Wine Country Biking
Exploring Napa & Sonoma Counties: Vineyards, Redwoods & Coast
Get to know the California Wine Country from the seat of a bicycle - a wonderful way to appreciate this unique region. Ride past world-famous vineyards, through soaring redwood forests and along a captivating coastline. Stop en route at a few of our favorite wineries to sample some of the area's award-winning vintages. From hidden gems to better-known treasures, we'll introduce you to the scenic routes, picnic spots and perfect vistas that make this patch of Northern California so special. And don't forget the soothing massages, mud baths and other spa services available for your indulgence. On this classic Backroads vacation, there's something for everyone.
Trip Planning Links
- Ride through five valleys of world-famous vineyards
- Abundant opportunities for wine tasting: hundreds of wineries line our cycling route
- Unwind over relaxed dinners of fresh, Wine Country-inspired fare
- Bike to Bodega Bay on the dramatic Pacific Coast
- Cozy, historic inns to welcome you at day's end
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 calistoga
Meet near Healdsburg 
Enjoy a trademark Backroads picnic at a local winery before heading out on a ride through the Alexander Valley to Calistoga.
Day 2 sonoma
Spin south through Napa Valley and the Carneros region to reach the pastoral crescent-shaped Sonoma Valley, visiting world-class wineries along the way As you delight in views of neatly manicured vineyards, old barns and picturesque farmhouses, you'll realize why we've loved sharing this region with our guests for nearly three decades Explore Sonoma's historic Spanish-style plaza, which features a number of restored 19th-century buildings.
Day 3 bodega bay
As you pedal the hilly route toward the coast, vineyards give way to groves of eucalyptus, rolling pastures and wide-open cattle-grazing country Arrive in Bodega Bay, known for its miles of rugged headlands and wealth of wildlife, including brown pelicans, snowy egrets and harbor seals.
Days 4-6 geyserville
An oceanside ride turns inland and continues alongside the Russian River to Guerneville Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath towering thousand-year-old trees in beautiful Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve Spend a day exploring the Dry Creek Valley and northern Alexander Valley Head out for a final scenic ride through the southern end of the Alexander Valley.
- 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:
Crater Lake Biking Bryce/Zion/Canyon Biking Vermont BikingOther California Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Overall, I thought the trip was absolutely fabulous! Though I've always enjoyed wine, my knowledge has gone up tenfold due to this experience. Between our two leaders, the local tour guides and natives of the area, I walked away with an enhanced knowledge and passion for the creation and enjoyment of wine. Quality of activity was just perfect! While I felt challenged at certain times throughout the rides, I didn't feel exhausted or stressed so that I was unable to enjoy all the fabulous sights and sounds of the California wine country. The trip offered enough flexibility to work in what I wanted to, when I wanted to. I always had lots of choices and loved the action-packed days.- Wheaton, IL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Wine Country Biking
CALIFORNIA CASUAL: Casual Inns
Mount View Hotel and Spa
Calistoga (1 night) A historic hotel with a European-style spa, heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
The Lodge at Sonoma
Sonoma (1 night) A modern resort with a spa and award-winning bistro.
Inn at the Tides
Bodega Bay (1 night) Featuring spacious guest rooms with sweeping views of the bay and harbor.
Geyserville Inn
Geyserville (2 nights) Offering panoramic views of surrounding vineyards and Wine Country-themed rooms.
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
- 18 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 44, 58 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 24, 32, 49, 63 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 4 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 44, 57, 65 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 27, 42 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 20 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain