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California Wine Country 2008 - Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Arrive in Yountville

We meet at the Yountville Inn, located in Yountville, California. This city, set south of St. Helena in Napa Valley, gives visitors access to one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Surrounded by vineyards, Yountville boasts a central location minutes from over 200 premium wineries, 4- and 5-star restaurants, boutiques and shops. Art and culture abound, with galleries displaying local and regional artwork and the Napa Valley Museum, dedicated to the preservation of the region. Yountville has also earned the distinctive title of “Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley,” due to its fine dining and numerous restaurant options. After settling in, meet your Trip Leaders at 3:30 for a safety and bike-fitting session and a short warm-up ride. Tonight we dine at a local restaurant in town.

Meals: D  Hotel: Yountville Inn

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Pedal the Silverado Trail to St. Helena

Our morning cycle takes us north along the Silverado Trail — the Napa Valley's remarkable wine road. Along the trail are members of the Silverado Trail Wineries Association, renowned for their focus on making unique and exceptional wines (some of which can only be purchased directly from the winery). They joined together to inform visitors about their location, nestled in the quiet, less-traveled areas of the valley. Ranging from small, family-run operations to large producers, the Association welcomes guests to “T.O.A.S.T.,” an acronym for “Touring On or Around the Silverado Trail.” As we cycle along the Silverado, you may wish to visit Silver Oak, Mondavi, Charles Krug or Beringer to mention a few. Stop to sip bubbly at Mumm Napa Valley winery. As we continue on, perhaps you'd like to pick up provisions for a picnic lunch at the Oakville Grocery or have lunch in St Helena at the Silverado Brewery. Later, you may opt for the Culinary Institute's cooking class demonstration. This afternoon, enjoy free time to continue exploring more wineries, browse Yountville's shops and galleries or relax in the pool at Yountville Inn. Tonight, dinner is in one of Yountville's fine restaurants.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Yountville Inn

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle from Yountville to Sonoma

We cycle south along the Silverado Trail, stopping to visit more wineries and their tasting rooms as we continue through the Carneros district. Renowned for its still and sparkling wines, this area of low hills and flatlands follows the San Pablo Bay from east to west. The wineries take advantage of the marine air, enabling them to grow cool climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We pause our journey to enjoy a picnic lunch at a local winery before continuing on to Sonoma. Once in Sonoma, we'll have time to explore the town and it's Spanish Mission — the northernmost Franciscan Mission in California. The town is set around its historic central plaza, making it easy to stroll along the shop-lined streets. You have time to visit the Sonoma Cheese Shop, walk through the town square, visit the museum or perhaps purchase some local produce or wares at the farmers' markets. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Meals: B,L  Hotel: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Ride from Sonoma to Kenwood / Chateau St. Jean picnic

After a leisurely breakfast, we start our day with a ride from Sonoma through the Valley of the Moon. This region gained its name from the Native Americans who first noticed the moon as it ascended in the evening sky — it appears to rise, again and again, over the peaks and glens of the Mayacamas mountain range. This morning, we stop at a local olive press for a tour of the facility, and then a tasting of their products. Continuing on, we cycle to the town of Kenwood, arriving at the beautiful Chateau St. Jean winery. Surrounded by vineyards and lush, manicured grounds, you can see the inspiration taken from formal estate gardens in Italy and France. We visit the Vineyard Room for a tasting and then enjoy our picnic lunch. Following lunch, we'll transfer to our hotel in Healdsburg, where you have the rest of the day to settle in and explore the town. This vibrant town is known for its historic downtown Plaza, which has always been enjoyed and used as an event and performance site. Visit the museum, stroll along the river though Railroad Park or perhaps explore one of the galleries showcasing local paintings, photography, glassware and jewelry. This evening you may dine at the hotel or at a local restaurant.

Meals: B,L  Hotel: Madrona Manor Alternate Hotel: Hotel Healdsburg .   This luxurious, modern hotel sits on the edge of Healdsburg’s Plaza, minutes from vineyards, local restaurants and shops. The hotel offers luxurious spa treatments, a fitness center and lap pool. Enjoy fine Sonoma vintages and fresh California cuisine in the hotel’s Dry Creek Kitchen.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Explore Healdsburg and Russian River Valley

Enjoy the famous wineries of the lush and scenic Russian River Valley as we cycle to the majestic Armstrong Redwoods Park. Here we stop to picnic in the shade of an ancient, towering Redwood forest. Afterwards we continue on to Healdsburg, perhaps stopping for a tasting at Korbel, Hop Kiln or Rabbit Ridge wineries. We arrive in Healdsburg with time to freshen up before rejoining the group for a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Meals: B,L,D  Hotel: Madrona Manor Alternate Hotel: Hotel Healdsburg .   This luxurious, modern hotel sits on the edge of Healdsburg’s Plaza, minutes from vineyards, local restaurants and shops. The hotel offers luxurious spa treatments, a fitness center and lap pool. Enjoy fine Sonoma vintages and fresh California cuisine in the hotel’s Dry Creek Kitchen.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Cycle Dry Creek Valley / St Helena

After breakfast, today's route takes us through the Dry Creek Valley, a beautiful, winding landscape with a unique microclimate. Although it seems to be the same altitude, you might be surprised to spot a redwood grove while cycling, round another turn and find majestic oaks, or even palm trees and cactus! Along the way you may wish to visit a few notable wineries like Passalacqua, Dry Creek and Ferrari Carano. We stop for lunch in Jimtown at the general store. After lunch, we shuttle to St Helena in time for a shower before saying our goodbyes.

Meals: B