Wine Tasting Adventures on Two Wheels | Biking and Wine Tasting

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Wine is notably the star of the show in Napa Valley, but an adventure to wine country can be so much more with the valley’s incredible views and gorgeous, temperate weather throughout most of the year. Wineries speckle the landscape and line the roads with bountiful opportunities to sip the fruits of the region’s labor. But why sit in a stuffy car between tasting appointments when you can explore the beautiful landscape atop two wheels?

It’s time to feel the wind in your hair, cruising around the vines, closer to the natural beauty of the valley. We’ve compiled a list of five exciting and diverse bike tours for you to experience and enjoy new perspectives of wine country. Grab the handlebars and hit the road for an invigorating tour, no sticky spandex needed.

Getaway Adventures
(707) 568-3040
Trip Advisor: 5 stars; 406 reviews

What began as a family biking and wine buying excursion for owner Randy Johnson turned into an accidental business. Getaway Adventures is aptly named as their mission is to focus on their guests and they offer an experience to decompress from the stresses of daily life and getaway to beautiful settings less traversed. Their creative, outdoor experiences broach beyond Napa Valley and include tours by foot, bike, van, and water vessels, with some getaways lasting multiple days at a time.

Napa Valley Peddle and Paddle
Time: 10am – 3:30pm
Meeting Location:
Moores Landing Parking Lot
6 Cuttings Wharf Road
Napa, CA 94559

Cruise eight beautiful miles of the Carneros region, stopping in for sips at two wineries before pausing for a leisurely picnic lunch. Soak in the sun and take in the views while munching on Getaway Adventure’s signature, buffet style offerings that will be thoughtfully planned by your tour guide.

Next up on the agenda, trade in your bike and helmet for a life jacket and oar as you take to the water of the Napa River in double kayaks. Here you will experience the diverse wildlife and ecosystem of Napa Valley. Looking for something extra special experience our WineCountry Peddle and Paddle Experience.

Insider Tip: Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that can get wet along with an extra pair of dry clothing to change into after your tour. No one likes soggy bottoms.

Calistoga Sip & Cycle
Time: 10am – 3:30pm
Meeting Location:
1133 Washington Street
Calistoga, CA 94515

Head upvalley for Getaway Adventures’ most popular bike tour of rustic and charming Calistoga. Your knowledgeable guide will give you a lesson in “Grapes 101” as you pop in and out of four local wineries. This 12 mile excursion through the backroads around town will include Getaway Adventures’ distinctive, buffet-style lunch at one of your winery stops. Your guide will create healthy bites to complement the winery’s wares and to fuel up for the remainder of your beautiful ride.

Insider Tip: Before you start cruising, ask the friendly staff at the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce for additional recommendations for fun and food to explore after your tour.

Napa Valley Bike Tours
(707) 250-8687
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars; 258 reviews

Specializing in crafting fun and adventurous activities for visitors to Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Napa Valley Bike Tours is open 362 days a year. Pick up a ride for a self-guided excursion or experience one of their half-day, full-day, or private group tours. Their tours are designed for casual riders, and for the more adventurous, avid riders, they’ve researched and crafted a list of the top nine local rides to explore.

Classic Napa Valley Bike Tour
Time: 10am – 2pm
Meeting Location:
6500 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599

The most classic of Napa Valley bike tours, this guided adventure leads you on an intimate, casual morning to early afternoon tour around the Yountville area. Two winery stops are included as you take in the scenic views and learn more about the dynamic history of the Valley as you glide around the vines.

Insider Tip: You’re going to be hungry post tour and thankfully Napa Valley Bike Tours include suggestions on where to visit for a late lunch. Check out their suggestions here and make reservations to guarantee a seat to eat.

Hot Air Balloon and Self-Guided Bike Tour
Time: Varying start times – 5pm
Meeting Location:
Domaine Chandon
1 California Drive
Yountville, CA 94599

Fly high above the rolling hills and vineyards of Napa Valley in this multi-faceted adventure. With a sunrise start, you’ll begin with the distinctive sounds of the hot air balloon blaster as you slowly rise above the ground to take in the quiet moments of wine country from above care of Napa Valley Balloons. Touch down from your 60 minutes of aerial splendor and take those growling stomachs to the terrace of Domaine Chandon to enjoy a sumptuous brunch, sparkling wine included.

But the tour is not done yet! This two-parter sends you on your merry way atop bicycles to enjoy a self-guided exploration of the valley. Most riders visit an average of three wineries, but this opportunity to choose and explore on your own allows each experience to be unique and tailored for your interests. Cruise, sip, and savor the diverse views and wines that make Napa Valley special.

Insider Tip: Don’t be hesitant to buy bottles from the wineries you visit. Napa Valley Bikes will pick up your purchases so you don’t miss out or add the extra weight to your bike ride.

Clif Family at Velo Vino
(707) 656-4430
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars; 70 reviews

Wine, the outdoors, and a passion for cycling collide at Clif Family at Velo Vino. Not your ordinary tasting room, Velo Vino is your one-stop shop for a pick-me-up espresso, organic and delicious food from their acclaimed Bruschetteria food truck, or the location to rent a bicycle care of their collaboration with the Calistoga Bikeshop.

The White Road
Time: 10am – 3:30pm
Meeting Location:
Clif Family Winery
709 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574

A Clif bar and espresso greet you for an epic ride on one of Calistoga Bikeshop’s high performance bikes. Saddle up and head out for a tour de force of Napa Valley as you zoom along the back country roads, exploring with all senses atop a lightweight, carbon fiber ride. This tour is fully self-guided and customizable. Let the adventurer in you see where the roads take you or leverage one of eight popular rides suggested in Clif Family’s cycling road map. Head back to the tasting room to enjoy a post-ride Clif Family wine and food pairing.

Insider Tip: Clif Family at Velo Vino also hosts group excursions for the more serious riders. If you’re a biker looking to explore Napa Valley with a group of similar minded athletes, check out their Facebook events and sign up to partake in an upcoming outing.


Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.