Many wine enthusiasts travel to Napa County and Sonoma County during the spring and summer seasons for wine tasting, sightseeing and relaxing. Little do most know there is a fun, unique and health conscious way to tour wine country. A paved former rail line is now a path leading from Santa Rosa west to Sebastopol and is open only to bikers and hikers. Out of town tourists or visitor's to wine country lacking a mode of transportation, can rent bicycles at Santa Rosa's NorCal Bike Sport along with a useful Sonoma County bike trail map.
There are many fun and delicious experiences to be had along this little used trail. The wildflowers and apple trees are in full bloom in the spring and an abundance of wildlife is prevalent for the riders viewing pleasure. A few suggested stops along the way are the goat dairy, Redwood Hill Farm. Here a visitor can sample fresh, homemade goat cheese, watch the young goats run through the pastures and even participate by milking a goat. There is also Hop Kiln Winery where one has the option to picnic in their beautiful outdoor area or just sample some wine and start the journey back to Santa Rosa. There are also a plethora of festivals and outdoor markets depending on the time of year and a list can be viewed on the Sonoma and Napa County websites.
This route is an all day bike ride starting at 8:00 am and returning to Santa Rosa by 5:00 pm. For those who are beginning bicyclists check the distance of the bike route first. The rail line from Santa Rosa to Sebastopol is 12 miles one way. There is always the option of a shuttle that will pick riders up at a prearranged destination if time and exertion are factors. The staff at NorCal Bike Sport can help a rider determine the best route for their group.
