Wine Country Biking
A Weekend in California's Alexander Valley
Three days, three renowned wine-growing regions, uncountable fun. Join Backroads for the ultimate weekend getaway in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys, and discover the scenic routes, picnic spots and perfect vistas that make this pocket of Northern California so special. Bike along quiet country roads and through a quintessential Wine Country landscape of manicured vineyards, fertile orchards, bright golden meadows and mighty redwoods. Sample gourmet cuisine and world-class vintages, and relax in style at an elegant Victorian manor.
Trip Planning Links
- 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
- Savor a Michelin-starred dinner of New Californian cuisine at Madrona Manor
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3 Healdsburg
Meet in the spa town of Calistoga, famous for its hot springs 
Pedal out of the Napa Valley and over the wooded Mayacamas Mountains Enjoy a classic Backroads picnic at a favorite winery in Alexander Valley, with the chance to taste excellent merlot Continue biking to the charming town of Healdsburg, with a central Spanish-style plaza, and the Madrona Manor, a stately Victorian manor-turned-guesthouse Dinner at our hotel’s acclaimed restaurant features the freshest local ingredients, including vegetables from its organic kitchen garden Vineyards and pastureland give way to stately redwoods as you bike through the Russian River Valley to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, thick with towering coastal redwoods thousands of years old Spin along hillsides blanketed with vineyards, apple orchards and oak forests in the Dry Creek Valley, known for fine zinfandels A gentle climb takes you back into the neighboring Alexander Valley, often compared to France’s Bordeaux region Stop in at some of the many wineries that dot the landscape Our return ride to the hotel allows for a last tasting opportunity Return to San Francisco.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Wine Country Biking Crater Lake Biking Martha's Vineyard BikingOther California Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
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 All Guest Reviews
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Wine Country Biking
WINE COUNTRY ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns
Madrona Manor
Healdsburg (2 nights) Winner of a Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Award and a star in the Michelin Guide, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this grand Victorian mansion and carriage house is surrounded by acres of woods, orchards and gardens, and features a swimming pool.
Wine Country Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 21, 31 miles
- 300 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 38, 48 miles
- 250 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 37 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain