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Wine Country Biking

Wine Country Biking

Like a fine wine, this classic Backroads trip has grown beautifully with age. Join us to explore five valleys of world-famous vineyards, forests of soaring redwoods, perfect pastoral landscapes and the captivating Pacific Coast. Since 1980, we’ve introduced enthusiastic travelers to - and reacquainted many with - the region’s hidden gems and treasures, from wineries and restaurants to picnic spots and deluxe spas. And we’ve found what our guests like best are the options - to keep biking the stunning countryside, indulge with a relaxing massage or schedule a tasting at an off-route winery. The choice is yours on this vintage Backroads experience.

Day 1 Sonoma

Meet for a picnic lunch at Bouchaine Vineyards Pedal past neatly manicured vineyards, old barns and picturesque farmhouses in the Carneros region Arrive in the historic town of Sonoma, where you can soothe your muscles at the spa with the Roman bath treatment before capping off the day with Michelin-starred cuisine.

Day 2 Bodega Bay

As you pedal toward the coast, vineyards give way to groves of eucalyptus, rolling pastures and wide-open cattle-grazing country Enjoy the spa, fitness center, swimming pool and sauna at tonight’s hotel.

Day 3 Healdsburg

Spin past Pacific Coast beaches and rugged bluffs Head inland along the Russian River to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve for a picnic  A local winemaker joins us for a Michelin-starred dinner.

Days 4-6 Yountville

Bike through the Dry Creek Valley In Alexander Valley, enjoy a classic Backroads picnic before continuing to Napa Valley and the spa town of Calistoga Savor the region’s best as we dine in Yountville, the "culinary capital" of Wine Country Pedal through the heart of the valley, stopping to visit a few of the over 500 wineries that dot the landscape Rejuvenate at the pool and spa at our luxurious hotel or treat yourself to shopping and world-class dining Ride down the Silverado Trail, where a host of wineries vie for your attention.

big map

WINE COUNTRY CLASSICS: Premiere Inns

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (1 night): This sprawling 1927 replica of a California mission with a pool, Michelin-starred restaurant and spa "has a menu of treatments as broad as its spa cuisine is lean," reported Travel + Leisure.

Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa (1 night): Overlooking Doran Beach State Park, our coastal retreat features a pool, sweeping bay views and remodeled guest rooms with fireplaces.

Madrona Manor (1 night): With a Michelin-starred restaurant, this grand Victorian mansion and carriage house is furnished with antiques, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and surrounded by acres of lawns, woods, orchards, gardens and a pool.

Villagio Inn & Spa (2 nights): In the heart of Napa Valley, a Travel+Leisure favorite with a pool, gorgeous spa, spacious guest rooms and proximity to world-class dining.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

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 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
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Brenda Posey - Prospect Heights, IL

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!
Elaine Diamond - Atlanta, GA

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.
Sue Dybowski - Sylvania, OH

Simply an amazing trip... I keep running out of adjectives to describe it! This trip more than met our expectations. I could not even have imagined how wonderful a trip could be until I took this vacation!
John Whetzel - Holly Springs, NC

This was our first Backroads trip. The service, preparedness and enthusiasm of our trip leaders made this one of our favorite trips. We will definitely be contacting Backroads to plan our next adventure. Thanks for the fun!!!!
Steve Gugenheim - Raleigh, NC

I could not think of one negative thing to say about my trip. I must admit I usually can always find something a little wrong, but I had such a great time, it doesn't sound like me when I describe it to my friends. I can't wait to go again!! The amount of activity was whatever you wanted it to be. I never expected to have soooo much fun. (I'm even home ten days, and still can't stop talking about it!)
Susan Anton - Syosset, NY

I was very happy. I am not a strong cyclist, and hoped that the support system would work out if I was unable to do some of the climbs, etc. It was amazing - totally flexible, and the leaders are both awesome!
Julia Sax - Toronto, Canada

This trip was a challenging and fun experience. Everyone on the trip and all the trip leaders were wonderful. The trip leaders really made you feel comfortable and taken care of during the entire trip.
Deborah Way - New York, NY

I had never done anything like this before and it was absolutely the most amazing trip I've ever taken - everything about it was wonderful! I smiled during the entire trip and have been telling all of my friends about it in the most glowing terms I can think of.
Jo Curran - St. Louis, MO

It far exceeded our expectations and everything fell into place perfectly. The people, biking, scenery was endless, food, accommodations, just everything was great.
John Carini - Marietta, GA

Great trip! Great food, great destination, GREAT weather, great people. Thoroughly enjoyed our trip! The excellent level of service makes your trips well worth it. It allows us to just enjoy the vacation without any of the day to day hassles.
Margaret Neuworth - Delafield, WI

Fabulous bike riding country including vineyards, redwoods, mountains, and ocean all in one trip. I've been to Napa/Sonoma many times over the past 30 yrs, but it was special to see it via bike. We saw places we didn't know existed.
Cate Serkin - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

This is my fourth trip and they keep getting better! Congratulations!
Marta Amaral - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the best vacation experiences we have ever had! Everything was first class, from the accommodations to the food (great picnic lunches!), Northern California was beautiful and a complete surprise. Loved having the freedom to set our own pace and stop and smell the roses, literally, the roses were unbelievably beautiful! Our trip leaders were the best. They made the trip easy and enjoyable for everyone. Always positive with a "can do" attitude. We are now trying to decide where we want to go next with Backroads! Maybe Tuscany!
Katie Reissig - Austin, TX