Wine Country Biking
- Ride through five valleys of world-famous vineyards
- Abundant opportunities for wine tasting: hundreds of wineries line our cycling routes
- Seriously good food, inspired by local vintages and fresh California ingredients
- Bike to Bodega Bay on the dramatic Pacific Coast
- Take pampering to the next level at award-winning spas
A Quintessential Bike Trip through Napa & Sonoma Vineyards, Redwoods & Coast
Five 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, Bodega Bay, Napa Valley. For some it's like a pilgrimage. For others, a retreat. For you it's a remarkable week and an incredible ride. Off-route tastings that enlighten your palate. Appreciating complex flavors. Gourmet, Michelin-starred meals that live up to the wines. And above all else, breathtaking sights in a remarkable place simply known as wine country.
Day 1 Take pampering to the next level at award-winning spas 
Pedal past neatly manicured vineyards, old barns and picturesque farmhouses in the Carneros region Taste robust zinfandels at a winery just off Sonoma Plaza Our first of many delectable meals awaits at Michelin-starred Santé at the historic Sonoma Mission Inn.
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.
Day 3 A Michelin star, local vintages and fresh California ingredients at Madrona Manor, plus a vintner who shares his insight (and wine!) over dinner Spin past Pacific Coast beaches Turning inland along the Russian River, ride to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve for a picnic beneath the majestic trees.
Day 4 Pedal and sip your way into the world-famous Napa Valley Explore little-known Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys en route to the Napa spa town of Calistoga.
Days 5-6 Abundant opportunities for tasting: hundreds of wineries line our routes After pedaling the Silverado Trail, rejuvenate at the pool and spa of our luxurious hotel or indulge in some shopping Head to Yountville, wine country's "culinary capital," for your chance to savor the region's best dining Ascend Oakville Grade, featured in the Tour of California.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I just came back from the most wonderful trip of my life. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world and never been on a trip as beautifully planned and executed as your Backroads California Wine Country Trip.- Prospect Heights, IL
Lots of fun. Wonderful experience. Completely exceeded our expectations. I loved learning about the Napa/Sonoma region, tasting great wines, seeing the change in the countryside and riding some challenging hills.- Buffalo, NY
I must say this was one of my life-changing experiences. The itinerary was great, and I felt as though I was able to do as much or as little as I wanted. The routes offered both challenging and exciting rides, and the support was outstanding!- Atlanta, GA
Premiere Inns
The 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)
Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
Bodega Bay (1 night) Overlooking Doran Beach State Park, a coastal retreat with sweeping bay views. (pool, spa)
Madrona Manor
Healdsburg (1 night) This elegant Victorian mansion - a Condé Nast Traveler editor's pick - is surrounded by acres of lawns, woods, orchards and gardens, and is the proud recipient of a Michelin star. (pool)
Villagio Inn & Spa
Yountville (2 nights) A Travel + Leisure World's Best Award winner, this Italian-style property is tucked in the hear of Napa Valley. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
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
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 18 miles
- 150 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 24, 33, 44, 51, 66 miles
- 600 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 25, 32, 45, 56, 65 miles
- 200 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 28, 40, 52, 73 miles
- 300 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 22, 32, 36, 49, 100 miles
- 300 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 26 miles
- 200 - 1200 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.
