It’s Summertime and the livin’ is easy (especially when you are in the
beautiful Alexander Valley!). The activities are endless and on a
single day, you can pack in as many wonderful, sensory fulfilling
adventures you would like! Submerged, myself,  in the local industry
(wine), I love the summertime because I continue to be introduced to
new, cool day trips from all of the guests that come through the
valley.

Whether you are a bride-to-be, a groom-to-be, honeymooning, visiting
for the sake of visiting or even passing through to another
destination; Alexander Valley has the view, the food, bikes, canoes,
kayaks, the river, the back country roads, wine tastings and the place
to crash if you have too much fun! Although, is there such a thing!?
The Hope-Merrill bed and breakfast is a quaint, old school B & B that
is sure to please those that want that attention from the
innkeeper/owners, good food and cozy rooms. The Geyserville Inn is
another wonderful place to stay with views that are so absolutely
stunning, they are sure to take your breathe away!

The days are much longer in the summer and its a good thing because
the is so much to see and take in! I always enjoy a bike through the
valley taking in the views. Beginning my ride near Simi Winery, I
always enjoy a stop along the roads to photograph the beauty along the
railroad tracks with my Iphone. The rusty tracks with purple, white
and orange flowers (in the early part of Summer) are the perfect
setting for the envy shot (the one I post for my friends who are
unable to enjoy it in person)! Even when the grass turns (the later
part of summer), the rustic elegance shines through in the bright
sunshine with the rough, rust peeling from the railroad tracks.

Fresh fruit is key so just past my stop is a small stand on the side
of the road across from Alexander Valley Road that I like to pick up a
few things to enjoy with lunch. I continue north, up to Lytton Station
& Geyserville Avenue where the vineyards are endless and view of the
mountain range in the distance is spectacular. The road into
Geyserville shows off new art: a bright pink stick person “Running
Home” because Geyserville/Alexander Valley feels like home to anyone!
After a leisure ride through the valley, I like to get my hands on a
hearty turkey and cranberry from the Geyserville Mud. Pair that
sandwich with the refreshing taste of the Mud’s famous cold pressed
coffee (take it black, you will be surprised at how naturally sweet
the beans really are!).

After a nice filling lunch and some fuel for the soul, I like to make
a stop at one of my favorite Ma and Pop wine tasting rooms: Route 128.
Not only are Lorna and Pete (the owners) two of the best people, but
their Viognier is to die for and is the perfect accompaniment with my
dinner later! The ride is not over, the ride deep into the heart of
Alexander Valley is phenomenal even from the road. Past the Grange
Hall on the left are vineyards belonging to Rodney Strong, a staple
winery with their Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon is something to write
home about (that is the vineyard we are passing). Moving along the
road, the River Rock Casino is in the distance and many beautiful
private homes when finally I arrive at the driveway of one of my
favorite stops: Stryker Sonoma. I like this winery mostly because of
the wine and the people but to be honest after riding through the
valley, it’s the one hill I can cycle up without feeling like passing
out and I still get “the view from above”. Cycling through the valley
in the summer can be difficult so it’s imperative to stop and say
hello to friendly folks, plus, they do not mind if you stop in for the
restroom or to see the view.

Heading home on Alexander Valley Road I cross the Alexander Valley
bridge where the campground is. This is a popular spot for locals and
visitors to take a quick dip or relax by the Russian River. The canoes
down below the bridge remind me of the fun of canoeing down the river
and biking through the valley. Getaway Adventures offers a fun tour
called the Pedal N Paddle. The Rivers Edge is another local shop to
rent a fun water vessel to get yourself into the Russian River for the
afternoon should you fancy creating your own experience.

Although, I enjoy abiding by my own itinerary, I  also recommend a
guided tour to my guests because it is a more hands on experience and
a wonderful way to learn about the area from a professional, when you
are visiting. Getaway Adventures serves the Alexander Valley visitors
well. They are known for their “Sip N Cycle” (among other tours of
course) providing the perfect itinerary for each group or individual.
Visit vineyards such as DeLormier and Robert Young accompanied by a
tour guide to help with the wine tasting experience and even enjoy a
luxurious lunch. Ride along wine country roads like Red Winery Road
visiting some of the family owned wineries Alexander Valley is known
for, “Our philosophy is ‘Get away from it all’, so wherever tour buses
go, we head in the opposite direction as far and as fast as we can!”
President Randy Johnson says. They strive to create the perfect
experience for their guests. Exclusive tours are available at wineries
such as Skipstone, a hard to find, off the beaten path estate making
some of the most amazing Cabernet Sauvigon I have tasted (worth a
visit)!  All of the tours are supported with a van and a local guide
for safety and education, both on the bike and off. “Our guides are
the best in the business…we select, train and retain the best
possible guides that act as a wine educator, Sherpa, concierge, chef,
confident, all wrapped into one!” Explains President Johnson. Their
company offers services to ship your wines, feed you a locally
inspired lunch and ensure you end your day safely.  I know first hand
what they do for their guests and would recommend their services and
experiences to anyone.  This truly is a funway to experience Alexander
Valley!

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Article in Sonoma Discoveries Magazine- Healdsburg Tribune/Sonoma West