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Santa Barbara Wine Country Weekend Biking
Santa Barbara Wine Country Weekend Biking

From rolling hills and historic towns to the boutique wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley, it's all about sipping, sunshine and cycling - a veritable trifecta of weekend perfection. Picture a glass of award-winning Chardonnay in your hand, the California sun warming your face. Imagine a sense of utter relaxation enhanced by the pure satisfaction of a stellar day's ride. Better yet, don't just dream about three fabulous days in Santa Barbara county. Join us and make them a reality!

Day 1 Discover the "other" California wine country  Welcome to the weekend! From hip and artsy Santa Barbara, pedal into the pine- and chaparral-covered mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley for views of vineyards, ranchland and rolling countryside Hop off your bike and sample syrah made from the region's oldest vines  A pastoral inland route leads past orchards, impeccably manicured vineyards and ranches bordered by endless white fences The town of Los Olivos welcomes us with charming Victorian architecture, an eclectic art scene and friendly tasting rooms.

Day 2 Dine on haute California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair  Pedal rural roads past grape vines in the fertile Central Coast wine region and farms where some of the world’s finest race horses are boarded and trained Get to know Solvang, a delightful taste of Denmark right here in California Founded by a group of Danes in 1911, the town's name means "sunny fields" in Danish  Pedal the main street of Santa Ynez and into the little outpost of Ballard Then challenge yourself by tackling one of the classic climbs of Santa Barbara County, a ten-mile ascent offering rave-worthy vistas of the Santa Ynez Valley  Roadside lavender farms offer a splash of color (and aroma!) along the way Be sure to allow for some pool and spa time back at the hotel.

Day 3 A fun-filled weekend getaway that feels much longer  Finish off the weekend with a bike ride through the undulating landscape of Ballard Canyon and a favorite route for time trials in the Tour of California The outstanding views are well worth the extra hills! Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you - that's an ostrich farm you're pedaling past  Follow serene Alisal Road, passing fields of broccoli and marigolds en route to the Santa Rita Hills Say goodbye over lunch at a winery.  


Trip Highlights
  • A fun-filled weekend getaway that feels much longer
  • Taste premier vintages in California's "other" wine country
  • Pedal on peaceful rural roads past farms, horse ranches and grape vines
  • Dine on haute California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair
  • Test your legs on a big climb - a favorite among local cyclists
big map


Premiere Inns

Fess Parker Inn and Spa (2 nights): Each room at this elegant boutique hotel, which dates back to 1888, features a private fireplace. (pool, spa) 


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.

Daily Route Options
Day EASYGOING ACTIVE AVID
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain
1 25 1500 35 2000
2 23 700 37 1200 48 4300 56 4500
3 15 700 28 1300
 


2013 Dates & Pricing*

CLASSIC TRIPS
  • 9/20-22 Price: $1798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.)
  • 10/4-6 Price: $1798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.)
  • 10/18-20 Price: $1798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.)
  • 11/1-3 Price: $1798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.)
  • 11/15-17 Price: $1698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.)
  • 11/22-24 Price: $1698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $420 for sgl. occ.)

*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.


Guest Trip Reviews

What a wonderful weekend you'll have! Resonating with chic city sophistication yet infused with rural charm, warmth and fascinating history, the American Riviera is Mediterranean in feel - and Californian at heart. You'll savor both worlds while biking through bucolic wine country, stopping to taste at award-winning wineries and luxuriating at Fess Parker Inn & Spa.
Mike Flaherty - Regional Manager, California