Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Weekend Getaways: Exploring California Wine Country by E-Bike
Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 30, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Swap out the Gatorade for full-bodied reds and crisp, refreshing whites. Here are the best spots for exploring California wine country by e-Bike!
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Cycling through scenic vineyards— stopping for refreshing wine tastings— may conjure up images of the European countryside, but we can have this experience in our own backyard! Exploring California wine country by bike is a picturesque adventure that makes for the perfect weekend getaway.
There are guided tours and self-guided routes that pass through beautiful wineries, combining stunning landscapes with delicious wine stops along the way. Traveling by electric bike means you can ride further and have more energy to focus on those exquisite wine tastings— that’s what we’re all here for, right?
Below, I’ve harvested the top destinations around the Golden State that barrel-age the ideal blend of wine and wheels!
Santa Ynez Valley
I have great memories from my bike trip through the Santa Ynez Valley a few years back. I was traversing the southern half of the state and passed through the charming town of Solvang, known for its Danish heritage. The area is full of beautiful wineries and vineyards, and I made sure to stop for a refreshing wine tasting, though my full Lycra outfit wasn’t as elegant as the fermented grape juice I was drinking.
Riding through the Santa Ynez Valley— including Solvang, Los Olivos, and the surrounding areas— can be a great day out or an entire weekend getaway. There are plenty of wineries with different options, including farm-to-table restaurants, olive oil tastings, and lavender farms, though that’s where I learned I was allergic to that lilac stuff. There are plenty of bike shops to rent bikes as well as tour companies to organize your ride if that’s what you want.
I enjoyed my ride through the Santa Ynez Valley so much that the area made it one of my list of the best road bike routes in the US, so it’s definitely worth checking out! Plus, there’s wine, so… duh.
Temecula Valley
An alternative flavor to the more famous Napa Valley in Northern California, the Temecula Valley near San Diego hits all the right tasting notes. There’s a super high density of dozens of award-winning wineries, so you can visit a whole bunch without having to travel far— moderate mileage but plenty of tastings sounds good to me!
The Temecula Valley is a great option for people who live in Los Angeles, San Diego, or Orange County since it’s so close by, including scenic views of mountains, valleys, and lush vineyards. The weather is great year-round, and the rolling hills are comfortable, especially when cruising on a hybrid e-Bike or step-thru model that’s easy to get on and off. There are several local bike tour companies for hire, or you can explore on your own!
The Temecula Valley is a great option for people who live in Los Angeles, San Diego, or Orange County since it’s so close by, including scenic views of mountains, valleys, and lush vineyards. The weather is great year-round, and the rolling hills are comfortable, especially when cruising on a hybrid e-Bike or step-thru model that’s easy to get on and off. There are several local bike tour companies for hire, or you can explore on your own!
Napa Valley
A wine region that needs no introduction, Napa Valley is a premier destination for wine tours on two wheels. Its proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area makes it a convenient choice for a weekend adventure, but this world-famous spot is worth a much longer trip! There are hundreds of wineries, so you can hit multiple in a single afternoon, using the Silverado Trail and network of dedicated bike paths.
Seriously, this region is breathtaking, and experiencing it on a bike is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty. Many of the routes are flat, easy roads in areas like Yountville and Rutherford, and there are more challenging vineyard climbs near St. Helena and Calistoga. Cabernet Sauvignon fans will be in love with Napa, and there are curated experiences to satisfy your palate, from food pairings, private tastings, and tours. And if you’re into luxury and high-end hospitality, Napa has got you covered, too.
Seriously, this region is breathtaking, and experiencing it on a bike is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty. Many of the routes are flat, easy roads in areas like Yountville and Rutherford, and there are more challenging vineyard climbs near St. Helena and Calistoga. Cabernet Sauvignon fans will be in love with Napa, and there are curated experiences to satisfy your palate, from food pairings, private tastings, and tours. And if you’re into luxury and high-end hospitality, Napa has got you covered, too.
Paso Robles
For the wine-loving cyclists looking for an underrated gem, Paso Robles offers a less densely populated and more relaxed adventure through some of the best wine country in California. Located near San Luis Obispo, there are over 200 wineries, and many of them specialize in bold reds like Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The region has little traffic, and the wineries are a bit more spread out, but an electric bike lets you cover that extra distance without more effort. I especially love the fact that many wineries in Paso Robles are family-run and can offer a more down-to-earth, personal experience than what you might find in more commercialized wine regions.
The region has little traffic, and the wineries are a bit more spread out, but an electric bike lets you cover that extra distance without more effort. I especially love the fact that many wineries in Paso Robles are family-run and can offer a more down-to-earth, personal experience than what you might find in more commercialized wine regions.
Upway puts down roots in California
Upway recently opened its newest UpCenter in Los Angeles! We’re officially West Coast neighbors and soaking in the California sun, and occasionally sipping the wine, too. Upway sells new and used electric bikes from the top brands, with deals of up to 60% off! If you’re thinking of exploring wine country, grab an electric road bike or gravel e-Bike for a taste of speed and performance!
🤝 Looking for a sweet deal?
Get an even better discount when you sell your old electric bike!
Click here for a price estimation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Should I charge my e-Bike after every ride?
Yes— keeping the battery fully or nearly fully charged ensures you have enough range for your next range and maintains optimal battery charge levels. Modern batteries are much better equipped to avoid problems from overcharging.
Does California have an e-Bike rebate?
Yes, California has a statewide electric bike voucher program. The program has just released its second round of applications and will continue to release vouchers as long as funding remains. Income-qualified California residents can take advantage of the California E-Bike Incentive Project for a discount of up to $2,000.
Key Takeaways
- California wine regions like Santa Ynez, Napa, Temecula, and Paso Robles are ideal for scenic e-bike tours with plentiful winery stops.
- E-Bikes make exploring hilly terrain effortless, letting you focus on tastings, views, and unique local experiences like olive oil and lavender farms.
- Whether you prefer luxury in Napa or laid-back charm in Paso Robles, there's a wine-and-wheels weekend for every taste and riding level.
