Check out the Giant Defy series. Relaxed endurance geometry. Several models under $1,000.
9sp vs 11sp? IMO, for leisure riding it's probably not worth the extra money to get the 11sp. Perhaps put the difference in other accessories you might need?
I do most of my winter and distance riding on an 8sp 2014 Defy 5, which has 4,500 miles on it so far with zero problems. My 11sp bike is only a summer bike, and I do not miss it when I am not riding it. That said, when the former's 8sp components wear out, they'll get upgraded to at least a 105 11sp.
Keith