Home
USA
California
California Wine Country Bike Tour

California Wine Country Bike Tour

Vineyards, Redwoods & Coast

From $3,198 - $3,498 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

(+$860 to $870 for sgl. occ.)

Legendary vineyards. Soaring redwood forests. And the dramatic Pacific coast. This is Northern California. And for you, it's a fantastic week and an incredible ride. Wine tastings and gourmet meals enlighten your palate. Stunning scenery invigorates. And top-notch spas relax and rejuvenate... all in one remarkable place simply known as the Wine Country.

Highlights

Ride through five valleys of vineyards, enjoying abundant opportunities for wine tasting: hundreds of sensational wineries line our cycling route
Venture among towering thousand-year-old trees in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve—the serenity of this primeval forest will enchant you
Savor seriously good food, inspired by local vintages and the freshest California ingredients
Bike to the beautiful small town of Bodega Bay on the dramatic Pacific coast

California

Yountville, California

Itinerary

Day 1 Swirl, sniff, sip and cycle your way through Napa Valley | Pedal through the quaint towns of Yountville and St. Helena | Taste world-class vintages at famed wineries along the Silverado Trail, including Frog's Leap and Silver Oak.

Day 2 Climb up the famous Oakville Grade | A canyon descent leads to the Carneros region | Enjoy the area's delicate pinot noirs before pedaling to Sonoma, the realm of bold zinfandels | Have a look around the Spanish-style Sonoma Plaza, then bliss out at our hotel's spa.

Day 3 Vineyards give way to eucalyptus groves and wide-open cattle country as you bike toward the ocean | Visit galleries, markets and tasting rooms in Sonoma County's vibrant towns | Pedal through windswept headlands to Bodega Bay, along the dramatic Pacific coast | Relax while you take in the ocean views from our lodge's hot tub.

Days 4-6 Spin past rugged beaches before heading inland along the Russian River | Wander through charming Healdsburg—its tasting rooms and restaurants might tempt you to stay awhile | Sampling opportunities abound in Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys, where dozens of wineries line our route | Enjoy an undulating ride past manicured vineyards | A special farewell dinner adds a flourish to an unforgettable week.

Next: Dates & Prices

Scheduled Dates
Private Dates

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2017 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12 2018 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/9, 9/16, 9/16, 9/23, 9/23, 9/30, 9/30, 10/7, 10/7, 10/14, 10/14, 10/21, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%
156+ days	$600	2018 5/13
126-155 days	30%
96-125 days	50%
61-95 days	75%
31-60 days	100%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
to Book i
Going
Fast i
Contact
Us i
Private Trip
– Reserved i

C Classic Dates

2018 April

4/1–4/6

4/8–4/13

4/15–4/20

4/22–4/27

4/29–5/4

2018 May

5/6–5/11

5/13–5/18

5/20–5/25

5/27–6/1

2018 June

6/3–6/8

6/10–6/15

6/17–6/22

6/24–6/29

2018 July

7/1–7/6

7/8–7/13

7/15–7/20

7/22–7/27

7/29–8/3

2018 August

8/5–8/10

8/12–8/17

8/19–8/24

8/26–8/31

2018 September

9/2–9/7

9/9–9/14

9/16–9/21

9/23–9/28

9/30–10/5

2018 October

10/7–10/12

10/14–10/19

10/21–10/26

10/28–11/2

2018 November

11/4–11/9

11/11–11/16

View Private Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group of 8 or more. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

2018 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $3,298 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $3,798 pp dbl occ
6 - 7 guests: from $5,198 pp dbl occ
4 - 5 guests: from $5,698 pp dbl occ
2 - 3 guests: from $6,598 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Classic Tours

2018 April

8 4/1–4/6

8 4/15–4/20

8 4/22–4/27

2018 May

5/13–5/18

8 5/20–5/25

2018 June

8 6/3–6/8

8 6/10–6/15

8 6/17–6/22

2018 July

8 7/8–7/13

8 7/15–7/20

8 7/22–7/27

8 7/29–8/3

2018 August

8 8/5–8/10

8 8/12–8/17

8 8/19–8/24

2018 September

8 9/2–9/7

8 9/9–9/14

8 9/16–9/21

8 9/23–9/28

8 9/30–10/5

2018 October

8 10/7–10/12

8 10/14–10/19

8 10/21–10/26

8 10/28–11/2

2018 November

8 11/4–11/9

8 11/11–11/16

View Scheduled Dates

Previous: Overview

Dates

2018
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov

View Scheduled Dates
View Private Dates

Prices

From $3,198 - $3,498 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

(+$860 to $870 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

Read the Reviews
Write a Review

Premiere Hotels

Villagio Inn & Spa

Yountville (1 night)

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Sonoma (1 night)

Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa

Bodega Bay (1 night)

Hotel Healdsburg

Healdsburg (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 2-5

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in California Wine Country

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

Vineyard - California Wine Country Bike Tour

View more photos

Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

California Wine Country Bike Tour

5.0

(based on 30 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Reviewed by 30 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-10

Previous | Next »

8/5/2017

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Amazing! We were blown away by the whole experience

By I'm a zin girl

from Boston, MA

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

We enjoyed every aspect of this trip! Our leaders, Kelly, Paige and Tatiana were knowledgeable, fun, and there when we needed them. We didn't have to think about anything except getting on our bikes in the morning and after wine tasting and food food the night before this was a treat! The food and accommodations blew us away. We will definitely do another backroads trip!

5/21/2017

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Better than I expected!

By Kat

from Vancouver BC

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

Almost every route we took was on a quiet lovely scenic route, and the busier routes were still very safe, riding on wide shoulders with respectful car traffic steering clear of us. I was often riding along by myself (my choice) thinking "I am SO HAPPY! Bliss!" I loved that I could challenge myself or take it easier if I wanted. Great guides, excellent service in every way, delicious meals (good thing we rode a lot every day), lovely hotels and inns.

5/15/2017

5.0

Such a beautiful part of the world!

By Mike L

from Sebastopol, CA

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

Had a truly stellar Wine Country trip. The leaders were incredible, excellent hotels, and the rides were simply breathtaking. Highly recommended.

3/20/2017

5.0

Fabulous

By First time visitor

from Charlotte, NC

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

I want to take this opportunity to praise the leaders, and support staff (Kji, Steve and Ben). They were consistently professional, considerate and kind. While I'm sure these young men brought character and responsibility to their positions, the process of staff selection and training through Back Roads solidified their outstanding performances. Back Roads has a successful business model, and our trip was seamless. We were first time visitors, and had an excellent BR experience. Kudos to Back Roads, and Kji, Steve and Ben.

3/15/2017

5.0

Flawlessly executed !!!

By David S. Taylor

from Langhorne, PA

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

This was my third of five tours with Backroads. I'm hoping to cycle the ten most difficult in the catalogue. Cycling in California was wonderful and quite diverse. My leaders were most pleasant and accommodating. It was a pleasure to socialize and cycle alongside them. The highlight of this trip was to scale the Pine Flat Road "out and back" with one of the leaders that had yet to complete that challenge. It was a brutal climb and we were greeted near the summit by the van, another leader and some popsicles!

3/14/2017

5.0

One of the the most amazing trips I've been on so far!

By karen

from Washington, DC

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

My husband and I have been on 3 Backroads trips, so far. While they have all been spectacular, California Wine Country was one of our favorite. Adult luxury camp with incredible support, amazing food, snacks, hotels, coupled with magnificent sightseeing, picnics, wine and cheese. It was so enjoyable "destination riding" to wineries, past rivers and through the woods.We are both avid riders but wanted a vacation versus a sprint. We are already planning our next trip, but know, this is one trip we will most definitely repeat soon.

3/14/2017

5.0

California Wine Country - Premier Inns Trip in October 2016

By Rick

from Minneapolis, MN

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

Everything was absolutely splendid! The route, the inns, the food, the arrangements, the care & pampering ... could not have asked for a better trip experience! After the trip, our group headed to San Francisco for a couple days ... and we said we all missed our "people" ( we were so very spoiled by the care & attention given to us by David, Cece & Jason!!!)!

3/14/2017

5.0

Fantastic trip! Go!

By Alison W

from Richmond, VA

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

The trip was fantastic! We loved everything about it - accommodations, food, leaders, guests, weather, wine tastings, cycling scenery. Wouldn't change a thing.

3/14/2017

5.0

Napa Trip

By Gabsthedino

from UK

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

We had the most enjoyable 6 days - Jason and Kate and the support team could not have been more helpful, more friendly, more encouraging, more generous with their time - we didn't think that Hannah and Emily from last year could be paralleled but they were! Napa is a wonderful trip and we can't wait for our next trip to Ireland this summer

3/13/2017

5.0

First Backroads bike tour but wont be last.

By Susan

from Canmore

Comments about California Wine Country Bike Tour:

Max, Meredith and Megan were amazing team leaders. We enjoyed their company very much and it was a pleasure to dine with them and become friends with them. These young people certainly have a future ahead of themselves. Very proud of them. My backroads experience in wine country was super fun. Enjoyed the challenging hills, the team we had to cycle with, stopping in at wineries and great stores for souvenirs and all the distance options presented to us.

Susan Holm

Displaying reviews 1-10

Previous | Next »

Load More Load Less

Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Villagio Inn & Spa

Yountville (1 night)

In the heart of Napa Valley, an Italian-style property recommended by Wine Spectator. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Sonoma (1 night)

A posh 1920s replica of a California mission renowned for its natural mineral hot springs. (pool, spa)

Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa

Bodega Bay (1 night)

Overlooking Doran Beach State Park, a coastal retreat with sweeping bay views. (pool, spa)

Hotel Healdsburg

Healdsburg (2 nights)

Sleek and sophisticated, this hotel on the town plaza gets rave reviews for its contemporary interior and plush amenities. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-5

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 (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	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			24*	1000	37	1500
2			25*	1700			47	2200	55	3300
3			28*	1000	36*	2000	50*	3000	60	3500
3									61	4500
4			25*	1800	33*	2100	47	2700	57	4000
5			21*	800	33*	1500	45	1900	68	5500
6	14*	700	27	1000

Note:

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources (such as Map My Ride and Garmin devices) may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies. Readings from a Garmin or a smart phone are influenced by other factors such as air pressure.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip or view our full bike fleet in further detail.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Road Bike (Included)

For trips departing before 4/15/18, please see available bike options here.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Specialized S-Works Roubaix & Ruby ($400 rental fee)

Ride like a pro with the new top-of-the-line S-Works bike featuring ultrasmooth Shimano Di2 electronic shifting. Faster and smoother than any other bike out there, this race-ready carbon machine delivers phenomenal acceleration and handling in an ultralight, ultrapowerful package—perfect for experienced riders. The Specialized S-Works Ruby is a light, agile speed machine precisely designed for women. You can upgrade to a Specialized S-Works Roubaix or Ruby on your trip.

Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Upgrade)

Specialized S-Works Ruby (Upgrade)

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem ($400 rental fee)

Do you prefer to spin in tandem with your partner? You'll love the Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo tandem on your Backroads trip. You can upgrade to a Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem on your trip.

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem (Upgrade)

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Straight Talk

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Traffic

California's Wine Country is a desirable destination, and some of our biking routes are popular with cyclists and drivers alike, particularly in the Napa Valley and specifically on the Silverado Trail which does have a large shoulder for bicycles. While Backroads strives to find routes that are quiet and off the beaten track, some routes on this trip follow more heavily trafficked roads for a small portion of the ride. Of course, you're always welcome to jump in the shuttle to avoid the busier roads.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in California Wine Country

A Perennial Favorite That Ages Well

Drawing on on nearly 40 years' experience riding in our own backyard, we've created a range of Wine Country itineraries, all designed to ensure you fully enjoy your time here. This trip, created by an expert who's lived in the area for years, avoids most of the traffic while weaving together the best scenery and a selection of acclaimed vineyards. Whether you opt to challenge yourself with an epic hill or simply cruise to the next winery, our routes are all about choice.

Great Bikes Included (or Upgrade)

Choose a Backroads Custom Titanium or Custom Electric Assist bike—included in your trip price. Maybe a Specialized carbon-fiber pro model is more your speed or go for double fun on a tandem. Our fleet is the best in active travel, so you don't have to roll the dice on this vital trip component. Learn more about our bike fleet.

Navigate Your Way in California Wine Country

Your ride comes equipped with a Garmin Edge Explore 1000, the best bike-touring GPS device on the market. This is a Backroads exclusive, and it's included with your bike in California Wine Country. If you prefer to bring your own device, we also have downloadable GPS files and of course, our good old paper directions are always available. Read more on why our navigation options are the best.

More Leaders to Support You

On our California Wine Country trips we have an extra leader supporting you along the road—for a total of three, compared to the industry standard two. So we can be in more places at once, giving personal attention to guests traveling at their own pace. Here's more on our Trip Leaders.

A Second Van When You Need It

Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in California Wine Country—because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our California Wine Country trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In California Wine Country you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

Signature Backroads Picnics

Guests rave about our picnic spreads. Enjoy a welcome break in a scenic spot, or a quick refuel stop if you don't want to lose momentum. And because we have two vans, one can host lunch while the other is out providing support along the route.

Choose Your Fellow Travelers

With Backroads you won't end up with kids on what you thought was an adult trip; we have exclusive departures for families, so they're off having their own adventures. As you browse our unrivaled selection of trips and dates, you can count on finding a trip in California Wine Country that's geared exclusively to your choice of traveling companions.

We Live in the Neighborhood

Our Trip Leaders in California Wine Country live in the area and are deeply engaged in their communities, giving them unique inside knowledge they're happy to share in making your experience that much richer. They'll introduce you to people, customs and parts of town you'd likely never encounter on your own—and teach you a few local phrases to help break the ice.

Previous: Straight Talk

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Photo Gallery

Backroads California Wine Country Bike Tours

Sonoma Coast - California Wine Country Bike Tour

Fine Dining - Backroads California Wine Country Bike Tours

Sonoma Coast - Backroads California Wine Country Bike Tour

Videos

Calfornia Wine Country

Our Expert Leaders

Backroads Bikes

The Backroads Experience

Featured Blog Story

Kimberly defanti featured big post bwci dep 10 09

The Best of Sonoma County

Are you headed to California's Wine Country? Fantastic food, wine and cycling await at these favorite Sonoma County spots.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

California Wine Country Bike Tour

Vineyards, Redwoods & Coast

From $3,198 - $3,498 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

We're here to help

California

Highlights

California

Itinerary

C Classic Dates

2017 October

2017 November

2018 March

2018 April

2018 May

2018 June

2018 July

2018 August

2018 September

2018 October

2018 November

2018 Private Trip Pricing

C Classic Tours

2018 April

2018 May

2018 June

2018 July

2018 August

2018 September

2018 October

2018 November

Dates

C Classic Tours

Prices

Reviews

Premiere Hotels

Villagio Inn & Spa

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa

Hotel Healdsburg

Activity Level

What's Included

Why Backroads

More On This Trip

Premiere Hotels

Villagio Inn & Spa

Yountville (1 night)

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Sonoma (1 night)

Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa

Bodega Bay (1 night)

Hotel Healdsburg

Healdsburg (2 nights)

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-5

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Meals

Available Bike Options

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price)

Specialized S-Works Roubaix & Ruby ($400 rental fee)

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem ($400 rental fee)

Also Included

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

Traffic

Why Travel with Backroads in California Wine Country

A Perennial Favorite That Ages Well

Great Bikes Included (or Upgrade)

Navigate Your Way in California Wine Country

More Leaders to Support You

A Second Van When You Need It

Everyone at Their Own Pace

A Variety of Routes Each Day

Signature Backroads Picnics

Choose Your Fellow Travelers

We Live in the Neighborhood

Photo Gallery

Videos

Calfornia Wine Country

Our Expert Leaders

Backroads Bikes

The Backroads Experience