Stetina’s Sierra Prospect (SSP) is a new road cycling event inspired by Pro Tour Rider Peter Stetina and produced by Bike Monkey.
SSP, is similar to a mass start GranFondo but takes on a unique road rally format with specific timed segments and KOM/Sprint rankings. The rally will give riders a competitive challenge but also provide an opportunity to refuel at rest stops, ride with friends, and take in the beautiful Lake Tahoe scenery without being penalized for stopping.
More than a ride, Peter has created a complete weekend of activities, including a limited edition Prospectin’ Pete’s Pale Ale beer release party at Revision Brewery, a coffee ride presented by Segafredo, and a gala benefiting the High Fives Foundation.
Better yet, Trek Travel guests get 15% off their entry fee through September 15th. Just use the code TRTPROMO
We’ve gone and overhauled some of our most popular adventures with some extra-special additions, moments and features. Whether it’s wine, luxury or lavish itineraries, you’ll find more of what you love, and more magic in every moment. These itineraries aren’t live yet, but we wanted to give you a little taste of what’s to come.
Asheville
We’ve added a stay in Pilot Cove, in the heart of the Pigsah Forest. It’s a hip, undiscovered destination off the beaten path chock full of microbreweries, art and charm.
Puglia
As the sun rises over this foodie heaven, you’ll be glad you’re there to watch it from one of the region’s most decadent, luxurious hotel, the Masseria Muzza. It’s our new favorite, and soon to be yours too.
California Wine Luxury
We’ve added another star to our five-star California Wine Country vacation with a stay at the North Block Hotel, right in Yountville, in the heart of Napa. It’s the original boutique hotel, with a posh spa, an artisanal Italian bistro, and only 20 sophisticated, modern rooms. We guarantee they’re the 20 best in wine country.
Santa Barbara
What’s better than wine? How about more wine? Our new Santa Barbara Wine Country has more tastings, including a very special cupcake pairing with family-owned Saarloos + Sons vineyards.
See all new 2018 trips and keep your eyes peeled for more new itineraries.
We make it a point to be experts in more than just cycling on our trips. We show you the best parts of every destination and wow you with locations you may not have discovered alone. The chances that you’ve heard of these five eateries on our domestic trips are slim, but take our word for it, each offers a unique culinary experience certainly worth writing home about. Dig in—here’s our top five favorite meals of North America.
“I want Rhubarb to be where the important stuff happens,” says Executive Chef John Fleer. After 15 years as executive chef at the famous Blackberry Farm, he now brings his fresh approach to boldly flavored dishes and love for all things southern (and local) to the table for you to enjoy at Rhubarb.
One of Thomas Keller’s prized restaurants, Ad Hoc was originally created to showcase the American comfort food of his childhood, but has now become a staple in the “culinary capital” of Napa Valley. Ad Hoc features a daily-changing four-course menu of various classic American dishes like fried chicken or barbeque, and is always served family style to create a casual comfort you just won’t find anywhere else.
Here, you’ll sit and gaze out upon the beautifully manicured grounds and mountain vistas of the Ojai Valley Inn while you’re treated to drinks and a mouthwatering meal of ever changing, locally sourced, Californian cuisine—with many ingredients coming straight from their on-site herb garden.
In the tiny, remote town of Boulder (population: 180), you may be surprised to find one of Utah’s most highly acclaimed restaurants. But Hell’s Backbone Grill is more than an excellent Zagat rating or Salt Lake Magazine’s “Best Restaurant” ten years running. This unique place is a testament to how two impassioned people can bring a beautiful vision of sustainability and community into reality. With meals made from honest and simple ingredients straight from the restaurant’s own farm, Blake and Jen, the chef-owners of Hell’s Backbone have, despite the name, created a little spot of heaven for all to enjoy.
Drawing inspiration from their Smoky Mountain heritage, the chefs and epicurean artisans at countryside enclave Blackberry Farm have created a culinary oasis with home-grown meals that “wander the line between refined and rugged,” with every dish being as sumptuous as the last. Served up in a grand rustic turn-of-the-century barn surrounded by peaceful pastures, you’ll be transported to an idyllic world that doesn’t feel of this time.
Whether it’s a rich, full-bodied pinot, a crisp chardonnay, an invigorating ride through the countryside or just a romantic escape, California wine country has got it all. Which is why we offer three different styles of trips right in the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Here we’ll compare our luxury, explorer and wine weekend trips so all you have to do is ride, sip and enjoy.
Price: From $3,299 Rider Level: 2 | Recreational Start | End: Healdsburg to Yountville
Accommodations:
• Hotel Healdsburg – An perfectly luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Healdsburg and winner of Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice award.
• Vintage Inn – A newly-renovated AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel and winner of the 2016 Conde Nast Travelers Reader’s Choice Award. Home of one of the most bountiful breakfast spreads on any Trek Travel trip.
• North Block Hotel | New Hotel in 2018 – This quaint, Mediterranean-inspired property is perfectly suited for a romantic wine country getaway. Redd Wood, the hotel’s restaurant (with James Beard Award nominee and Michelin-starred Chef Richard Reddington at the helm) offers Italian-inspired cuisine.
Riding: The terrain is hilly with available shuttles and great climbing options.
Meal Highlights:
• Trek Travel signature picnic, private tour and tasting at Summit Lake vineyards
• Picnic in the Redwoods State National Reserve
• Dine at Thomas Keller’s trendy Ad Hoc restaurant in Napa
• Dine at SHED restaurant in Healdsburg
Activity Highlights:
• Visit the Armstrong Redwoods Park
• Summit Lake Wine Tasting — tour a family operated small batch vineyard with the family
• Dry Creek Valley Wine Tasting
• Private Olive Oil Tasting at Trattore Farms
Biggest Differences: On our California Wine Country luxury bike tour, guests will experience Napa and Sonoma Valley and its iconic countryside and legendary acclaimed wines. We will stay at luxury accommodations with five-star meals throughout the trip, including a dinner at the Napa Valley staple Ad Hoc by legendary Chef Thomas Keller.
Price: From $2,599 Rider Level: 2 | Recreational Start | End: Calistoga to Healdsburg
Accommodations:
• Indian Springs Resort and Spa – A newly-renovated and award-winning hotel and spa with a bohemian vibe and geyser-fed pools located in Calistoga.
• h2 Hotel – Located in downtown Healdsburg, this hotel is rooted in nature and fluid by design and has been recognized by Conde Nast’s Traveler’s Gold list, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels and Fodor’s Top 100.
Riding: The terrain is hilly with available shuttles and great climbing options.
Meal Highlights:
• Trek Travel signature picnic at Summit Lake vineyards
• Picnic in the Redwoods State National Reserve
• Dine at Spoonbar, a trendy market-driven restaurant with reknowned craft cocktails
• Dine at Sam’s Social Club, a highly acclaimed poolside restaurant
Activity Highlights:
• Visit the Armstrong Redwoods
• Summit Lake wine tasting
• Velo Vino food and wine tasting and Bruschetteria food truck
Biggest Differences: On our California Wine Country explorer bike tour, we begin in Calistoga, known for mud baths and spas, then make our way to Sonoma county. This trip offers great flexibility for guests to explore additional activities in the area.
Accommodations:
• Hotel Healdsburg – A perfectly luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Healdsburg and winner of Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Aaward.
Riding: The terrain is flat to rolling and is based in Sonoma. This trip has the least amount of climbing, but there are longer route options available for those who want more riding.
Meal Highlights:
• Dine at Dry Creek Kitchen, Chef Charlie Palmer’s charming restaurant in Healdsburg
• Picnic in the Redwoods State National Reserve
• Dine at SHED restaurant in Healdsburg
Activity Highlights:
• Visit the Armstrong Redwoods
• Tasting at Hanna Winery in Russian River Valley
• Tour Ferrari-Carano vineyards in Dry Creek Valley
Biggest Differences: On our California Wine Country long-weekend bike tour, guests experience a luxury getaway to explore Sonoma at some of our favorite spots in the region in just four outstanding days. During the entire duration of your trip, you will stay in one luxurious hotel, so you can unpack and unwind.
A celebrity favorite, Santa Barbara is one of this country’s most unique destinations. It’s where luxurious relaxation meets world-class cycling, where mountains meet the sea, and where small-town intimacy meets big-city sophistication. There are few gems in the world like Santa Barbara, and this is our perfect day.
8:00 AM
This morning you will awake at the picture-perfect Canary Hotel located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Winner of a 2015 Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award, the Canary’s generously sized guestrooms and city views make it almost impossible to get out of bed. But after making your way to breakfast at your leisure, we recommend a short morning stroll to Handlebar Coffee Roasters. A visit to this warm cafe and one sip of their freshly roasted coffee is guaranteed to start your day on the right foot.
10:00 AM
After an unhurried morning, grab your cycling gear and head towards the hotel lobby to meet your guides. A short shuttle will bring you to the train station where you’ll board the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner for a gorgeous ride to Surf Beach. Along the way you’ll enjoy up-close views of the seabirds, dolphins, surfers, and of course, dramatic coastline. Upon arriving at the beach, we’ll begin the 18 mile ride inland toward Santa Rosa Road (known for its brisk tailwinds) and the Sanford Winery.
1:30 PM
This afternoon your guides will prepare a stellar Trek Travel picnic at Sanford Winery, where you will enjoy a tasting of the region’s finest Pinot Noirs. Graced with a climate and soil that closely mimic the famed Burgundy region of France, Sanford Winery was the first to plant Pinot Noir vineyards in this area of the Central Coast. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before choosing to take a shuttle or continue riding to Los Olivos.
4:30 PM
After riding through Ballard Canyon you will arrive in the quaint town of Los Olivos. What began as a place for passengers to stop on their stage coach journey over San Marcos pass is now a charming town filled with upscale shops, laid-back locals, tasting rooms and art galleries. As you explore town, be sure to stop in at our guides’ favorite tasting room–Sarloos and Sons–for a glass of wine, family stories and mini cupcakes.
6:00 PM
A short shuttle over San Marcos Pass will bring you back to downtown Santa Barbara and the Canary Hotel. After what can only be described as a perfect day, this evening is yours to enjoy a memorable meal and discover the magic that is a Santa Barbara sunset. Our recommendation? Taste the famous Hoppy Poppy Double IPA at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company before walking out to Stearns Wharf for sunset and a fresh seafood dinner at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company.
Fall is our favorite season. The weather turns cool and the colors come out to play. That’s why we’ve got some very special fall adventures designed to showcase the best colors in America. Our Vermont trips have got the richest hues in the Northeast. Blackberry Farm is a down-home fall festival. And California Wine Country is timed perfectly with the harvest. Is summer over yet?
Is there anything more classic? These are the best colors in the country. Rich reds, bright golds, and deep oranges combine for a breathtaking tapestry of colors set amongst a gorgeous mountain backdrop and quiet country roads. Enjoy the charm of quaint town squares, sample regional specialties from golden maple syrup to smooth Vermont cheddar and rich, velvety ice cream, and taste the farm-to-table freshness that make this the most fall-friendly trip on the calendar.
California Wine Country is known internationally for its weather and soil that produce some of the world’s most delicious wine, and there’s no better place to be when the leaves on the vines start to change. This is a bustling time of year, with all hands on deck at the wineries, but the perfect cycling routes are slightly less known. Pedal the gently undulating terrain that traverses vineyard after vineyard, smell the next great vineyard in the air, and stop to sample exclusive wines as you take in the full harvest experience. Read about our guides’ experience during last year’s harvest at Summit Lake Vineyards»
Nestled on 9,200 untouched acres adjoining the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee, Blackberry Farm offers a stunning setting in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians to see spectacular fall colors on display. From crisp fall evenings gathered around a campfire on the banks of Hesse Creek to tranquil days spent riding the Foothills Parkway and paddle boarding on Tellico Lake, there’s no better place to wile away those magical fall days.
My name is Sharon Roper from Taylorsville, Utah. Trek Travel asked me if I would be willing to write a blog about my experience leading up to and including the California Wine Country Long Weekend trip. While I wondered why anyone would be interested in a 62 year old woman’s bicycling experience, after talking with them I realized the interesting part was not just the trip itself, but how I got there.
Words by Sharon Roper, Trek Travel Guest
It all started with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mike and Mary Pat McCurdie. They are serious bicycle enthusiasts. They have been on many Trek Travel trips and always spoke highly of their experiences. They invited me, my husband Bill (Mary Pat’s brother), and other friends and relatives to go on the California Wine Country trip. I hadn’t been on a bike for 15 years, but I knew my husband well enough to know that he would be reluctant to go on the trip, and spend the money, unless I wanted to go too. So I told my husband the trip sounded great. After all, there would be great friends, good food, wine tasting, beautiful scenery and luxury hotels. To me, the bike riding was just a side activity to be enjoyed by others. I figured I could ride in the van and entertain myself with a good book. Bill, on the other hand, rides quite a bit, so the bike riding really appealed to him. We decided we would love to go, and told them to sign me up as a non-rider.
While looking at the Trek Travel website, I realized that non-riders paid the same as riders. I also saw that they offered electric-assist bikes. What did I have to lose? I called and changed my reservation to an electric-assist bike. After all, the van would still be there when I got tired. So out to the garage I went, to dust off my ancient 40 pound, 5-speed auto-shift bike and take it to the bike shop. After the service man stopped laughing at my bike, he took it to the back for a tune up.
My training began in April. I started training with the simple goal of not embarrassing myself. It was relaxing to ride around the neighborhood, and Bill would take me on bike trails on the weekends. He encouraged me. I knew I slowed him down a lot, but he continued to ride with me. I slowly worked up to seven miles. Ultimately, Bill convinced me that my antiquated bike was slowing me down. I think he just wanted to occasionally feel the wind in his face, so I upgraded to a 21-speed hybrid bike with an expensive, comfortable seat. Learning to shift was the first hurdle, but it only took a couple of rides to feel confident.
By now it was July, and I was slowly but surely starting to ride further. Bill had to switch from his slower mountain bike to his road bike as I got better and faster. One day we made it 30 miles. If you had told me back in April that I would be able to ride 30 miles in one day, I wouldn’t have believed you. But my confidence grew. I decided I wanted to make it 100 miles on our Trek Travel trip in September, and started to wonder if the electric-assist bike was the best choice for me. I called Trek Travel and switched to a hybrid bike. During the conversation they asked, “Weren’t you originally a non-rider?” Yep, that was me.
It’s now August. I know I have to be able to ride 30 miles per day for three days, and I would leave the final 10 miles for the last day. Bill and I started going out three days in a row. The first time we tried this we went 30, 20 and 30 miles. My butt started to hurt and for the first time I complained to Bill. He employed the obvious solution and bought me two biking outfits with padded shorts which stopped most of the butt ache. We did this three day ritual quite a few more times, and I now had a concrete plan to reach 100 miles.
We met up with the other riders at Point Reyes, California for the start of our Trek Travel trip. The guides, Devin and Justin, were extremely friendly and helped take care of everything so all we had to do was ride. There were 20 of us on the trip–all of them younger than me–but surely I can keep up with someone.
The first day’s ride took us from Point Reyes National Seashore to Bodega Bay. The short trip is 19.6 miles and the long option was 33.5 miles. This ride was hard! There were a lot more hills than I was used to. I saw much younger riders on electric-assist bikes and I started to question my decision. I could only make it 19.6 miles on that first ride, and I was discouraged. I talked with the guides and told them of my foolish goal to accomplish 100 miles. They were very encouraging and explained that today was the toughest day. Tomorrow would be much flatter and I could make up at least part of the 10 miles I was behind.
The second day’s ride went from Bodega Bay to Hotel Healdsburg. That would get me 45.1 miles if I made all the way. I thought, “The short trip is 25.5 miles, so I can always go back to my original goal of not embarrassing myself and bail out at Armstrong Woods.”
Again, the guides were great, always keeping my water bottle full and providing encouragement. They were probably hoping they wouldn’t have to perform CPR. Before the first snack stop I was the last rider, as was my usual position. One of guides came back and rode with me, and I asked him if I was last. He told me no, “I am behind you, and therefore I am last.” We stopped for lunch in the beautiful redwood forest at Armstrong Woods Park, which left me refreshed and ready to ride. Several times that day I had to walk my bike up a hill, but I was making the rules and walking definitely counted.
One time the van drove by as I was walking. They pulled over to check on me, and at that point determination roared inside me. I waved them on. My hundred mile goal was now back in play! I not only completed the 45.1 miles, but an accidental turnaround gave me extra distance. I rode 47.5 miles on Day 2. Game on!
The third day’s plan was to ride 29.6 miles, with many fun stops at vineyards along the route. The day went great and I made it all the way. That night I was talking with one of the other guests and I told her of my goal. She told to me, “I want to be you at 62.” Wow, did that make me feel good. If you are counting, I was now at 96.6 miles.
The last day I told my brother-in-law, Mike, that I only had to ride three miles to reach my goal. Once again I assumed my normal position of last in the line of riders. Riding along I saw Bill on the side of the road. He told me I made it to 100 miles, and he took my picture. I had done it! I kept riding and told the “don’t embarrass myself” voice to shut up. As soon as I rounded the next bend I saw all of the other riders standing on the side of the road cheering for me. So what did I do? I pumped my fist and yelled, “See ya!” That picture made it onto the WOW moments page on Trek Travel’s website. I continued on and finished the trip with a total of 107 miles.
So I didn’t embarrass myself after all. In fact, I made myself proud.
I don’t know about you, but I’m always dreaming of a getaway, and typically, my daydreams involve fine wine, good food, great company, fresh air and maybe a plush robe. Not that you need an excuse for a vacation, but I can think of ten reasons to jet set to Santa Barbara right now. And surprisingly, one of them isn’t just because winter is upon us.
Words by Bryna Rudy, Trip Consultant
1.Canary Hotel
The only rooftop pool in Santa Barbara? Check. A glass of wine with check-in? Yes, please. Redesigned in 2012 to reflect its Moroccan roots, this stylish boutique hotel seamlessly combines Mediterranean hand painted tiles and vibrant textiles with Californian red-tiled roofs and palm trees. Winner of a 2015 Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award, this picture-perfect hotel in the heart of downtown is reason enough to visit Santa Barbara.
2. State Street
The best palm tree-lined street in the country is filled with shops, restaurants and bars. Discover hidden Paseos, experience the trendy and popular Funk Zone, take your pick of charming outdoor patios to enjoy a coffee, shop at the amazing boutiques, or follow this ‘red-brick road’ all the way to the beach.
3.The Wine Cask
According to owner Doug Margerum, “The unique, transverse nature of the valleys of Santa Barbara Wine Country provides a patchwork quilt of microclimates and terrains, resulting in one of the most diverse grape growing regions in the country.” This may be the place to find coveted single-vineyard Santa Barbara wines, but their innovative cuisine is no less outstanding than the wine list.
4. East Mountain Drive
Imagine winding along a gorgeous ridge with incredible vistas over the city and sea the entire way. Meet East Mountain Drive. While it seems as though every road in Santa Barbara offers buttery-smooth pavement and breathtaking views, this particular route deserves a shout-out. The jaw-dropping scenery makes this one of the prettiest rides in North America, with stunning panoramic views of private estates in the hills above and the glittering blue expanse of ocean below.
5. Sunshine
Temperatures in the 70s and 80s make for spectacular cycling weather and a great excuse to lounge by the rooftop pool or rent a paddle board at the beach. Speaking of the beach, Santa Barbara’s oceanfront is hard to beat. Lined by palm trees and the Cabrillo Bikeway, the miles of pristine sand are perfect for people watching, volleyball, and long evening walks. Plus you can also check out Stearns Wharf, offering the best views in Santa Barbara as well as many incredible shops and restaurants.
6. Santa Ynez Valley
Where there’s wine, there’s a way. A fan of red? The Pinot Noirs of the area are world-renowned. Prefer white? Give the Chardonnay a try at Sanford Winery. The historic town of Los Olivos awaits, ready to charm you with its tasting rooms, art galleries, upscale shops and laid-back locals. And cycling through the Santa Rita hills to get there is just the cherry on top.
7. Scenic Train Rides
Many of the beautiful views along this rural coastline are visible only from the train. Board the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner for a gorgeous ride from downtown Santa Barbara to Surf Beach, and along the way you’ll enjoy up-close views of the seabirds, dolphins, and surfers who inhabit this wonderful area. To get any closer, you’d have to be on a surfboard.
8.The Lark
Dine al fresco at The Lark, and enjoy course after course of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. One of Santa Barbara’s most highly acclaimed new restaurants, I promise you won’t leave hungry after a family style dinner with new friends. Don’t like Brussels sprouts? I’ll ask you again after you’ve tried them here.
10. Handlebar Coffee
Voted one of the World’s Best Coffee Shops and a favorite among our guide team, Handlebar Coffee Roasters began when two former professional cyclists shifted their focus, training and determination from racing to coffee. A visit to this warm cafe and world-class micro roaster in Santa Barbara’s “Gourmet Ghetto” is guaranteed to start your day on the right foot.
Bonus: Cycling (of course)
The University of California-Santa Barbara has so many bikes they’ve built a network of bike paths that include adorable mini roundabouts. It’s no wonder students here choose cycling as their primary mode of transportation, since every ride includes wind in your hair and sun on your face. Ride though affluent neighborhoods, pedal past vineyards and olive groves, and reward yourself with a well-deserved glass of vino. The views don’t disappoint. I promise. And whether you want to coast along the ocean and take photos or prefer to tackle the climb up Gibraltar Road, Santa Barbara has the perfect road for every type of rider.
As if you need another reason to take a trip into the heart of wine country, where sunshine meets vineyards and incredible cuisine, our California Wine Country 4-Day Weekend vacation is a foray into the state that produces 90% of America’s wine inventory annually. But this experience is about so much more than just wine.
This trip is about cycling through a mecca of culture. It’s dusty fields, majestic forests, and farm-to-fork food. Not convinced? Here are our top reasons why the California Wine Country is about so much more than just full-bodied reds and crisp whites.
Ogle the Armstrong Redwoods
Our guides’ first piece of advice? Watch where you’re riding. Because all you will want to do is stare upward at the tree canopy shading the pavement from hundreds of feet above your head. These remarkable trees can live to be 1,000 years old and grow to a diameter of 16 feet! The towering redwoods stand in stark contrast to the low-laying vineyards in the valleys, and it’s impossible not to marvel at the majestic, natural beauty of the landscape around you.
Enjoy the charm of Healdsburg
In a town known for its world class shopping, art museums, locally grown produce, and endless number of wine tasting rooms, it is impossible to run out of things to do here. The luxurious shopping boutiques mix with a delightful town square (complete with an adorable gazebo) and seemingly year-round gorgeous weather to create irresistible charm.
Extend your stay in the City by the Bay
A city with global appeal, San Francisco offers a little bit of everything–from the Fisherman’s Wharf and Coit Tower to cable cars and the Painted Ladies. Also named “The Best Food City in the Country Right Now” by Bon Appétit magazine, it’s no wonder 18 million visitors flooded the city in 2014. That’s why we pick you up and drop you off at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in downtown San Francisco before and after our California Wine Country 4-Day Weekend vacation, so you can easily explore the city on everyone’s “must-see” list.
See the Golden Gate Bridge
This three-mile long landmark that crosses from San Francisco to the Marin headlands is heralded as one of the top ten construction achievements of the 20th Century. Often seen in movies, postcards and advertisements since it opened in 1937, this architectural marvel is nothing to sniff at. A place you have got to visit at some point in your lifetime, we make it a point to drive across this iconic structure and park in the visitor areas so you may take in the spectacle on our way out of town.
Since returning from wine country, my sunburn has faded but the pictures–and the distinct feeling of having discovered an incredibly unique and distinct culture–remains intact.
For thirteen years, Summit Lake Vineyard has held a special place in the hearts of Trek Travel guides and guests. Perched atop Howell Mountain (one of the most highly regarded viticulture regions in all of Napa Valley, California), it is one of the highlights of our California Wine Country trip agendas with Trek Travel.
Words by Trek Travel Guide Beth White
But this forty year old, family-owned vineyard that produces 1,500 cases of wine a year was threatened by wildfires in Lake County and Napa Valley, right at the peak of the Fall 2015 harvest. Three generations of the Brakesman family (along with two horses, goats, chicken, cats, and several dogs), had to be evacuated from their home the night of September 11th, as there was only one small mountain ridge separating the fires in the valley from racing up the side of Howell Mountain. And the four-year drought conditions in California created a tinderbox and made these wildfires challenging to fight due to rough terrain.
Several days later, the family (and all the animals) were able to return to Summit Lake Vineyards. While the fire was contained, the was still a preeminent threat to the harvest. Smoke can be absorbed by the grapes, thus affecting the flavor and results of future wines. Most winemakers determine when to pick their various types of grapes based on a number of factors, from the sugar content, size and skin color, to the general health of the vines and future weather conditions. It is a science, with a lot of experience and creativity thrown in, and ultimately decided based on the intentions of the wine maker’s future vintage.
Given the recent scare, Summit Lake decided they could not wait any longer and they needed to start harvesting various blocks of grapes over the next few weeks. Many vineyards in Napa Valley rely heavily on contracted labor for seasonal pickers, whom are often in high demand. The work is grueling, requiring skill and speed, as grapes perish quickly after picking when left in large plastic bins under the hot sun.
As one of several guides leading trips in the California Wine Country, I have learned a lot about the wine making process and have had the pleasure of enjoying many picnic lunches, wine tastings, and tours of the Summit Lake Vineyards. Understanding the time constraints and labor shortages (due to the early harvest and wild fires), my co-guide and I volunteered to help out in any way possible. Although the family had everything in control, they agreed to put us to work for a day, helping to sort grapes (quality control) before they went into the de-stemmer and bladder press. We had a great time and it was exciting to see everyone work together like a peloton!
“With the drought this year, we harvested about three weeks ahead of schedule, along with most of the valley. On the years where this happens, our small family is spread rather thin between all of our respective jobs. My Dad, Bob Brakesman, my brother and myself are the only full time employees here at the winery. My husband works full time as a vineyard manager on the valley floor and my youngest brother, Danny, is working at another winery. During harvest, when we bring in more than a couple tons of fruit, it is important to process the fruit while it is still cool in the morning,” said Heather Griffin from Summit Lake Vineyards.
She continued, “We had a day when we knew we would be short handed, as it takes at least five people to run a harvest and process fruit at the same time. In general, I run the crew in the field and drive the tractor to take empty bins out and bring in the full ones. My dad and brother run the crush equipment, and we need the extra hands to sort fruit as it goes into the top of the stemmer-crusher machine. Jake and Beth heard we were short on people and volunteered to help us! I think they now have a hands on appreciation for the work that goes into wine, as they spent hours on our catwalk sorting through our fruit all day. We couldn’t have done it with out them!”
Frankly, I think they wanted us to have an opportunity be part of the “crush” process more than they truly needed our help! We’ve grown to love this special family and vineyard that it made us feel good to give a little back to them, considering all the special hosting they have done for Trek Travel over the past years. The harvest was a success and all the grapes were picked and processed, awaiting the long fermentation cycle. We look forward to next year’s challenging cycling ride through Pope Valley and up Ink Grade Road to Summit Lake Vineyards. And now we can’t wait to taste the 2015 Zinfandel in two years!
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
What is the Difference?
Ultimate Luxury:
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Luxury:
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
Explorer:
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
Combined:
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Level 2:
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Level 3:
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Level 4:
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
What are your trip styles?
Classic - Reserve:
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Classic - Signature:
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Classic - Discover:
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Ride Camp:
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Pro Race:
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Cross Country:
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Self-Guided
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
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