great time to ask Bob Roll questions about the pro cycling world.
Day 2 Bike to Bodega Bay on the dramatic Pacific Coast Shade dances with sunlight as you move from groves of eucalyptus to rolling pastures and wide-open cattle-grazing country Dine at award-winning Duck Club Restaurant.
Day 3 Towering thousand-year-old redwoods set the scene for a gourmet picnic at Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve Spin along the coast past steep-walled bluffs and a string of state beaches The Russian River leads you inland to Guerneville Up for a challenge? Tackle the steep ascent to Cazadero, a town tucked deep within Austin Canyon As you glide toward Healdsburg, swap the shade of the redwoods for open vineyards and rolling farmland - how about an afternoon tasting?
Day 4 Spectacular world-famous vineyards and plenty of chances to sample Bike across gentle hills blanketed in vines through the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys - it's breathtaking! Cap off the trip with lunch at Barndiva.
WINE COUNTRY CLASSICS : Premiere Inns
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Sonoma (1 night) A sprawling 1927 replica of a California mission with a Michelin-starred restaurant that Condé Nast Traveler said is "worth a special trip just to eat here." (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
Bodega Bay (1 night) Overlooking Doran Beach State Park, a coastal retreat with sweeping bay views. (pool, spa)
H2Hotel
Healdsburg (1 night) This sustainable LEED Gold-certified hotel is both eco-friendly and stylish, with a roof thriving with succulents and plenty of amenities. (pool)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available - 18, 27 miles
- 400 - 900 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 28, 38, 45, 55, 74 miles
- 650 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 26, 45, 55, 67, 77 miles
- 800 - 4300 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 30 miles
- 300 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next - and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2011 DATES
10/11-14 Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)