California: Wine Country Biking

Day 1

Meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 11:30 a.m. at Sbragia Family Vineyards in Geyserville (or at 11 a.m. at the Hotel Healdsburg, if you’re driving to the Wine Country). Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes.

Hotel Healdsburg Route 11 Miles (500-foot elevation gain)

Welcome to Northern California and Sbragia, a charming family-run winery that grows and harvests grapes from Dry Creek, Sonoma and Napa Valleys. We get acquainted during a wine tasting, followed by a picnic lunch on a hill overlooking the vineyards. Afterward your Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety before sending you off on a rolling warm-up ride through the beautiful Dry Creek Valley, known for producing some of California’s finest zinfandels. Stop for a degustation or two before continuing to Healdsburg.
After checking out the town square, head over to tonight’s hotel, Hotel Healdsburg. With its cool contemporary design, deluxe spa and relaxing courtyard with pool, it’s the perfect place to kick your feet up after an afternoon ride. Later we gather for a wine reception followed by a special dinner at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen.

Lodging: Hotel Healdsburg

Day 2

Calistoga Route 43 Miles (1,000-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Alexander Valley 23 Miles with Shuttle (500-foot elevation gain)
Longer Option: Yountville 63 Miles (1,500-foot elevation gain)

After breakfast, embark on a carefree ride past hillsides blanketed with vineyards, apple orchards and forests. A gentle climb leads to neighboring Alexander Valley, which has been compared to France’s Bordeaux region. In the past two decades, several first-rate wineries have established themselves here: Robert Young Estate Winery, where we stop for a picnic; Sausal, which offers a noteworthy zinfandel; Alexander Valley, known for its cabernet; and Hanna, with an excellent merlot.

After our tour, tasting and lunch at Robert Young, hop in the Backroads van for a lift to tonight’s hotel or continue biking into the hills of Napa Valley. If you opt to bike, be prepared for a short invigorating climb that will have you up out of your seat! Then coast into charming Calistoga, making sure to stop at our friend Barbara Nechis’s watercolor studio, located just outside of town. From here it’s a short distance by shuttle to the Villagio Inn & Spa, whose newly unveiled luxury spa offers the ultimate in pampering. You should have plenty of time before dinner to indulge in a relaxing massage or specialty body treatment. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price; advance reservations are highly recommended.)

Tonight, dine at your leisure at Hurley’s, a quintessential Wine Country restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine. Try such specialties as horseradish-crusted Atlantic salmon, wild boar with truffle-scented polenta or olive oil-poached tuna pan bagnat. And of course, Hurley’s offers a wonderful selection of regional wines to complement your meal.

Lodging: Villagio Inn & Spa

Day 3

Napa Valley Loop 35 Miles (1,000-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Wineries Route 29 Miles with Shuttle (500-foot elevation gain)
Longer Option: Lake Hennessey/Pope Valley 54 Miles (1,500-foot elevation gain)

In the mood for an aerial adventure? Then start your day at dawn with a hot air balloon flight over Napa Valley. (Hot air balloon rides are not included in the trip price.)) Later in the morning, grab your bike and pedal along the Silverado Trail, skirting the eastern foothills and following rolling terrain into the heart of Napa Valley. Feel free to stop en route for tours and tastings at well-known wineries such as Beringer or smaller wineries such as Silver Oak Cellars and Plumpjack Winery, which both produce noteworthy cabernet sauvignons. Several nationally acclaimed boutique wineries along the route also deserve attention—make sure to schedule your tastings in advance of your trip to ensure they can accommodate you. Strong riders interested in more miles and a dose of the countryside rather than wine tasting can cruise along the quiet hills surrounding Lake Hennessey.

You’re on your own for a relaxed lunch in St. Helena. Pick up goodies at the Model Bakery for a picnic at Lyman Park. Or maybe you’d like to sample the acclaimed cuisine at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant? If so, make your reservations early!

Is the Villagio’s spa calling your name? If not, you can swim in the pool, play tennis or simply top off your day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Tonight you’re free to dine on your own in the culinary mecca of Yountville.

Lodging: Villagio Inn & Spa

Day 4

Sonoma Route 41 Miles (1,000-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Bouchaine Vineyards 25 Miles with Shuttle (500-foot elevation gain)

After enjoying a champagne buffet breakfast at Villagio, it’s time to hit the road for another great day of riding! This morning’s route takes you into the Carneros region to the pastoral crescent-shaped Sonoma Valley. Wineries along the way include Artesa, Mahoney Vineyards and Bouchaine Vineyards (today’s picnic lunch spot). Note the neatly manicured vineyards, old barns and picturesque farmhouses as you make your way to Sonoma. This historic community, whose name is said to come from a Suisun Indian word meaning ―valley of many moons,‖ began as a Spanish mission in 1823. Today Sonoma boasts several restored 19th-century historic sites, including the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, the Mexican barracks, the Gothic Victorian Revival home of General Mariano de Vallejo and the eight-acre Spanish-style plaza. If you’d like to add a few more miles to your route before heading to tonight’s hotel, drop by Ravenswood Winery, known for its zinfandel and memorable in-your-face motto, ―No Wimpy Wines.‖

Located just outside of town, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa features a world-class health spa—the ideal place to soothe your cycling muscles. Backroads has arranged for you to experience the Roman Bathing Ritual, which includes an exfoliating shower, warm bath, hot bath, herbal steam, sauna and rehydrating drinks. (The Roman Bathing Ritual is complimentary and does not require a reservation.) This evening we meet at the inn’s Santé Restaurant for a delicious dinner made from fresh, locally grown ingredients.

Lodging: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Day 5

Bodega Bay Route 46 Miles (1,500-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Matanzas Creek Winery 31 Miles with Shuttle (1,000-foot elevation gain)
Longer Option: Occidental Loop 64 Miles (2,000-foot elevation gain)

Wave goodbye to the Valley of the Moon before heading west through the village of Glen Ellen, former home of Jack London. A challenging climb out of Sonoma Valley leads to terrific views at the top of the hill. Continue to Matanzas Creek Winery for an early picnic and the chance to savor world-class chardonnays and merlots. In addition to excellent wines, Matanzas Creek has cultivated a fragrant lavender field that’s in full bloom in June, as well as lovely gardens, which may inspire Provencal memories or longings—make sure to save time for a stroll around the grounds.

On the afternoon route, vineyards give way to groves of eucalyptus, pastures and wide-open cattle-grazing country. With approximately 20 miles of rolling hills—and possible headwinds—as you approach the Pacific, this is the toughest ride of the trip. Originally home to the Pomo and Coastal Miwok Indians, this section of coast was ―discovered‖ in 1775 by Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Cuadra and then later settled by Russian fur traders. These days it’s a popular tourist destination known for miles of rugged headlands and a wealth of wildlife, including brown pelicans, snowy egrets, harbor seals, California sea lions and, from November through March, migrating gray whales.

If your muscles are aching for a little TLC after today’s über-route, Bodega Bay Lodge’s spa is just what the doctor ordered. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price.) Otherwise get in a workout at the fitness center, swim in the pool, or stake out a spot in the whirlpool tub and wind down as the sun disappears into the ocean. Later we toast to a fantastic week in the Wine Country before enjoying a farewell dinner at the lodge’s award-winning Duck Club Restaurant.

Lodging: Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa

Day 6

Healdsburg Route 45 Miles (1,000-foot elevation gain) Shorter Option: Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve 25 Miles with Shuttle (500-foot elevation gain)

Spin along the coast past ten miles of rocky bluffs and a string of Sonoma Coast State Park beaches. When you reach the mouth of the Russian River, veer inland and follow the river to the town of Guerneville. Just a few more miles, and you’ll find yourself in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, where we picnic under towering thousand-year-old redwood trees. As you ride into the forest, a deep sense of serenity envelopes you, all noise fades away, and the smell of wood and rich soil permeates the cool air.

The afternoon route is dotted with several favorite wineries, including Arista Winery, a Russian River gem boasting fine zins and pinots. Stately redwoods shade most of today’s ride, but as you approach Healdsburg the scenery opens up and you’re greeted once again by vineyards and pastureland. Your final destination is the Hotel Healdsburg, where our trip comes to an end.