Wine Country Biking
A Quintessential Bike Trip through Napa & Sonoma Vineyards, Redwoods & Coast
Five valleys of world-famous vineyards. Forests of soaring redwoods, quiet pastoral landscapes and the dramatic Pacific Coast. They could be five separate adventures, but they're not. This is Northern California. Sonoma, Bodega Bay, Napa Valley. For some it's like a pilgrimage. For others, a retreat. For you it's a remarkable week and an incredible ride. Off-route tastings that enlighten your palate. Appreciating complex flavors. Gourmet, Michelin-starred meals that live up to the wines. And above all else, breathtaking sights in a remarkable place simply known as wine country.
- 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 Take pampering to the next level at award-winning spas 
Pedal past neatly manicured vineyards, old barns and picturesque farmhouses in the Carneros region Taste robust zinfandels at a winery just off Sonoma Plaza Our first of many delectable meals awaits at Michelin-starred Santé at the historic Sonoma Mission Inn.
Day 2 Bike to Bodega Bay on the dramatic Pacific Coast Shade dances with sunlight as you move from groves of eucalyptus to rolling pastures and wide-open cattle-grazing country.
Day 3 A Michelin star, local vintages and fresh California ingredients Spin past Pacific Coast beaches Head inland along the Russian River to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve for a picnic beneath the majestic trees A local winemaker shares his insight (and wine!) over dinner.
Day 4 Pedal and sip your way into the world-famous Napa Valley Explore little-known Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys en route to Napa Valley and the spa town of Calistoga.
Days 5-6 Abundant opportunities for tasting: hundreds of wineries line our routes After pedaling the Silverado Trail, rejuvenate at the pool and spa of our luxurious hotel or indulge in some shopping Savor the region's best dining in Yountville, Wine Country's "culinary capital" Ascend Oakville Grade, featured in the Tour of California.
- 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 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. 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
Premiere Inns
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Sonoma (1 night) A sprawling 1927 replica of a California mission with a Michelin-starred restaurant that Condé Nast Traveler said is "worth a special trip just to eat here." (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
Bodega Bay Lodge
Bodega Bay (1 night) Overlooking Doran Beach State Park, a coastal retreat with sweeping bay views. (pool, spa)
Madrona Manor
Healdsburg (1 night) An Andrew Harper Grand Award winner, this elegant Victorian mansion is surrounded by acres of lawns, woods, orchards and gardens, and is the proud recipient of a Michelin star. (pool)
Villagio Inn
Yountville (2 nights) In the heart of Napa Valley, an Italian-style property recommended by the Wine Spectator. (pool, spa)
Wine Country Biking
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain