What’s California known for? When people dream of touring California, what are some top
items they include on their bucket list? For Faith and Albert Sun, touring Wine Country from the seat of a bicycle, pedaling past rows of undulating vineyards while enjoying an invigorating sensory experience, was an adventure that simply couldn’t be matched anywhere other than California’s Wine Country. California’s famous Wine Country holds a prosperous spot in the top ten wine regions in the world. Walking around the vineyards, enjoying a relaxing atmosphere, and tasting some of the best wine in the world was a dream that Bucket List Publications was able to make happen for Faith and Albert. Exploring the California Wine Country can be an adventure by itself; however, experiencing it via bike adds an element of intrigue that can make for a more memorable vacation altogether. Faith and Albert’s Cycling in the Vineyards Tour with Napa Valley Bike Tours was coupled with a three night stay at MacArthur Place to create a bucket list dream vacation beyond their wildest imaginations.
Faith and Albert arrived at MacArthur Place, located in the beautiful Sonoma Valley Wine Country, on April 10th, 2012. MacArthur Place is a luxurious 64-room hotel and spa set in the midst of wineries, fine dining, shops, and unique galleries. Their suites are individually designed and appointed to provide the ultimate in relaxation and comfort.
Opening the doors to a king-sized bed, sitting area, DVD/CD player with six-speaker surround-sound, fireplace, wet bar, refrigerator, air-conditioning, original artwork, over-sized bathroom with forty-jet hydrotherapy tub, grape seed bath amenities, plush terry robes, wireless Internet, and balcony was like stepping into a “famous life” for three nights. Faith’s spirits rose as she posed on the king-sized bed and envisioned her perfect slumber.
MacArthur Place is set among seven acres of spectacular gardens filled with original sculpture. Flagstone walkways lead Faith and Albert past hedgerows, fountains, and benches to the heated pool and whirlpool.
Dining was a special experience at MacArthur Place. The Suns enjoyed a romantic dessert at Saddles Restaurant, located in the beautifully restored historic barn on the estate.
MacArthur Place created the perfect juxtaposition of century-old Sonoma with modern-day luxury and amenities. The two-story Victorian house which dominates the property, was built in the 1850s and is reported to be one of the oldest Victorian homes in Sonoma while the state-of-the-art conference facility, restaurant, and full-service spa services create contemporary bliss.
On the second day of their stay, Faith and Albert took part in the Cycling in the Vineyards Bike Tour with Napa Valley Bike Tours. Before they got rolling, their tour guide ensured that they were completely comfortable with the fit and handling of their bike.
Within the first mile, they found the pace of their guided bike tour was definitely catered to casual tourists. With a casual pace and frequent stops, the emphasis was on enjoying the scenery while introducing them to boutique and family-owned wineries along the way.
They were led by a local, knowledgeable tour guide who was there to enhance the education of the “vineyard-to-bottle” process. They pedaled an average of 2-4 miles between each winery visit. They felt the fresh air and were part of the scenery instead of seeing it through the windows of a car, van, or limo.
A highlight of their day was enjoying a catered picnic lunch at a winery overlooking the vineyards.
Through the Napa Valley Bike Tour, Faith and Albert were able to get out and experience the vineyards up close, engaging all five of their senses to create dream-like lasting memories.
The bike ride through the vineyards exceeded Faith and Albert’s expectations. It was their first time visiting California’s Wine Country, and the bike tour made their trip a true bucket list experience. They were able to visit small boutique wineries that offered a great interactive experience and return to MacArthur Place for a royal retreat.
As a “faithful” reader, Faith and Albert envisioned making their bucket list dream of touring wine country a reality, but Napa Valley Bike Tours and MacArthur Place surpassed their expectations and lead them on a bucket list adventure of a lifetime.
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Submit your bucket lists to: [email protected]
Put “Bucket List” in the subject line.
Include your name, blog address, current city/town & country
See http://www.bucketlistpublications.com/2012/02/09/2012-bucket-list-adventure-awaits/ for an example bucket list.
We are making bucket list dreams a reality! Maybe you could be the next bucket list adventure recipient.
We’ve already offered a free skydiving tandem jump with deluxe video package from Skydive San Diego. We also organized a complete vacation package at Revelstoke Mountain Resort with heli skiing, accommodations, and downhill skiing included. Matebele Limo delivered a Bucket List reader to the destionation of his dreams – the back of a chauffeured Rolls-Royce limo, and now Faith and Albert will cherish their Wine Country adventure for the rest of their lives.
We’re aiming for at least one bucket list adventure recipient a month!
Bucket List Publications 
…& The Bay Bridge !
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That’s so cool… Almost like “Sideways” on a bike…!
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Pretty fancy!
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My wife and I are pretty avid bicyclists, and we tried that once. After 3 wineries, going very light on the wine, we regretted the bikes! Especially on a warm day in Mendocino, which is not as flat as Napa. I advice a limo or a DD!
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Both Faith and Albert loved the bike tour and would do it again. It was laid back and fun 🙂 Maybe the flatter lands made a big difference.
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this sounds amazing! i am so going to do this. thank you for the great read. xo, sweet mother
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They loved the experience and would highly recommend it. My husband and I are not wine drinkers but we’re considering the tour just for the scenery. 🙂
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Nice!
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Another dream come true — I really like this story! Great adventure so great job Lesley! — Margie at ‘IMINA Travel and Events.
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It is such a great, uplifting feeling to actually put something like this together for a reader. I am truly blessed. 🙂
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Hi Lesley,
Thanks for liking my last post on babyboomewrites.wordpress.com, much appreciated.
If you like the wine country in California, you might like the Okanagan Lake country in British Columbia as well. There is a strong Aboriginal component here and the involvement of our native peoples in the industry is very encouraging. The one I must mention is the Nk’Mip winery and resort in Osoyoos, just across the border with the US, and its related grounds, the winery and desert interpretative centre and not to forget, its rattlesnakes! There are tours and it’s worth while attending one of the wine festivals in the area.
A completely different kettle of fish is Mexico City, where I was a few weeks ago. I might make that a blog post.
Keep up the good work,
Johanna van Zanten
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Sounds decadent. Would love to do Napa like that.
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This trip would be perfect for you. It suits your personality perfectly. 🙂
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I enjoy reading your posts. They make me smile. You are very talented, thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Your posts are always heart felt and creative. I’ll be sure to check back again soon.
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Absolutely love adventure by bike!!
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I’m with Don. I would love to bike or run through that country, but our last experience wine tasting we hired a driver and toured 8 wineries. No matter how little you drink, there is no way I could’ve gotten on a bike! But that said, I think it’s an interesting idea for those who can!
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It’s actually a pretty natural rhythm to finish a wine tasting, chat a bit and take a ride over to the next location. The time between drinking is sufficient. I’m not a heavy drinker and still had no trouble staying balanced on the bike
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This is just so amazing. Every time I read one of your posts, I am so overwhelmed by the beauty of what you guys do. Loved this post. You gave me a great idea for a vacation as well. 😀
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Wondering how the customer service was on your travels. Any Non-winning experieces?
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Wow! Being someone who has bin born and raised in Northern California there is so much this state has to offer as far as things to see ! The wine areas of California are some of the most colorful places around! Some of the Mountain trails are some of the other things I enjoy and others should check out sometime for sure.
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I’ve always wanted to go wine tasting. This reminded me of that want.
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I love California, mostly because I’m from the land of Ice and Snow, but I’ve never been to Northern CA. I would love to see San Fransisco and the Napa Valley. I read somewhere once that San Fran. is the most visited city in the world!
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Reblogged this on westsideluxeliving.
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It looks and sounds awesome! I absolutely LOVE your skydiving photo at the top of your page!
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Thank you! It was an amazing experience! Have you ever been skydiving?
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No, i haven’t. But it must be incredible! I’ve been parasailing and on the “Ulitmate Rush” swing at the Hilton in Reno. Do you have your actual bucket list shared here? I’m wondering what else to add to mine! ( :
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I only keep a yearly bucket list but you can see it here: http://www.bucketlistpublications.com/2012/02/09/2012-bucket-list-adventure-awaits/
Since I now have a 3 week old, my list has a different slant for this year. 🙂
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Love the pictures of the vineyards, I should write a piece on them, the raw cultivation and ability of nature to create. Never been to California but would absolutely love to, especially after reading this piece 🙂
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That sounds like a perfect anniversary gift… Tina and I love biking! Do they do tours in October? That is our anniversary.
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@Veronica, in Napa Valley you can take the wine train which takes passengers for a tour in many vineyards, wine tasting and lunch on board of the train, a 1920 style train, renovated to its original splendor. It is so romantic.
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Sounds like a fabulous trip! I love the combination of pleasure (drinking wine and enjoying beautiful scenery) with a little something for the body (biking). We never managed to tour the California wine country while living in Arizona, but maybe now that we’re in Germany we can try Italy…
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I’m jealous!^^
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What a great idea. I’m going to France at the end of May and have already showed this to my boyfriend as possible ideas for us while we are there. Great post.
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Sounds like a dream come true!
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Living the dream. It has been beautiful here in Napa for the last two weekends. Come again!
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What a perfect pairing between MacArthur Place and Napa Valley Biking Tours! Dream vacation for sure! For me, the Napa Valley and the redwood forests tie for my favorite place in all of California!
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This is really amazing
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