Vintage Velo
Sonoma and Napa Valleys, California
 |
| Les Mars Hotel (Les Mars Hotel) |
Lance might rethink his retirement when he hears about Getaway Adventures' Napa and Sonoma cycling trip—a veritable Tour de Vin ($950, including bike rental, hotels, and meals; 800-499-2453, www.getawayadventures.com). Getaway Adventures has been leading bike tours in the Sonoma and Napa valleys since 1991, and they get it just right on this four-day, 156-mile sip-and-spin excursion. The ride winds north from Calistoga to the wildflower-filled meadows of Sonoma Valley—and, along the way, several flights of cabernets and zinfandels at Frank Family Vineyards. The road kicks up the Valley of the Moon to Bodega Bay, but a sampling of crisp chardonnays at Matanzas Creek Winery is the perfect reward. Day four follows the rugged Pacific coast to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, leaving plenty of time for a bubbly toast or two at Korbel Champagne Cellars. At trip's end, in Healdsburg, if you haven't had your fill—or you're too tipsy to ride home—book a night at Les Mars Hotel (doubles, $425–$995; 877-431-1700, www.lesmarshotel.com), the town's newly opened boutique inn. The 16 guest rooms have soaring ceilings, roaring fireplaces, canopy beds, and mountain views. Plus there's a library where you can settle in with a book and—what else—a glass of vintage merlot.
