Wine Country Biking
- A short getaway that feels much longer
- Explore four picturesque wine country valleys in three days
- Taste local vintages at some of our all-time favorite wineries
- Pedal through the little-known Russian River Valley, where terraced vineyards flank quiet roads
- Michelin-starred dinner of New Californian cuisine at Madrona Manor
A Weekend in California's Alexander & Dry Creek Valleys
Three days never felt so good. Or so luxuriously long. Napa Valley to Alexander Valley, on to Dry Creek and Russian River. Oak-speckled mountains. Winding, endless roads of manicured vineyards. Healdsburg’s blend of farm-town friendliness and urban sophistication. A bounteous lunch al fresco leads to a Michelin-starred dinner. Crisp white wines and rich reds. A perfect night’s sleep. Didn’t we just arrive? It already feels like a week.
Day 1 A short getaway that feels much longer: three days, four picturesque vineyard-laced valleys, world-class wine and gourmet cuisine 
Rendezvous in Calistoga, famous for its hot springs, then bike out of Napa Valley, over the wooded Mayacamas Mountains and into Alexander Valley An exclusive winery sets the scene for a classic Backroads picnic and the sampling of an excellent merlot Ride to charming Healdsburg, whose plaza welcomes a wander Savor Madrona Manor’s exquisite cuisine, which has earned a Michelin star and features fresh vegetables from its organic kitchen garden.
Day 2 Pedal through the little-known Russian River Valley, where terraced vineyards flank quiet roads 
Broad meadows and grand estates give way to majestic old-growth forest as you bike to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, thick with ancient coastal redwoods The tallest in the grove stands more than 300 feet high - nearly the length of a football field!
Day 3 Taste local vintages at some of our all-time favorite wineries Spin along hillsides blanketed with grape vines, apple orchards and native oak woodland in Dry Creek Valley, acclaimed for its fine zinfandels A gentle climb takes you back into the neighboring Alexander Valley, often compared to France’s Bordeaux region.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
We had an awesome experience. The people, the atmosphere, the delicious meals, the opportunity to experience wine country on a bike and having someone else do all of the logistics was priceless.- Cortlandt Manor, NY
Although I was traveling with a group, I did most of my biking by myself. I really enjoyed this. I was able to go at my own pace and really let my mind wander and just take in the beautiful surrounding scenery. I had my directions, my cell phone and the van continually sweeping the route, so I knew I had an excellent support system backing me up. For those who hesitate to book a Backroads trip as you do not like to travel in a group, think of me riding solo through the California Wine Country and loving every minute of it!! This type of trip allows you to experience the region in your own way, yet with the support of a whole team behind you making sure you experience it as fully as you possibly can on your own terms.- Sylvania, OH
A fabulous mix of hard work and luxury - the best planned group trip I have ever been on. The leaders were organized, prepared at every moment, and delightful at every moment. I can't say enough about how good this trip was. The lunches the guys prepared were delicious. Even though I was the slowest rider they did not pressure me to go faster.- Citrus Heights, CA
Premiere Inns
Madrona Manor
Healdsburg (2 nights) An Andrew Harper Grand Award winner, this elegant Victorian mansion is surrounded by acres of lawns, woods, orchards and gardens, and is the proud recipient of a Michelin star. (pool)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
Routes 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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 23, 33 miles
- 200 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 19, 25, 38, 48 miles
- 250 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 27, 41 miles
- 300 - 1000 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the California tour experts. See our award-winning USA biking tours, USA walking and hiking tours and USA multisport tours.
