Pedal your way through breathtaking wine regions around the world on these cycling tours. Cycle through the Sonoma Valley with Wine Co...
Pedal your way through breathtaking wine regions around the world on these cycling tours.
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| Cycle through the Sonoma Valley with Wine Country Bikes. |
By Ian Centrone, Fodor's Travel
Exploring a new destination by bike is a travel trend that
isn’t going away anytime soon, and we’re certainly not complaining about
it. Add some wine to the mix and you’re well on your way to a truly
spectacular escape.
For intrepid travelers, there are plenty of options that
offer unique ways to sip and cycle through the most stunning sceneries
on earth. From brand new routes to classic trails, here are a few of our
favorites.
Mendoza
[post_ads]Steak, tango and fútbol are three things Argentines do well, but their wine is one of the country’s crown jewels. The province of Mendoza
produces some of the finest varietals in South America, thanks to a
combination of idyllic weather, soil composition, and extreme elevation.
To experience Mendoza’s most prestigious wineries, consider Say Hueque’s three-day experience,
where you will pedal along the foothills of the magnificent Andes
Mountains and sip on signature blends such as Malbec and Cabernet. Other
adventurous activities include hiking, horseback riding, and white
water rafting.
Sonoma County
Visitors flock to California’s Sonoma County
year-round to enjoy miles of rugged Pacific coastline, expansive
redwood forests, and a premium culinary scene. With more than 425
wineries, it also provides a perfect weekend getaway for wine-lovers.
Enjoy contemporary luxury with this three-night Short Escape package from
Wine Country Bikes, which combines professionally led and self-guided
tours for a one-of-a-kind experience. The casual course twists through
the rolling hills of Dry Creek Valley and allows participants to explore
a diverse range of wineries, from humble, family-owned operations to
large-scale productions.
Québec
As any Francophile knows, Québec is the Canadian cultural hub where old and new converge in effortless harmony. Join Butterfield & Robinson’s private six-day itinerary
that begins in cosmopolitan Montréal and culminates in charismatic
Québec City. You’ll cycle through woodland paths, on cobblestone
streets, alongside sparkling lakes, and past local treasures such as
historic chapels, ancestral manors, and enchanting antique shops. It’s
no surprise that the French-speaking capital of Québec City takes its
wine seriously, so expect plenty of robust reds, delicate whites, and
cheeses galore along the way.
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Burgundy
Few know wine better than the French, and Burgundy is one of the country’s leading regions for oenophiles. Partake in DuVine’s four-day Sommelier on Wheels tour,
led by award-winning Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy. Highlights to
anticipate include cycling the Route des Grands Crus among Burgundy’s
most esteemed vineyards, private tastings, and Michelin-starred cuisine,
including a final dinner at 1243 Bourgogne Society, the world’s most exclusive members-only wine club. Book the brand new tour now, which will officially launch in October.
Piedmont
Italy’s Piedmont region
may be revered for its wine, cheese, and truffles, but its striking
landscapes make it a dream to discover by bicycle. Treat yourself to VBT’s 10-day tour through
the area’s hilltop villages dotted with verdant vineyards and ancient
castles. Along the winding roads, you’ll learn about Italian grape
production, sip on Spumante, tour a grappa distillery, join a
truffle-hunting expedition, converse with locals in cantinas, and enjoy
sumptuous farm-to-table cuisine that gave rise to the region’s famed
slow food movement.
Peloponnese
[post_ads]Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula
is lapped with azure waters and draws tourists from all corners of the
globe for its storied past and lush vineyards. This all-inclusive six-day Peloponnese Trekking Bike Tour
by Travelncycle is a must for history buffs and epicures alike. The
diverse course is chock-full-of archaeological sites, ancient cities,
seaside villages, and some of the best wineries in the Mediterranean.
Spend your days retracing the mythological steps of Hercules as you
learn about Greek wines, weave through olive groves, and swim in the
Ionian Sea.
Clare Valley
Pack your bags and head Down Under to explore Australia’s Clare Valley at your own pace with a three-day, self-guided cycling adventure with Tour de Vines.
The Riesling Rail Trail is a fan favorite, thanks to its charming
cellars, rolling estates, and relatively level trails. The region’s
viticulture roots trace back to the mid-1800s, and today its winemakers
are celebrated for their fragrant, full-bodied Rieslings. Feel free to
bring your own bike or rent one from their fleet (including ebikes with
pedal assist technology).
Khao Yai
When you think of Thailand,
chances are wine tourism isn’t among the first things that come to
mind. However, hidden just two hours north of Bangkok, visitors will be
delighted to find Asoke Valley. The little-known Khao Yai countryside is
building a reputation as one of Asia’s top up-and-coming wine regions.
Speckled with elaborate Buddhist temples and home to a patchwork of
luxuriant vineyards, the area produces a surprising selection of wines.
Experience it firsthand with this two-day cycling tour, including three winery visits and unforgettable landscapes.
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Empordà
The Empordà region of Catalonia, Spain
is a spectacular (albeit under-the-radar) destination for oenophiles;
in fact, it’s often referred to as the “undiscovered Tuscany.” Here,
cultural heritage combines with a rich gastronomic legacy surrounded by
undisturbed nature. Ride along its myriad medieval villages, rural
plains, national parks, and panoramic vistas overlooking the
Mediterranean on Bacchus on Bikes’ three-day itinerary.
The classic Pirinexus route is comprised of peaceful back roads that
venture to vineyards dating back centuries. Here, you will meet
fifth-generation wine producers who will eagerly introduce you to their
signature blends.
Casablanca Valley
Chileans have been producing wine since the 1550s, and the Casablanca Valley
has quickly established a foothold as one of the top wine regions in
South America, renowned for its refreshing whites and robust reds. Upscape’s day-long bike trip brings thirsty cyclists to award-winning wineries such as Emiliana and Loma Larga Vineyards.
The coastal breeze provides the perfect temperature for cool-climate
viticulture and ideal cycling conditions. Be sure to taste the Sauvignon
Blanc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.
Willamette Valley
Those in search of a tailor-made itinerary should look no further than LifeCycle Adventures. Their Oregon bike tours through the Willamette Valley
are completely customizable, allowing you to handpick every detail,
including duration, preferred distances, accommodation style, and more.
Routes can combine natural wonders through this wine-lovers’ paradise,
such as the impressive Columbia River Gorge and snow-capped volcanoes of
Mount Hood. The region is home to more than 200 wineries and is
respected worldwide for their vintages, so there’s truly something for
every palate.
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