California Wine Country Bike Tour

Options abound today as you leave Napa Valley and pedal into the pristine Pope and Chiles Valleys. You’ll ride switchbacks through high canyon walls and hillsides covered with scrub brush as you make your way along the shores of Lake Hennessey. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of California wine country over a gourmet Trek Travel picnic and private tour of Summit Lake Vineyards, residing high above Napa Valley on Howell Mountain. Owners Bob & Sue Brakesman made their dream a reality on a small plot of land over 40 years ago. Today, Bob’s daughter, Heather shares their passion for this lifestyle with every Trek Travel guest that passes down their gravel driveway. Spend the afternoon discovering Calistoga on foot or relaxing at the incredible Indian Springs Resort and Spa. Have a soak in their very own Olympic-sized mineral pool, built in 1913. Or, take to their spa and enjoy a signature mud bath of volcanic ash, which is unique to the region. The Indian Springs property is blessed with rare resources such as the geysers and a volcanic ash deposit, which have inspired a long tradition of healing and renewal. (Please make any spa reservations at Indian Springs Resort & Spa before your trip for any time after 4:00 PM today.) This evening, dine on your own at a suggested bistro or any other in town.

Today we’ll cycle north from Napa Valley into Sonoma County. Enjoy a morning climb to cross the county line or opt to take a shuttle over the hills and save your energy for the eucalyptus-lined country roads of the Knights and Alexander Valleys. Take a break from pedaling and stop to taste a crisp Sauvignon Blanc at Silver Oak or a robust Zinfandel at Alexander Valley Vineyard. Lunch is on your own in the quaint and inviting town of Healdsburg, your home for the next three nights. Spend the afternoon by the pool or indulging in an afternoon nap. Or wander the town plaza and take in the many boutiques and galleries nearby. Tasting rooms abound in town, making it convenient for you to stroll around and discover a new favorite wine. Tonight, you'll celebrate a an exquisite meal at Dry Creek Kitchen, part of renowned chef Charlie Palmer's group of classic restaurants.

Today you’ll follow the tranquil byways through the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. If you’re up for it, challenge yourself on Rockpile Road, a beautiful detour through the Lake Sonoma Recreation Area with views of Lake Sonoma. You’ll pass many distinctive wineries in the Dry Creek Valley, home to more than 50 wineries and one of the top Zinfandel producing regions. Pause at your leisure to indulge your palate at local favorites such as SIMI Winery, taste from the barrel at Zichichi, or refresh with a cool, crisp, biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc in Quivira’s solar-powered tasting room. After we return to Healdsburg, experiment with a different taste of Sonoma: a Trek Travel-exclusive tasting at Alley 6 Craft Distillery. This is a true, small batch, grain-to-glass operation, nestled a few quiet blocks away from the lively town square. Maybe take a bottle of their signature Rye Whiskey home to share with friends. Tonight we'll head down to the lively and vibrant Spoonbar to enjoy a beautiful presentation of delicious, creative Sonoma County fare. Everything about Spoonbar is a rich alchemy of art and craft, from the place to the plate. Tonight, it’s yours to indulge in.

This morning offers a great opportunity for a walk over to our guide's favorite, Flying Goat Coffee. Sit and enjoy a macchiato and watch the square come alive before strolling back to the hotel for our ride start. Today we ride through the Russian River Valley, known for its tantalizing Pinot Noir on our way to Armstrong State Natural Reserve. Avid riders can push their legs by tackling the toughest climb of the week, Sweetwater Springs, with grades reaching 20%. There is also a gentler ride to Armstrong Woods Park via Westside Road. Once you’ve arrived, stop and admire the majestic towering redwoods and enjoy a hike to visit the oldest or tallest trees in the park—1,400 years old and 310 feet high respectively. We can enjoy lunch at Korbel's on-site gourmet deli. You may even choose to cleanse the palate with a little bubbly! Then, choose a shuttle back to our hotel, or venture into Healdsburg for some shopping and a tasting at one of the many winery rooms on the square. If you decide to ride back, you’ll have the opportunity to sample at a variety of wineries like Gary Farrell, Porter Creek, or Armida. Tonight you'll gather with your fellow travelers and head out for an incredible Californian farm-to-table feast at our local favorite restaurant, Chalkboard. It is here that the farm culture of Sonoma comes to life and is embodied in fresh, local savory foods that make this area second-to-none. Please note that the ability to enjoy this route is contingent upon reconstruction completion at the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, scheduled to be completed late spring or early summer of 2021. We have a spectacular alternative to the Pacific Ocean at 60 miles and 2,900 feet of elevation gain.

Featured meal:

Dine at Chalkboard

Chalkboard’s Chef Shane McAnelly creates refined family-style dishes with whimsical touches for a comforting and charming dining experience. Drawing from local producers such as Snake River Farms and the restaurant’s own Chalk Hill Winery gardens, dishes change daily and provide the freshest ingredients one can find, oftentimes picked that very morning. Start with mouthwatering bites of maple-glazed pork belly biscuits; or, if you’re in the mood for something lighter, the yellowfin crudo offers a zesty, citrusy alternative. Gluten-lovers shouldn’t miss out on the freshly homemade pasta, from classic linguine to short rib radiatore, and vegetarians will enjoy the abundance of garden veggies creatively accessorized with puffed rice, Calabrian chile, sorrel, green garlic, or Asian pears. With a little something for everyone, enjoy your first round of drinks on Trek Travel and savor the unmistakable terroir of Healdsburg’s own wine country.

To close our your California Wine Country Bike Tour, take a final morning spin through the charming Dry Creek Valley to loosen up your legs or enjoy a peaceful morning in Healdsburg relaxing at the hotel. Or feel free to take a stroll for another coffee in town. If you choose to ride, upon your return, hurry out to Healdsburg’s town square for a little last minute shopping or wine tasting. Be sure to pick up some lunch for yourself before you go, from the famed Oakville Grocery. Take some time to freshen up before checking out of the hotel. You'll board a private shuttle at 11:00 AM, taking you to the Napa Transit Center in downtown Napa.