"Why should I choose Napa Valley Bike Tours?"

"How far is Napa Valley Bike Tours from San Francisco?"
Depending on traffic, we are a 60-80 minute drive from San Francisco. Click Here for a map, or enter our address into any web-based mapping site (6795 Washington Street, Yountville, CA).

"How can I get to your shop from San Francisco without a car?"
It's hard, but not impossible. Take the Baylink Ferry to Vallejo, then catch The Vine (Bus #10) to Yountville. Plan on this trip taking 3 hours one way.

"How far will we ride on the bike tour?"
Our standard bike tours offer 15-20 miles of leisurely paced cycling on relatively flat terrain. For cyclists who are looking to break a sweat, the Wine Country Workout Ride option allows you to get in 20-30 miles before lunch and then about another 10 casually paced miles with the rest of the group in the afternoon..

"What if I don't want to ride anymore?"
A passenger van follows every tour we offer for three very good reasons: 1) To offer transportation for guests who do not want to cycle anymore (our van drivers love company!); 2) To pick up your wine purchases along the way; and 3) To carry any of your personal belongings (i.e. extra layers of clothing) that you don't want to carry with you on the bicycle.

"Which wineries will we visit on our bike tour?"
This is a difficult question to answer until a few days before your schedule tour. We realize that you want to make arrangements for the other days you will be in the valley. We invite you to give us the task of working around your schedule. Let us know where you have appointments and we'll steer away from those wineries.

"How much are the tasting fees?"
Typically, wine tasting fees range from $10-$15. Some wineries may waive your tasting fee if you purchase wine. It is rare for tasting fees exceed $15 per person. You should know that it is perfectly acceptable to share tastings, dump out your glass if you don’t care for the taste, or even skip a tasting. Some of the wineries we visit may offer tours and depending on the winery, there may be a charge for their tour. In our experience, wineries that charge for a tour have great reason to do so and are well worth the experience!

"How many wineries will we visit?"
Our full-day bike tours visit 3-4 wineries. Half-day bike tour guests visit 2-3 wineries.

"What's the lunch like?"
Our tours include a catered picnic-style lunch served overlooking the vineyards. You'll enjoy a selection of deli sandwiches, fresh salads and varying sides (e.g. olives, garlic dip, hummus, etc.).

"How much should we tip the guide?"
Gratuities are welcome, but never expected. You may give gratuity to your guide at your discretion. If you need a guideline, $10-$20 per person is typical.

"What kind of bike should I ride?"
By far, the vast majority our tour guests ride our Specialize Sirrus model road hybrid. This touring bike offers all of the efficiencies of a road bike, but with a wider, more comfortable seat and more of an upright riding position. For experienced cyclists looking to for something more comparable to their bike at home, we have road bikes, which we can equip with an array of pedals for a $6. You're welcome to bring your own shoes, or we have SPD-standard shoes available to rent. We also have tandems, comfort bikes and mountain bikes in our rental fleet. For more information and photos of our bikes, please visit the Rentals page.

"Can I bring my own bike?"
You are welcome to bring your own bike; however, we assume no responsibility for the safety of nor any damage to your bike while on tour with us.  Some tours require us to load bikes on and off our tour vans. We cannot be responsible for scratches or other damages that may be incurred. Moreover, while riding your own bike with us, you will be responsible for any required roadside maintenance as well as any parts or tubes as needed.

"Should I bring my cycling shoes?"
If anything, cycling shoes are a bit "overkill" for our leisurely bike tours, especially when it comes to walking around the wineries. However, if you're planning to do a Self-Guided Tour or simply rent a bike, by all means bring your shoes. We have a limited inventory of pedals to match your cleats ($6 to install) or you're welcome to bring your own ($3 to install your pedals). And, if you forget your shoes, we do have shoes with standard SPD cleats available to rent.

"What should I wear on the bike tour?"
Cool mornings make “layering” the best choice for most activities in the Napa Valley. Remember, our tour van will be following your tour along the way, making it easy to abandon unneeded pullovers as it warms up. Beyond that, your main focus should be comfort. Denim jeans, with their thick seams, are usually not the best choice for a full day in the saddle. If you'll be wearing long pants, keep in mind that the right pant leg will need to be cinched or rolled up to avoid getting caught (we have Velcro bands for rental or purchase). We have cycling-specific shorts (with strategic padding) available in our retail shop, but these aren't a necessity. Upon request, your guide can provide you with a gel seat for additional padding. We also highly recommend wearing closed-toe shoes.

"What should I wear for dinner?"
Like the rest of California, the Napa Valley is exceptionally casual. That said, you have license to pretty much dress up or down as you like for your dinners on the town (with very few exceptions). Pretty much anything goes from "dressy jeans" to more sophisticated attire. You won't find many people wearing jackets or cocktail-wear, so when it doubt, keep it casually sophisticated. Do keep in mind that we have cool evenings year-round in the valley. Your limited luggage space would be well spent on the inclusion of a light jacket, sweater or wrap.

"What will the weather be like?" 
Check out our Weather page on our website.

"What happens if it's raining?"
We tour rain or shine. In the rare occurrence that the weather doesn’t cooperate, our guides will ride in the rain if you want, but they will turn into your chauffeur for the day just as quickly!  With your tasting appointments already scheduled, we'll visit the wineries as planned and should the weather clear up, your guide will take the bikes down off the roof rack, so you can get some riding in!

"Can I bring my children?"
Children are welcome on our bike tours and at the wineries we visit. We have three options available based on your child's age and cycling experience 1) Trailers, 2) Trail-a-Bikes, 3) Children's Bikes. While there are not always kid-centered activities available at the wineries, kids are welcome to play outside. If you'd rather not lock yourselves into a tour with 3-4 preset wine-tasting appointments, we recommend a Self-Guided Tour or bike rental.