Our leaders are tried and true.  Not only are they whizzes in customer service, they are also bicycle touring experts and can answer any questions you might have about the wine you are tasting or the wine growing region you are visiting.  Their in depth knowledge, passion and charisma guarantee an incredible trip.  Each trip has a minimum of two dedicated guides who are at your beck and call, whether they be leading the cycling route or driving in the van with water and snacks. Our exceptional guides anticipate your needs and do their utmost to provide an experience of a lifetime. 

Arianne Goodman 

Arianne Goodman is the Founder of Gears and Grapes Getaways, Inc. She started bicycle touring at the age of 16. Since then she has led tours across the country, north to south and east to west. She has led tours in Europe as well as through Mexico and Central America. Ari has also spent time living in both Chile and France and is fluent in French and Spanish. Her travels in those wine rich countries inspired in her the passion for wine. After completing her undergraduate studies at UC Santa Cruz, Ari became a certified sommelier and started working in the wine industry in San Francisco. She is a wine loving triathlete with expertise that enriches and educates her guests. 

Danielle Perkel

After graduating from UCLA, Danielle worked in finance at a Fund of Hedge funds. In her spare time she volunteered for Team In Training (TNT) training participants to complete triathlons while raising money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. In November 2008 Danielle completed the Florida Ford Ironman. While leading cycle tours through Napa and Sonoma, Danielle continues to train for triathlons and is an active member of the TNT community.

Malani O'Toole 

Originally an Alaska native, Malani graduated from Stanford University in California with both an undergraduate degree and masters degree in education. Malani spent her summer’s salmon fishing in the Prince William Sound and writing and singing music. Malani released an album in 2008 entitled 'Til Now, which is filled with melodic, playful, and tender original songs that bridge the folk and pop genres. She has led cycling tours throughout South America and has lived in Southeast Asia. In her spare time, Malani acquired a taste for wine and specializes in South American varietals. Although they are her specialty, she is also an expert in wines of California. 

Patrick Etchebehere 

Of French Basque origin, Patrick is a native French speaker who grew up drinking French wine and varietals. He completed his education at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is currently enrolled in law school. An avid surfer and cyclist, Pat has led private cycling tours through Europe and Central America. Using his degree in Economics, Pat has worked in banks in France as well as New York. Pat has also worked in the San Francisco Bay Area in wine sales and distribution. 

Erin McConocha 

Originally from Los Angeles, Erin recently moved to the bay area. She is a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont, where she studied Molecular Biology/Biochemistry and Italian. She has spent time living in Italy, where she developed a passion for great tasting wine, and has led cycling tours in the states. She has also worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and biomedical researcher. Her research has taught her that cycling and wine lead to a good life.