Explore the best vineyards while enjoying the great outdoors.
You don’t need to travel to Tuscany to experience the magic of a bike ride through wine country.
There are plenty of designated bike trails all over the U.S. — passing by small family farms and major wineries — where you can stop and sample the local terroir. Depending on the destination, you can sign up with a tour guide or take a self-guided tour of these wine routes while pedaling through stunning scenery. Here are seven bike-friendly trails to explore this summer.
1. Applegate Valley Wine Trail — Southern Oregon
For robust biking routes, head to the southern part of Oregon, home to renowned wineries such as Troon Vineyard, Schmidt Family Vineyards, and Red Lily Vineyards. The bikeable Applegate Valley Wine Trail spans 50 miles and offers a diverse range of varietals including cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and chardonnay. The Applegate River is the main highlight of this trail as it opens up to areas like cattle and organic produce farms as well as one of the standout wine appellations: the 275,000 acre Applegate Valley AVA.
2. River Road Wine Trail — Monterey County, California
Monterey County is globally renowned for wine and diverse scenery, and covers Big Sur, Carmel Valley, and Pebble Beach. Its 45-mile River Road Wine Trail has many bikeable portions along its route. This region boasts a Region I climate (think: Burgundy, France, where chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah thrive). The Wine Trail runs from the edge of Salinas through the Santa Lucia appellation to its end at Arroyo Seco — the vineyards here sit high up on the southeast-facing terraces of the mountain range and overlook the Salinas River Valley. Be sure to visit Pessagno Wines, known for creating wines of distinct character and elegance, Hahn Winery, and Chalone Vineyard, the oldest-producing vineyard in Monterey County. For a guided experience, VineCycle hosts e-bike Vineyard Tours.
3. North Fork Vineyards — Long Island, New York
East End Bike Tours takes visitors on wine tours covering scenic views, tree-lined streets, architectural landmarks, and picturesque vineyards throughout Long Island, New York. Wildlife, harbor views, and greenery unfolds while biking this region. The Classic Wine Country Tour (ranging from 12 to 16 miles roundtrip) is a guided bike tour cycling through North Fork’s wine country. Seasoned guides will lead you on a ride overlooking the tranquil Peconic Bay to two unique vineyards. Along the way, you’ll pass farm stands offering local fruit, pies, veggies, honey, and jam. You’ll find vinegar and herb-infused olive oil tastings from Long Island’s Crushed Olive and learn about the winemaking process.
4. Door County Wine Trail — Door County, Wisconsin
There are 10 exciting wineries located on the Door County Wine Trail. They may not be the easiest for biking, as some are on main highways, but it’s worth exploring if you are an advanced biker. For beginner bikers, there are three easily bikeable wineries in close distance that steer clear of the highway. Start at Door 44 and make your way to Simon Creek. From there, bike to Door Peninsula Winery and finally cross the highway to Red Oak Winery. The Door County Wine Trail features wine that is made with local fruits like cherry and apples, but also cold-hardy varietal grapes. A few wineries on the trail bring their grapes in from as far away as Washington and California. The assortment of wines on the trail will please any wine connoisseur’s palate.
5. Woodinville Wine Country — Woodinville, Seattle
Woodinville Wine Country is just 20 miles northeast of Seattle, making it the perfect getaway for those traveling to the Emerald City. Though the majority of Washington’s vineyards are located on the other side of the state, Woodinville is home to 130 wineries and tasting rooms representing the whole of Washington’s terroir. It’s the perfect place to “taste the state,” as you can sip a Cabernet from Walla Walla, and then walk down the street to swirl a rosé from Yakima Valley. Bike along the Sammamish River Trail, a wide, 10-mile scenic greenway that's home to riverside parks and farms. Along the route, stop in at Delille Cellars for top-rated cabernet sauvignon and then across the street at Chateau Ste. Michelle for a picnic on the bucolic historic grounds of Washington’s founding winery.
6. North Valley Vineyards — Albuquerque, New Mexico
From Historic Old Town Albuquerque, cyclists can pedal to Albuquerque’s North Valley wineries, like Casa Rondeña Winery, Vara Winery and Distillery, Noisy Water Winery, as well as others via a 12-mile route primarily along the Paseo del Bosque Trail. “The Bosque” is a paved, multi-purpose trail meandering through the metro area along the Rio Grande — with minimal crossroad interruption. The trail takes riders through a cottonwood forest featuring porcupine and other wildlife-viewing opportunities. Additionally, the Bosque offers access to the Rio Grande Valley State Park, public art at Tingley Beach, Rio Grande Nature Center, the Albuquerque BioPark, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center. For a guided tour or for bike rentals, check out ABQ Uncorked: Bike & Wine Tour by Routes Bicycle Tours.
7. Napa Valley Vine Trail — Napa, California
This 47-mile trail stretches from Vallejo to Calistoga and offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. As you pedal through the heart of Napa Valley, you'll pass by world-renowned wineries such as Robert Mondavi, Stag's Leap, and Domaine Carneros, where you can stop for tastings and tours. The trail itself is well-paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of rolling vineyards, picturesque hills, and charming small towns. Keep an eye out for the Napa River, which runs parallel to the trail in several sections, adding a serene backdrop to your ride.