Dolce Tempo in Santa Barbara County: 6 Days of Biking, Wine, and California Coastal Magic
- Vanessa Tripp
- May 24
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Notes from Vanessa:
Our 6-day Backroads bike adventure through Santa Barbara County exceeded every expectation. Sharing this "Dolce Tempo" experience with my sister was the perfect way to discover active luxury travel—thoughtfully planned adventures that balance challenge with comfort.
As a beginner cyclist, I loved how Backroads made the experience accessible. Their philosophy means you participate at your own pace, cycling every mile or taking the support van when needed, or hanging back by the pool. It's active travel without intimidation.
🍷 Day 1: Wine Country Welcome
Started with wine tasting at Zaca Mesa Winery, followed by our first 21-mile ride through Foxen and Ballard Canyons, passing 16+ wineries. Made stops for photos and even discovered a lavender farm.
Stayed at Mattei's Tavern Auberge (incredible property!), then headed to Story of Soil Wine for my favorite tasting of the trip. The owners' passion came through in every sip—I joined their wine club immediately and now get treated with bottles every few months straight to my door.
Dinner at Nella Kitchen Bar introduced me to Pinza—airy, cloud-like pizza dough that I'm now obsessed with. I am still trying to perfect the recipe at home. We strolled through charming Los Olivos boutique shops and arrived back at the property, surprised by lovely treats from the turn-down service. I had the best sleep ever.
☀️ Day 2: Embracing Dolce Tempo
Took a break from biking to enjoy Mattei's Tavern Auberge amenities, including a Mercedes-Benz for farmers market shopping. Lounged by the pool and had dinner with our inspiring group of active travelers. The Dolce Tempo approach is perfect for beginners—challenge yourself (or not!) while feeling completely supported.
🌊 Day 3: Wine Country to Coast
A 24-mile ride from Goleta Beach through Hope Ranch to Butterfly Beach became my favorite. Blooming flowers and sea air made it hard not to stop for photos every few minutes. Backroads' flexible pacing allowed for spontaneous stops while maintaining the meditative quality of cycling.
Explored Santa Barbara's State Street (amazing farmers market!) before checking into Belmond El Encanto. Every detail of this property made me never want to leave.
🌴 Day 4: Pacific Coast Highway Magic
Our longest ride—34 miles starting at Rincon Beach along the iconic PCH. Miles of swells and surfers created a soundtrack while cycling and brought an unplugged peace I didn't know I needed.
Stopped at Ventura Pier for Mexican lunch, then hit the original Patagonia store before finishing on the Ventura River Trail. I love California's active lifestyle—you can bike everywhere while accessing clean, good food.
🍑 Day 5: Ojai Valley Exploration
Explored downtown Ojai's sourdough bakeries and boutiques before rejoining our group at Ojai Olive Oil. Their hand-bottled, passionate approach to traditional olive oil production was inspiring. Fell in love with every flavor and can't wait for my shipment home.
The ride back passed miles of lemon and orange groves—simple beauty against mountain backdrops. Ended with pink sunset views from Ojai Valley Inn's pool.
🚲 Day 6: Farewell
Final breakfast at Ojai Valley Inn and lunch at Ojai Rotie (incredible rotisserie chicken) before our scenic mountain drive back. While the experiences, food, and hotels were exceptional, it was the people, especially our Backroads guides, who made this trip unforgettable.
Final tally: Over 100 miles biked, new friends made, incredible properties explored, and a new passion discovered
Why Choose Backroads
Perfect for beginners or for seasoned athletes, participate at your comfort level and your own pace
Activities for everyone: biking, hiking, surfing, paddling, and more
Luxury accommodations that provide comfort after active days
Thoughtfully curated dining and wine experiences
Small groups that foster meaningful connections
Exceptional guides who are passionate and knowledgeable
This experience perfectly embodies luxury active travel—physical challenge combined with cultural immersion and refined comfort. I'm already searching for our next family multi-adventure trip!
Need to Know
Preparation and Packing: No need to bring your bike—Backroads provides high-quality Trek hybrid bikes that are perfect for the varied terrain. However, I highly recommend bringing padded cycling shorts and gloves. The weather can vary from coastal fog in the morning to warm afternoons, so pack layers. Don't forget a light jacket for evening dinners, as some restaurants can be chilly.
Beginners: Having some basic cycling experience helps you fully enjoy longer days like the 34-mile Pacific Coast Highway ride. The support van is always available, but you'll want to be on the bike to experience those magical coastal moments. Consider doing a few longer rides at home before your trip to build confidence.
Wine Shipping: Many of the wineries offer shipping, which I highly recommend since you'll want to take home bottles from Story of Soil and others. Some have wine club options that provide ongoing access to their limited productions. The olive oil from Ojai Olive Oil also ships nationwide—order online after your trip, since you'll likely finish the bottles you buy there quickly.
Timing Considerations: Spring through fall offers the best weather, with late spring providing the most wildflowers along the routes. Summer can be busier at popular stops, while fall offers harvest season energy at the wineries. The small group size (typically 12-20 people) creates an intimate experience regardless of season.
Beyond the Itinerary: If you have extra time, consider extending your stay in any of the three regions. Ojai Valley Inn offers excellent spa services perfect for post-trip recovery, while Santa Barbara's State Street provides additional shopping and dining. Los Olivos has more tasting rooms within walking distance if you want to explore further.
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own Backroads experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
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