SONOMA BY BIKE. A BEAUTIFUL RIDE THROUGH SONOMAS HISTORIC VINEYARDS
Forget the car. One of the best ways to experience Sonoma is by stepping outside, hopping on a bike, and heading down Thornsberry Road. This quiet, tree-lined street is a gentle introduction, setting a scenic and leisurely pace. Within minutes, you feel that instant, transformative shift: the road opens up to rolling hills and vineyards stretching to the horizon.
From here, a perfect loop of historic and beloved wineries unfolds, offering charm and excellent wine accessed primarily by bike.
The Classic Shortcut: Gundlach Bundschu
Your first stop is a local classic, affectionately known as "Gun Bun." Gundlach Bundschu holds the distinction of being the oldest family-owned winery in California, but its biggest draw for cyclists is the entrance itself. Tucked behind the vineyards, a small, discreet gate offers a bike-only and hiker-only entrance. Riding in this way feels like a secret shortcut—quiet, scenic, and slightly magical. The winery invites you to relax at a shaded table to enjoy its historic, casual ambiance, allowing the ease of the ride to set a relaxed tone for the rest of the day.
Timeless Elegance and Hidden Peace
Just a short, gorgeous ride further is Buena Vista. Stepping onto this estate feels like a European escape, defined by ivy-clad stone buildings, shaded courtyards, and deep golden light filtering through the trees. As one of California's oldest commercial wineries, it carries its history beautifully, making it an elegant mid-morning stop.
Continuing the quiet journey, you soon arrive at Bartholomew Park. This estate is slightly tucked away, which enhances the satisfaction of arriving by bicycle. Surrounded by soft hills and oak trees, the grounds are expansive, offering vineyards, meadows, a historical museum, and walking trails. It’s a peaceful, understated retreat—the perfect place for a quiet mid-ride respite.
A little farther, yet still an easy extension of the route, is Scribe, one of Sonoma’s most beloved destinations. If atmosphere and design are as important as the wine, Scribe will feel like coming home. The overlook from the hacienda and the way the afternoon sun perfectly illuminates the vineyards make this a truly memorable stop on two wheels.
Why the Journey Matters
Biking this route is not about reaching a destination quickly; it is about immersing yourself in the landscape. You become acutely aware of the valley—feeling the gentle rise of the hills, enjoying the scent of warm vines and dry grass, and feeling the wind in your hair and face, allowing you to notice details you would entirely miss from a car.
This route captures the best of a day in Sonoma: light, beautiful, connected, and full of those small, perfect moments only experienced when you are truly part of the ride.
