Wine Country Biking
Napa & Sonoma Counties: Vineyards, Redwoods & Coast
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.
Trip Planning Links
- Ride through five valleys of world-famous vineyards
- Abundant opportunities for wine tasting: hundreds of wineries line our cycling route
- 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
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
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 may choose to cap off the day with a soothing massage or a Roman bath treatment.
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.
- 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:
Alexander Valley Biking Martha's Vineyard Biking Canadian Rockies BikingOther California Trips
Look at what other guests are saying 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 More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Wine Country Biking
WINE COUNTRY CLASSICS: Premiere Inns
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Sonoma (1 night) This sprawling 1927 replica of a California mission with a pool and spa "has a menu of treatments as broad as its spa cuisine is lean," reported Travel+Leisure.
Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
Bodega Bay (1 night) Overlooking Doran Beach State Park, our coastal retreat features a pool, sweeping bay views and remodeled guest rooms with fireplaces.
Madrona Manor
Healdsburg (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
Yountville (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.
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
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 24, 31, 45, 61 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 25, 43, 55 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 43, 63 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 29, 35, 55 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 26 miles
- 650 feet elevation gain