Like the bouquet of a spicy Zinfandel, the wine country of California, north of San Francisco, opens up to reveal many delights and pleasures. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are synonymous with great wine and fine food and dining. By bike, discover shady back lanes, towering redwood groves, a surprising Russian history and delightful pedaling – past vineyards and wine chateaus of every conceivable design.
The Napa Valley is a popular region with visitors, many of whom drive and it is also a very popular region to cycle in. Our routes utilize what we feel are the best roads to cycle with the least amount of traffic. Silverado Trail has Class II bike lane from Napa to Calistoga – posted speed limits are 45-55mph. Highway 29 has Class II bike lanes from Yountville to Calistoga with posted speed limits of 45-55mph and more truck traffic during the harvest in September and October. Both of these roads are popular for cyclists as they are flat to gently rolling and have panoramic vineyard views. The Vine Trail is a car-free recreational path from southern Napa to Yountville which we utilize.
Straight Talk
Napa, CA, United States
Starting Location
St Helena, CA, United States
Day 1+2
Calistoga, CA, United States
Day 3
Healdsburg, CA, United States
Day 4+5
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 3-8 | Apr 2-7 |
| Apr 17-22 | Apr 16-21 |
| May 1-6 | Jun 30-Jul 5 |
| May 15-20 | May 14-19 |
| Jun 5-10 | Jun 4-9 |
| Jun 19-24 | Jun 18-23 |
| Sep 4-9 | Sep 3-8 |
| Sep 18-23 | Sep 17-22 |
| Oct 2-7 | Oct 1-6 |
| Oct 16-21 | Oct 15-20 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
TerrainModerate cycling, encountering a few challenging hills most days
CostLand Cost
US $3,800
Includes 5B/2L/4D
Single Supplement
US $960
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $360
Racing Bikes: US $460
E-bikes*: US $560
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Our trip starts from Napa, located 128 km (80 mi) north of San Francisco airport. There is regular coach service between SFO airport and Napa, through Evans Transporter. We recommend departing SFO at 8:30 a.m. and arriving at 9:45 a.m. to Napa.
St. Helena
We meet in Napa, at the Napa River Inn, at 10:00 and begin cycling. Our ride will begin with a loop past the former wine estate of Rene di Rosa, which boasts more than 2000 works by more than 800 California emerging artists that Rene collected. After visiting, we will enjoy lunch at the Boon Fly Cafe. Then we ride north to St. Helena, a trendy and pleasant town in the heart of Napa wine country. We will have a wine reception at 7 pm and then dinner at a favourite bistro.
Distance: 38 km; 195 m gain
St Helena
Spend a full day in the St. Helena area, with many choices. Ride up into the hills above the valley, past forests of California redwoods to high altitude vineyards, which are gradually encroaching on old ranch lands. Then sweep back down the Pope Valley into St. Helena. Or meander through the Napa Valley, visiting Bale’s Grist Mill, which was a focal point for the valley’s settlement during the first half of the 19th century. Cross the Napa River, ride on the lower slope of Howell Mountain and into a rain forest. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy gorgeous scenery. (36 or 18 miles)
Distance: 32 km; 548 m gain or 58 km; 835 m gain
Calistoga
Today’s destination is Calistoga, known for its thermal spas and mud baths. You have many options to dial in the mileage of your choice. Take a shorter route in order to have more time to visit some of the historic vineyards in the region, including those that first put California on the oenological map. On the longer ride, you will have the opportunity to watch Old Faithful spout off, as well as to cycle to the historic Chateau Montelena winery, and simply enjoy more of the amazing diversity of this stunning California countryside.
Distance: 18 km; 211 m gain or 31 km; 399 m gain
Healdsburg
Continue north into the Alexander Valley and then over the Mayacamas Ridge to leave Napa Valley and enter the Sonoma Valley. Pedal through the pretty valley of the Maacama Creek and onto the flat lands of the Russian River Valley. Explore extensive vineyards along the edge of the Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal field. Discovered in 1847, these amazing hot spots soon gave rise to the California Spa tradition. Is a massage that far off? Your day ends in the delightful town of Healdsburg at the luxurious Hotel Healdsburg.
Distance: 45 km; 334 m gain or 63 km; 451 m gain
Healdsburg
A full day in the Healdsburg area lets you explore the unique Russian history of this American enclave. Uncover the wineries of the Russian River Valley, and the unexpected hops industry as well. If you are feeling adventurous, take a side trip into the wild country along Porter Creek. Be sure to leave time to visit Healdsburg, a town with the best qualities of turn-of-the century America, yet with the ambiance of a European countryside. Discover its Spanish-style plaza, numerous museums and excellent antique shops before settling down to a scrumptious final dinner.
Distance: 34 km; 382 m gain
Depart
Spend a few final moments enjoying your time in California’s wine country before bidding it a fond farewell.
The Wydown Hotel is a small (12 rooms only) boutique hotel which opened in 2011 in downtown St. Helena. It is a chic, modern, and hip boutique hotel with large, comfortable rooms, friendly and attentive staff and a great location steps from great restaurants and cafes.
Built in the Mission Revival style, the Mount View Hotel is among the premier historic hotels in the Napa Valley. Each of the 32 guest rooms is beautifully decorated with antiques and contemporary accents. The outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, garden patio and full-service spa make this gracious hotel a relaxing and peaceful getaway.
We love this hotel for its location, attentive staff, and amenities. It has everything we look for in a well-managed hotel property. The spa, lounges, lobby bar and swimming pool and jacuzzi are a treat. Note: The Madrona Manor Wine Country Inn is also an option, if you prefer (no additional charge). Just note on the registration form if you prefer this hotel.
Tour Reviews
“It was a great trip – well organized, well guided, timing was good. We went to some of the top restaurants and good on some wonderful quiet roads. The icebreaker wine tasting on the first night was alot of fun. Enjoy the champagne tour and the wine tour – just the right amount. The guides were very attentive and fun. Went out of their way to make sure we were getting the trip we wanted.”
“Our guides were fabulous, they had done some pre-planning and they were a joy to ride with. Fabulous bikes!”
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