Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour in Arizona

If you’re considering a day in Sedona that mixes outdoor activity with a bit of indulgence, the Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour might catch your eye. It promises a blend of e-biking through vineyards, floating down the Verde River, and tasting some local wines — all in about four and a half hours. While this tour isn’t for everyone, it offers a pretty memorable way to see the area and enjoy some relaxing moments, especially if you love a bit of adventure combined with wine.

What we really like about this experience is how it offers both active and laid-back elements. The guided e-bike tour gives you an intimate look at Alcantara Vineyard, and the river float is a refreshing way to unwind and take in the scenery. Plus, the inclusion of wine tastings and food makes it feel like a well-rounded day. That said, it’s not without its quirks — such as the slightly higher price point and the need for moderate physical fitness — so it’s worth considering if it fits your style.

One potential snag? Not everyone might be comfortable with the physical aspects, like biking and kayaking, especially if mobility isn’t your strongest suit. Also, as indicated in some reviews, the experience can sometimes hit snags with booking issues, which is something to keep in mind. Still, for those who enjoy outdoor activities paired with wine, and a small, well-guided group, this tour could be a good pick.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a mix of activity and relaxation, appreciate good wine, and don’t mind a bit of physical effort. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling in a small group or with friends who enjoy hands-on experiences. Let’s break down what makes this tour tick and whether it’s worth your time.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of activity and leisure: Combines e-biking, river floating, and wine tasting.
• Small group setting: Max 10 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience.
• Includes food and wine: Great for wine lovers looking to enjoy local flavors.
• Moderate physical effort required: Suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.
• Potential booking hiccups: Some reviews mention issues with reservations.
• Cost reflects experience: At $235 per person, the value depends on your appreciation for active outings paired with wine.

What to Expect from the Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Sedona’s scenic beauty blended with local viticulture, all packed into a four-and-a-half-hour window. It kicks off with a guided e-bike ride through Alcantara Vineyard, offering a chance to learn about the vineyard’s unique varietals. It’s a unique way to see the rows of grapes, and the guided aspect means you’ll get insights about the wine-making process along the way.

The Vineyard Experience

Starting at Alcantara Vineyards, you’ll hop onto an electric bike — easy to handle, even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. The guided tour here isn’t just about pedaling; it’s about appreciating the landscape, learning about the vineyard’s history, and tasting what they produce. The visit includes access to their tasting room and barrel room, if open, which is a real treat for wine aficionados.

The tour includes a $20 credit for wine tasting, so you can sample a variety of wines. The guides are knowledgeable, making the vineyard part engaging and educational. Based on reviews, the guides seem to keep the atmosphere fun and informative, which adds to the overall experience.

Transition to the Verde River

After your vineyard exploration, there’s a brief shuttle ride to the river access point. Here, you’ll receive safety and paddle instructions from your guide — don’t worry, it’s straightforward, especially with the guidance provided. The inflatable kayak will be your vessel for the float trip, and the scenery along the Verde River is pretty spectacular, with canyons framing your view.

The River Float

The highlight for many is the 90-minute float down the Verde River. It’s relaxing, with enough activity to keep it interesting but not exhausting. The float offers great photo opportunities and a chance to unwind as you drift through the canyons.

Ending at the Vineyard

The tour concludes back at Alcantara Vineyard, where you can enjoy a final wine and food tasting. This relaxed ending caps off the day, letting you savor the wines and reflect on the experience. The food pairings are typically well-received, complementing the wines perfectly.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the things that drew us to this experience is how it combines multiple facets of outdoor fun with wine tasting, making it suitable for those who want more than just a typical vineyard tour. The guided elements — from the vineyard to the river — help you get the most out of your day without having to plan logistics yourself.

The small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention, and the overall vibe is friendly and relaxed. The included transportation and paddle instructions ensure that even beginners feel safe and confident during the river float, which is a big plus.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What We Love

• Knowledgeable guides: They keep the tour lively and informative, making the activities more meaningful.
• Diverse experience: Combining vineyard tour, e-biking, kayaking, and wine tasting offers variety, so your day never feels monotonous.
• High-quality wine tasting: The wines are well-selected, and the tasting room offers a nice selection to enjoy after your activities.
• Scenic views: The Verde River and canyon scenery are genuinely beautiful, providing a memorable backdrop.

The Drawbacks

• Price point: At $235 per person, the tour isn’t cheap, but the combination of activities and included tastings offers a fair amount of value.
• Physical effort: The tour requires moderate fitness, especially during the e-bike ride and kayak paddle. If you’re someone who prefers very relaxed outings, this might be a bit much.
• Booking issues: A reviewer shared an unfortunate experience where their tour was not recorded, and they received no confirmation initially. While this seems to be an exception, it’s worth double-checking your reservation.
• Weather dependency: Like all outdoor activities, it’s weather-dependent. Poor weather can lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys a hands-on approach to wine tasting, coupled with light outdoor activities, this tour could be an excellent fit. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who want to combine scenic beauty with some gentle exercise, and those who appreciate small-group tours.

It’s best suited for adults with moderate physical fitness who are comfortable on bikes and kayaks, and who want to experience a multi-layered adventure in a beautiful setting. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who shares your enthusiasm for active leisure and wine, this tour can be a memorable highlight.

Final Thoughts

For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, learn about wine, and relax with a scenic float, the Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour offers a creative way to spend part of your day in Sedona. The guided approach means less planning and more seamless fun, especially if you’re new to kayaking or biking. The included tastings, interesting guides, and beautiful scenery make it a well-rounded experience.

However, it’s not a budget activity, and the physical demands might turn off some travelers. Be prepared for potential weather issues and double-check your booking details to avoid surprises. This tour is a solid choice for adventurous wine lovers who don’t mind a bit of effort and enjoy small-group, guided outings.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
This tour is primarily designed for adults with moderate fitness levels. It involves biking and kayaking, which might be less suitable for young children or those with mobility concerns.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the use of an e-bike, inflatable kayak, a $20 wine tasting credit, air-conditioned transportation, shuttle services to the river access, and paddle and safety instructions from guides.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including all activities and tasting breaks.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, outdoor activities depend on good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, making for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing you to cancel for a full refund.

Are the activities suitable for beginners?
Guides provide safety and paddle instructions, and the equipment is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners with moderate fitness.

What if I don’t like wine?
While wine tasting is a key part of the experience, you can still enjoy the scenic views, the outdoor activities, and the overall outing.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity, plus sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Bring water and a sense of adventure.

If you’re curious about combining vineyard exploration with water-based fun, and you’re okay with a bit of physical effort, this tour could be just the thing. It’s a different way to see Sedona, with the bonus of tasting some local wines and soaking in some truly gorgeous scenery.