Wholistic<\/strong>\u00a0refers to the idea or philosophy that all parts of a thing are interconnected, with a focus on complete systems rather than simply upon individual parts. At Sojourn, we pride ourselves on the wholistic consideration that drives\u00a0the creation of our tours. The time you spend with us isn\u2019t just<\/u> about the biking, or the scenery, or the places you visit \u2013 it\u2019s bigger than that. Your time with us is a wholistic experience<\/em>, mindfully crafted by Sojourn staff, designed to transcend typical active vacations and deliver on our promise of \u201cThe Good Life, By Bike.\u201d<\/p>\n There is perhaps no better showcase for this wholistic approach than our wine country bike tours. Whether you travel with us through the well-known appellations in California\u2019s Sonoma County, or to the distinctive microclimate of Canada\\’s Niagara Escarpment (a ridge carved by ancient glaciers) that supports Ontario, Canada\u2019s most active wine region, you can expect a luscious fusion of cycling, culinary delight, and vinous exploration.<\/p>\n Sonoma\u00a0Wine Country<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n With more than 425 wineries, miles of rugged coastline, and breathtaking redwood forests, Sonoma County represents the best of Northern California \u2014 premium wines, farm-to-table dining options, unique resorts and spas, and dozens of\u00a0state and regional parks.<\/p>\n While it\\’s not one of our \u201cofficial\u201d stops on our Sonoma Wine Country bike tour, we always encourage guests to visit Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves<\/a>. Winding your way to the quiet end of West Dry Creek Road brings you to this unconventional spot, providing an opportunity to gaze back over the vast fields of grapevines nestled into the landscape abutting Dry Creek. First,\u00a0in their tasting room with a selection of white wines for consideration, and then in the\u00a0unique wine caves where an array of red wines are available to taste, a visit to Bella gives you a delightful\u00a0glimpse into the unique character of this region. Grape vines completely cover the hill that shelter the cave; beneath the sprawling vines in the cool, low light of the cave\u2019s interior Bella\u2019s Zinfandels take center stage. Bella is one of the first stops guests might opt to make on the inaugural day of this tour. When you visit, stop for a moment and take in the scene. Smell the fragrance on the breeze. Taste and enjoy the wines that originate right there. This is what you came for.<\/p>\n A few days later, as you pedal down California\u2019s coastline on the renowned Highway One, consider how much your surroundings have changed. The rolling hills of the vineyard valleys have given way to the rugged coastline and sound of the crashing surf. Do you taste the saltiness in the air, and relish the warm sun on your face? Once, as we spun our way toward Bodega Bay along this route, a guest exclaimed to me, \u201cMy face hurts, I\u2019ve been smiling so hard.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s that<\/span> buoyant feeling that floats you into Bodega Bay Lodge<\/a>. From its coastal perch, the Lodge offers unparalleled views of the Bay, Bodega Head, and the Pacific Ocean. The sun sets slowly over the tide pools and marshes that adjoin the spot, affording breathtaking western views and opportunities to view the myriad waterfowl that make their home here. Walking the manicured grounds of the Lodge, between the guest rooms and the property\u2019s many onsite amenities, it\\’s hard not to have\u00a0a feeling of restfulness and contentment here on the edge of the continent. In the morning, a short walk down to Doran Beach affords you the feeling of sand between your toes and the sights of pink, high clouds as the sun returns in the east. From our wholistic viewpoint, it\u2019s not just the ultra-comfortable king bed, the award-winning restaurant, or the heated pool and whirlpool spa; it\u2019s a combined experience of the sun and surf, the food and wine, the rides and rest. It\u2019s no wonder we stay here for two nights.<\/p>\n When it comes time to depart the coast, and start our trek back inland, a day of riding through the coastal farmland provides a glimpse into yet another landscape and microclimate. Cattle lazily grazing, goats and sheep dotting the hillsides, and a stop at the Tomales Bakery<\/a> capture the rustic charm of this part of Marin County perfectly. The bakery\u2019s pizzettes \u2013 oh my!!! Enough said.<\/p>\n Pedaling our way up to the bohemian enclave of Occidental, we look forward to winding down our Sonoma Wine Country bike tour at the recently-opened Hazel Restaurant<\/a>. Husband and wife team Jim & Michele Wimborough spent 15 years cooking in kitchens around the Bay Area before moving to Occidental to create Hazel. With a strong commitment to using local, seasonal and sustainable produce, meats, and fish, the restaurant features two wood-fired ovens that drive the ever-changing menu. \u00a0Jim uses his many years of experience working with live fire to make rustic, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Michele\u2019s expertise and love of pastry lies in making all kinds of sweets including fresh fruit shortcakes, creamy pot de cr\u00e8me<\/em>, decadent sundaes, and a large variety of cookies and cakes. The menu changes seasonally, but some of our guests\u2019 favorites have been the fried Brussels sprouts, the corn pizza, and the Branzino (European sea bass). Not too long ago, we shared this wonderful online write-up<\/a> about Hazel through our social media outlets, and our guests\u2019 comments\u00a0confirm it: \u201cThe corn pizza is truly to die for\u201d \u2013 \u201cThe meal we had there was fabulous\u201d \u2013 and, our favorite, \u201cCrazy good food!\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s not one place, or one ride, or one meal that will define your Sojourn adventure along the\u00a0Sonoma coast in California. When you think back to each of these parts, it will remind you what you felt as part of\u00a0the whole.<\/p>\n Canada-Niagara Wine Country<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Mention \u201cNiagara\u201d and most folks probably conjure up visions of the iconic falls \u2013 and then, unfortunately, stop right there.\u00a0 In reality, this charming and unforgettable destination offers\u00a0much,\u00a0much more, boasting a burgeoning culinary scene and a landscape of vineyards and orchards stretching across the countryside. Canada\\’s Southern Ontario is in roughly the same latitude as southern\u00a0France\u00a0(Provence\u00a0and the\u00a0Languedoc) and Ontario vineyards and wineries produce world-class wines in the table wine, Icewine, and sparkling wine categories. With few hills to be found, cycling here is as laid-back and approachable as the friendly Canadians who welcome you to the region. In truth, it is the perfect location for a wine country bike tour.<\/p>\n To be clear, there\u2019s no glossing over the fabled landmark. A ride along the Niagara River Recreation Trail kicks off this Sojourn excursion with a terminus overlooking the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. During the ride, excitement builds as the river widens and roiling rapids begin to appear. Ahead, clouds of mist mark the nearly 200\\’ drop over Horseshoe Falls that\u00a0stretches a half a mile in width as it thunders over the escarpment. The beautiful park overlooking the falls offers the perfect spot to relax and contemplate the power of this natural wonder. Following your visit to the falls, a short transfer brings you to the charming wine country town of Jordan, and your first of two nights at the Inn on the Twenty.<\/p>\n As a pioneer of regionally-focused cuisine, the highly regarded Inn on the Twenty Restaurant<\/a> (also known as \u201cOn the Twenty\u201d) continually delights guests with delicious farm-to-table creations that help contextualize Niagara wines with regional cuisine \u2013 what the restaurant calls \u201can easy task, with the bounty of Niagara all around us for inspiration.\u201d Their goal is to make seasonally-responsive, innovative dishes that complement regional wines and leave guests with a completely refreshed understanding of the Niagara peninsula. Your introduction to this bountiful region begins in Cave Spring Cellars<\/a>, the respected winery owned by the Inn on the Twenty and the restaurant that bears its name. Savor a glass of their renowned Riesling in the wine cellar before dining overlooking the Twenty Valley and the property\u2019s lush perennial garden. With an interior backdrop of fine Ontario art, the restaurant conveys an elegant, yet still casual feel. On the Twenty staff love food and wine, and love to talk about it, too! These knowledgeable ambassadors for the region are one of the many reasons why we consider the Inn on the Twenty an integral and beautiful part of Sojourn\\’s Niagara wine country tour.<\/p>\n Of the vineyards and wineries you might visit in the region, Stratus is among the most extraordinary. Stratus Vineyards<\/a> sits on 62 acres near the southeastern border of the Niagara Lakeshore sub-appellation, and shares the benefits of the region with its neighbors, while enjoying advantages that are uniquely its own. That is to say: the vineyard is distant enough from Lake Ontario to grow grape varieties that need warmer temperatures in the summer, while simultaneously in close enough\u00a0proximity to the lake to protect vines from early autumn frosts. Constructed in 2005, the \u201ccozy but cool\u201d tasting room is part of what Stratus may boast as Canada\u2019s first LEED-certified building, and serves as a chic spot to sample from eleven varieties of red and seven varieties of white. In describing themselves, Stratus writes \u201cthe winery, like our signature assemblage wines, is a composition \u2013 a whole greater than the sum of its parts. On their own, the individual elements are distinctly unique \u2013 a diversely planted vineyard with unusually rich soil; a sustainable facility that unites tradition and science to serve the winemaker\\’s art; and a retail gallery with adjoining tasting rooms that are both chic and welcoming. Working together, they create wines and experiences that are truly memorable.\u201d Undoubtedly\u00a0it\u2019s this connection to a wholistic approach that first drew us to them.<\/p>\n Perhaps a recent guest\\’s description of her experience best captures the flavor of our Niagara-Canada wine country tour:<\/p>\n \u201cThis trip exceeded my expectations! The beauty of the area; riding on small, very good roads with almost no traffic, or on the bike paths; riding bicycles along the Niagara River to the Niagara Falls; outstanding Canadian wineries and wine that we haven\\’t even heard about before; charming towns and inns; very friendly Canadian people; and of course Sojourn guides are people that are hard to say goodbye to. Even though this tour is rated as \\”easier\\” I would recommend it to any level of cyclist.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n I opened this post by defining wholistic as interconnection that creates a whole experience. That\u2019s true of our trips, but it also applies to you, our guests. The people you meet, the laughter you share, the new friendships you create \u2013 these are some of the most memorable parts of your\u00a0Sojourn experience. Please come join us for one of our exceptional wine country bike tours.<\/p>\n Sojourn<\/a> is a boutique tour operator offering bicycling and active vacations in the US and Canada. Based in Charlotte, Vermont, Sojourn is known for its one-of-a-kind itineraries, exceptional tour leaders, and personalized service. Jim Beebe-Woodard is Sojourn\u2019s Tour & Operations Manager.<\/em><\/p>\n If you enjoyed these photos, please\u00a0follow our Facebook page<\/a>\u00a0for others, or follow us on Instagram: #gosojourn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Wholistic\u00a0refers to the idea or philosophy that all parts of a thing are interconnected, with a focus on complete systems […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[91,92,115,116,117,118],"class_list":["post-9126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-wine-country-bicycle-tours","tag-wine-country-bike-tours-2","tag-california-bike-tours-1","tag-california-bicycling-tours-1","tag-sonoma-bicycle-tours","tag-sonoma-wine-country"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\\\"Sojourn](\\\"https:\/\/gosojourn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Sojourn-cyclist-wine-country.jpg\\\")
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