Andy’s Hot List: Where to Ride in 2026
Written by Andy LevineOver the past year I’ve thought a lot about the reasons we travel. It’s simple—people want to feel something. They want to discover places no one’s talking about yet, sit at tables where they’re welcomed like family, summit mountains, chase big moments, and ride in the slipstream of the pros. They want to be inspired, and they want to come home changed.
It’s that spirit that keeps me pushing forward and searching for the next amazing destination. As DuVine enters its third decade, I’ve learned that the best rides are still ahead—and I’m excited to share the tours I think will shine in 2026. I hope they inspire you to travel deeply and dream a little bigger about where your bike can take you.

New Zealand | January
If you’re anything like me, New Zealand has been on your bucket list forever. And if you know DuVine, you can imagine how we’d want you to experience it. New Zealand is at the beginning of its rise in popularity among North American travelers, who come to the Land of the Long White Cloud for its world-class wine, unparalleled potential for outdoor adventure, and spectacular scenery.
Our tour heads to the wilder South Island, which still feels magical and under-visited. Between Queenstown and Wanaka, we ride a mix of quiet country roads, gravel, single tracks, and cycling paths—plus a full day of hiking. And the landscapes are unbelievable: crystal-clear blue lakes, glacial valleys, and snow-capped mountains all in a single day. If you want to see New Zealand in a way that most travelers never will, this trip will knock your socks off.
2026 Hot Pick: New Zealand Bike Tour

Uruguay | February + March
My trip to Uruguay felt like being let in on a secret. Like meeting someone you instantly click with, Uruguay is the kind of place that makes you think, “Where have you been all my life?”
It takes a little effort to get there, but once you do, everything feels right. One afternoon I had a traditional Uruguayan barbecue—or asado—on our friend Paola’s farm in the countryside. It rivaled anything I’ve experienced in Europe and felt so personal and special.
Now’s the time to go, because once there are direct flights to Montevideo, it’s only a matter of time before the crowds arrive. And when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, South America is where you want to be. The weather is beautiful—balmy air scented with eucalyptus, birds singing, and cloudless skies. I rode these gorgeous coastal routes that seemed to go on forever. No cars, just me (and the horses!) and the road.
2026 Hot Pick: Uruguay Bike Tour

Greece | April
I still can’t believe the Mani Peninsula has managed to stay under the radar. If you’re chasing those coastal climbs that culminate in long, swooping downhills, this rugged corner of the Peloponnese has all that and more. Even though it’s easy to reach from Athens, it still feels refreshingly untapped. The cycling here rivals anything I’ve done in Croatia and Mallorca—and if you loved those tours, this one will blow you away.
The food is classic, simple Mediterranean: beautifully grilled fish, homemade cheeses, and fresh, flavorful salads and mezes. The unique local white wines like Moschofilero and Assyrtiko are an adventure unto themselves. And every mile is also a history lesson, with frescoed Byzantine churches and ancient ruins straight out of the Odyssey. The whole region is a little wild and wonderfully off the map; I can honestly say it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.
2026 Hot Pick: Greece Bike Tour

Girona | May
Girona means cycling—full stop. It’s where the pros go for pure, world-class riding. If you consider yourself a cyclist, Girona belongs in your portfolio. Long, uninterrupted roads with zero traffic lights, flats that cross the Empordà, gorgeous coastal stretches, and some truly legendary cols—whatever terrain you’re after, Girona delivers.
Girona is like the Champs-Élysées for cyclists: I love checking out gear shops like Velodrom, then grabbing an espresso at La Fábrica. Our new tour also spends two nights at Rocacorba Cycling’s Can Campolier, owned by pro cyclist Ashleigh Moolman Pasio and her husband, former pro triathlete Carl Pasio.
Lately, we’re seeing increased demand for fitness-driven experiences that blend luxury with adventure—exactly what the Costa Brava does best. This region is the ultimate training ground, and with perfect spring conditions, it’s the ideal place to kick off your season. Plus, with the Tour de France’s Grand Départ from Barcelona, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for cycling in Spain.
2026 Hot Pick: Girona Challenge Bike Tour

Tuscan Coast | June
DuVine has always chosen the road less traveled, and we continue to seek out those secret pockets in the places we love. Tuscany is one of them. It’s a region we know inside and out, but the Maremma? Wow. Imagine everything you love about Tuscany—the rolling hills, the endless vineyards—then layer on the Bolgheri wine appellation and the sparkle of the Mediterranean. I’ve been biking in Tuscany for decades, but this tour made it feel completely new.
Our trip also hits the island of Elba, where I dedicated a day to the Giro d’Isola—an epic loop with a reputation for being one of Italy’s premier coastal rides. I dropped into the colorful town of Marina di Campo for a plate of perfect spaghetti vongole; the combination of home run cycling and lunch by water made the day a perfect 10. Countless DuViners have experienced classic Tuscany with us. Now we’re taking them to the sea. It’s the cherry on top of a place we love, and we can’t wait to share it.
2026 Hot Pick: Tuscany By the Sea Bike Tour

French Alps | July
The Savoie region of France holds a special place in my heart. It’s not an undiscovered destination by any means—Mont Blanc and Chamonix have some of Europe’s best skiing. But with bluebird skies and crystal-clear lakes for swimming, my opinion is that the French Alps are at their best in summer.
With a growing desire for hiking and multi-sport travel, this region delivers in a big way. Its wildflowers-filled pastures, classic alpine chalets, and uncrowded trails are a true escape, like stepping straight into a storybook. The whole place buzzes with pure, joyful energy.
Lake Annecy is just an hour from Geneva, so getting here is a breeze. My perfect day is biking around the lake, followed by an al fresco lunch on the water where I can watch the boats and hang gliders drift by. It’s a full-fledged summer wonderland—the kind of trip you do once and immediately think, “I need to do this every year.”
2026 Hot Pick: French Alps Bike + Adventure Tour

Basque Country | August
One of the things I love most about being on our tours is watching a DuVine guide open doors where only they can. In the case of our Basque Chef on Wheels tour, Mikel Olaizola isn’t just a longtime DuVine cycling guide with personal ties to Basque Country—he’s also a culinary savant and the chef around whom this itinerary is centered. It’s a rare combination of local expertise and tastemaker talent that makes this trip through Spain’s gastronomic heart totally unforgettable.
Culinary travel is part of DuVine’s DNA, and it’s hotter than ever right now for good reason: food is culture, history, and adventure rolled into one. Like all our Chef on Wheels trips, this one is intimate and curated using real, person-to-person connections—certainly not something AI trip planning can replicate. This is how we roll at DuVine: local cuisine is more than just part of the experience, it’s the artfully designed main attraction, and something you can’t get off the shelf.
2026 Hot Pick: Basque Country Chef on Wheels Bike Tour

Napa + Sonoma | September
This September, I traded my usual Europe trip for Napa and Sonoma and I’m still blown away. There’s an eternal appeal to these valleys that hits the moment you climb into the saddle: both the Pacific coastline and culinary culture are impossibly dialed-in.
There’s so much to savor about California—no surprise, since much of the country’s agriculture comes from this golden state. Visiting on the cusp of harvest, everything was in full abundance: we knocked back Bodega Bay oysters, tasted cheese fresh from the dairy, and sipped our way through bright Chardonnays, balanced Pinot Noirs, and bold Napa Cabs.
But the real revelation was the roads. You can tell there’s been a serious investment in infrastructure, and the pavement felt like fresh powder under my tires—smooth, pristine, and absolutely ideal for riding.
2026 Hot Pick: Napa + Sonoma Bike Tour

Tuscany | October
Two brands entering into a partnership is much like a marriage. And in business, as in life, not every relationship works. But our connection with legendary Italian bike manufacturer Colnago is a match made in heaven.
Colnago brings their C68s, which may be the sexiest, most elegant bikes on the planet. But it’s not only looks. The rides on Tuscany’s cypress-lined roads and strade bianche are iconic. Then there’s the access: expert bike fittings with the Colnago team who supported Pogačar, a day of riding with Andrea Tafi who won Paris-Roubaix on a Colnago C40, dinner with a Colnago designer—it’s a total VIP experience.
What struck me most was watching our two worlds collide in harmony. Colnago loyalists were blown away by DuVine’s ability to meet their high standards, and the DuViners were equally wowed by Colnago. It’s a masterclass wrapped in a dream ride, reminding you why you fell in love with cycling in the first place.
2026 Hot Pick: Colnago Tuscany Bike Tour



