California
Wine Country—4 Day

Gorgeous Vineyards and Redwood Forests

This tour explores one of the world’s premier biking regions — the Sonoma and Napa valleys, and the redwood forests beside the Russian River.  Our four-day tour here is ideal for someone with limited time or who is newer to cycling.  We’ll enjoy quiet roads along the vineyards, exquisite lodging and dining, and include a wine tasting dinner at the critically acclaimed Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant in St. Helena, an amazing dining experience.

Cycle Through Armstrong Redwoods State Park into The Vineyards of Sonoma

We meet in Santa Rosa on a Monday morning and van to the small town of Duncans Mills on the Russian River.  We start cycling there on peaceful sideroads that run parallel to the river.  We visit Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve for a short hike through these giants.  The 805-acre reserve is home to some of the oldest (1,400 years) and tallest (over 300 feet) trees remaining in this part of California.  We cycle down a secluded canyon through redwood forests near the Russian River, then into the vineyards of Sonoma Valley.  We stop for lunch at the Hop Kiln Winery, known as much for its unusual architecture as its award-winning wines.

Our lodging in Healdsburg is at the elegant Hotel Healdsburg, Sonoma County’s foremost luxury lodging on Healdsburg’s historic town plaza.  The hotel has a full service spa and pool.  You’ll want to explore Healdsburg’s Spanish-style plaza, rimmed with fine shops and art galleries.

Quiet Winding Roads Lead to Luxurious Inn at Southbridge

On Tuesday we cycle through the vineyards of beautiful Dry Creek and Alexander valleys, with their winding, quiet roads.  We have lunch at the Field Stone Winery, where the manager often takes us for a private tour.  Afterwards we cycle a peaceful route into Napa Valley.  We spend the next two nights at the Inn at Southbridge, a luxurious country inn and full service spa located one block from the center of upscale St. Helena, famed for its many fine restaurants, art galleries, and chic shops.

Sumptuous Winemaker's Dinner

Wednesday is a layover day.  You may choose to come with us for a wine tasting tour in the van of our favorite wineries.  Or you can explore the shops and galleries of St. Helena, walk or cycle to some nearby wineries, or get a massage at our inn.  That evening we enjoy a succulent winemaker’s dinner in St. Helena at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in the wine country.  Each course is accompanied by carefully selected wines.  Though we usually don’t include alcoholic beverages with dinner, we make this exception to give you an extraordinary wine country experience.  The restaurant is located in the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA).  Prior to dinner, we have arranged for you a private tour of the CIA to give you an insider’s understanding of how great chefs are trained.

Vintage Wine, a Farewell Toast

On Thursday we cycle south past Yountville through the heart of the flat Napa Valley vineyards, pedaling past many well-known wineries such as Silver Oak Wine Cellars, Robert Mondavi, and Domaine Chandon.  You’re welcome to stop and sample their vintages.  After lunch at a winery, we cycle into the Carneros wine growing region and finish riding at the beautiful Artesa winery.  This winery is perched on the top of a hill with commanding views of the surrounding vineyards and the San Francisco Bay.  We conclude this great trip with a shuttle in our van back to Santa Rosa.

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