Tandem to Tastings

There are certain activities that really showcase the subtle and not-so-subtle interactions of a couple. Cue the tandem bike. And toss in some wine! There might be no better place to try a tandem than in Sonoma, because of its easygoing bike route that connects multiple wineries. Ready to double-up (or, double-down…)? Rent your two-person cruiser at Wine Country Cyclery or Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and ask for a map. A few considerations before you roll: the person in front controls the brakes, while the person in back can decide not to pedal, and nobody will know the difference. Let the shenanigans begin! Pedal past Sonoma State Historic Park's General Vallejo Residence and follow the bike path east to Lovall Valley Road, gateway to some star wineries. Test your four-legged pedal-power on the Gehricke Road incline to Ravenswood Winery, tucked on a hillside. Relax with some rosé on the Adirondack chairs overlooking the valley hills. After a little wine, the downhill goes smoothly, and quickly! Our recommendation: bike to Sonoma's Best for deli sandwiches and choose a route. Bartholomew Park Winery has excellent picnic options under stately oak trees, and neighboring Buena Vista is a California Historic Landmark. Ambitious riders should pedal the country road to Gundlach Bundschu (aka GunBun), the oldest family-run winery in California. Lock up your bike and spend some time strolling the Plaza too—the tasting rooms are within walking distance. Double trouble!

Wine Country Cyclery, 262 West Napa St., (707) 996-6800. Sonoma Valley Bike Tours, 1254 Broadway, (707) 996-2453. Rental rates range from $40 to $60. There are limited tandems so book ahead. The bike path is dog-friendly and so are the wineries, though we’ve yet to see a dog riding a tandem.