An Unlikely Journey

From Picking Grapes to Sipping Wines: Daniel Rodriguez’s path from working in the vineyards as a migrant farmworker to cycling past them as a Backroads guest 

Whether it’s a local winemaker, an expert naturalist or a gifted artist, the fascinating individuals you encounter on a Backroads trip are often a highlight of the whole experience. And sometimes, it's not just the locals who leave a lasting mark – it's a fellow traveler!

Daniel Rodriguez, who began taking Backroads trips in the mid-1980s, is one such guest. Since then, he's embarked on an impressive 53 adventures with us. But far more remarkable than the many trips he's taken with Backroads is Daniel's own life story.

Born in Texas to migrant farm workers, Daniel grew up in labor camps, following the cotton harvests across the country. His parents, though limited in their own education, instilled in Daniel a love of reading that proved crucial to his later success.

Frequent moves meant attending multiple schools each year until Daniel finally settled in California for high school. With a strong work ethic and an insatiable curiosity, he went on to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a law degree from UCLA.

We sat down with Daniel to ask him about his journey.

Your background is different than most of our guests, and I imagine, most lawyers. What do you attribute your success in life to? 

My parents placed a high value on education from the time I was a child. With a love of learning, the sky is the limit. 

50 trips! That’s a lot. What keeps you coming back to Backroads? 

First and foremost, the Trip Leaders. Backroads does an amazing job picking people who are friendly, patient, informative and fun to be around. When you get someone who loves what they’re doing and has a connection to a place, it makes a huge difference. 

For example, I was on a trip in Argentina during the World Cup and after our hike for the day the Trip Leaders found us a little bar to watch the final game with a bunch of locals. They didn’t have to be there, it was their time off, but they were. It was a real authentic moment that made the trip for us. 

Are there any specific moments you recall from your travels with Backroads that stand out as a highlight? 

One highlight was the Peru trip when the Trip Leaders took us to a village high up in the mountains. We brought books, paper and pencils to give to the children in the village. I couldn’t help but think back to how books and reading changed my life. And here I was, on a different continent, helping to give children that same opportunity that I was given.

Another highlight has been cycling in the great wine regions of the world such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, Napa and Sonoma. The smell of grapes hanging in the air, the sound of clippers cutting the grape bunches off the vines, and the midday sun beating down, all brought back a flood of memories. Nostalgia fused with gratitude. Gratitude that such work spurred me to work harder in school so that I wouldn’t have to continue toiling in the vineyards for the rest of my life. 

How do you respond when people ask “what is your favorite trip?” 

Too many to count. The best ones have been the ones where my wife and I connected with not only the spectacular scenery and accommodations, but with great people. People that we have stayed in contact with long after the trips came to an end.

Does your family like Backroads trips?  

Definitely. My two sons and daughter grew up on Backroads camping trips. Now my kids are taking trips on their own. My son recently took his honeymoon on a Backroads trip.

You’ve overcome a challenging set of circumstances in your life. What advice to you have for other young people, or people of any age, who are seeking to do the same?

There are no shortcuts in life really. It's not about being the smartest, it's about being the most prepared and the hardest working individual. Be prepared for an opportunity and jump on it when it presents itself. 

What advice would you have to people who have never taken a Backroads trip and are thinking about their first one? 

Backroads doesn’t just offer trips; they offer unforgettable experiences. Let go of your fears and enjoy the ride!