Itinerary
Print Itinerary- Day 1
Exploring West County
Your guides will meet you in San Francisco, and we’ll transfer you north across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. Begin with the essentials: a bike fitting, safety talk, and map review before tasting cheeses at Marin French Cheese company. Our ride will take us past Sonoma’s rural ranches and pastoral farms. The biggest climb of the week comes early, but is rewarded with beautiful views of Tomales Bay. After lunch at a local cyclists’ hangout, we’ll continue to the sleepy town of Freestone, then choose a van transfer or continue a few more miles on the bike to the Bodega Bay Lodge. Tonight, we kick off the tour with an exquisite meal at Terrapin Creek.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Marin French Cheese Company, Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay
Accomplished: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 1,469 feet / 448 meters
Longer Option: 43 miles / 69 km, elevation gain: 1,748 feet / 533 meters
Accommodations: Bodega Bay Lodge - Day 2
The California Coast
Today’s ride highlights the variety of Northern California: start by pedaling past the rugged headlands of the Pacific coast and pause for a photo against a backdrop of rocky cliffs and dramatic, cresting waves. After a coffee stop, we veer east along the Russian River. En route to Healdsburg, pause for a picnic lunch in the shade of towering redwoods at a local reserve. After, hop in the van and head directly to Healdsburg or challenge yourself with some extra miles amidst the vines. Tonight, we’ll join our friend Mary for a private dinner at the beautiful Healdsburg winery she owns with her husband Bob. A winemaker and self-taught chef, Mary dazzles us with her culinary talents, pairing each dish with the estate’s fabulous wines and unique tales from the vineyard.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pacific Coast, Route 1, Russian River Valley, Westside Road, Healdsburg
Accomplished: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 1,157 feet / 352 meters
Longer Option: 47 miles / 75 km, elevation gain: 2,076 feet / 633 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Healdsburg or Harmon Guest House - Day 3
Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys
This morning, ride West Dry Creek Road in a region replete with welcoming vineyards. As we cross into Alexander Valley, quiet backroads reveal dreamy views of the Mayacamas Mountains, and we’ll stop for a coffee amidst acres of vines. After lunch, visit our favorite local winery to sip on crisp Chardonnays and juicy Zinfandels, then return to the hotel for an afternoon by the pool. Tonight is your free night—take advantage of the 30+ tasting rooms lining Healdsburg’s historic square, and turn to your guides for a dinner recommendation to suit your tastes.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Jimtown Store
Accomplished: 38 miles / 61 km, elevation gain: 1,519 feet / 463 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Healdsburg or Harmon Guest House - Day 4
Chalk Hill Road and the Gateway to Napa
Bid Healdsburg farewell this morning as we pass once more through the Russian River Valley. This time, we’ll continue east on Chalk Hill Road, an eight-mile stretch lined with pastures, stables, and celebrated vineyards. Turn towards Napa Valley where the road opens up with views of Mount St. Helena, and finish the ride with an epic lunch. This afternoon, settle into your next hotel—a stunning spa property in Calistoga—with a well-deserved massage, or explore the perfectly manicured town. Enjoy a local dinner with your guides in nearby Saint Helena.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Chalk Hill Road, Knights Valley, Calistoga
Accomplished: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 1,574 feet / 480 meters
Longer Option: 37 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 2,020 feet / 616 meters
Accommodation: Solage Calistoga - Day 5
Undiscovered Napa
The focus of our day is discovering a side of Napa that remains relatively untapped. Begin with a challenging six-mile climb up Howell Mountain, or catch a lift in the van and begin riding from the top. The rest of the way to lunch consists of miles of unexplored roads as we meander past Lake Hennessey and down towards St. Helena. Grab lunch from a funky food truck at a local winery owned by a family of cyclists—when enjoyed with the estate’s own wines, it’s a fun and relaxed take on wine pairings. After lunch, choose to keep riding, transfer back to the hotel, or explore the shops and tasting rooms of St. Helena.
This evening, we’ll gather at the home of our friends Sarah and James—an acclaimed chef and master sommelier—for a special farewell dinner. James will guide us through one final taste of the Napa Valley, sharing select bottles from his private collection as we raise a toast to an unforgettable week.Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Howell Mountain, Chiles Pope Valley, St. Helena
Accomplished: 26 miles / 42 km, elevation gain: 983 feet / 299 meters
Longer Option: 40 miles / 64 km, elevation gain: 3,076 feet / 937 meters
Accommodation: Solage Calistoga - Day 6
Farewell to Wine Country
On your final morning, join your guides for an invigorating morning ride or sleep in and linger over one last poolside breakfast. Around mid-morning, your guides will drive you back to San Francisco via Napa Valley for a final, sweeping overview of some of the region’s most famous vineyards. Or, we can help with alternate transportation if you plan to stay a little longer in Napa.
Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Franz Valley, San Francisco
DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
Arrival Details
Airport City: San Francisco or Sonoma, California Pick-Up Location: San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf Pick-Up Time: 9:00 am
Departure Details
Airport City: San Francisco or Sonoma, California Drop-Off Location: San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf Drop-Off Time: 1:00 pm
Arrival and departure details for alternate itineraries and future year departures may be subject to change.
Travelers Take Note
DuVine searches for the most scenic roads that simultaneously offer ideal riding conditions. In Napa and Sonoma, some roads are popular with motorists and cyclists alike. Our routes may include short sections on busier roads, but the support van is always available if you wish to avoid stretches with heavier traffic.
Additional Details
Tour Arrival: 9:30 am at the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco
Tour Departure: The Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco around 1:00 pm
If you are flying out on the last day of the tour, please do not reserve your flight before 4:30 pm as there is only one transfer back to San Francisco from the last hotel.
IMPORTANT: It is possible that where and when your tour starts and ends can change. Please contact your tour coordinator before you finalize any plans.
Dates + Availability
Inclusions + Details
Accommodations
- Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
- Luggage transfers
Meals
- Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
- 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
- Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal
Activities
- Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
- Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service
Gear
- Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
- Bike helmet
- Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
- GPS in most destinations
Support
- Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
- Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
- Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
- Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance