Healdsburg, California: Wine Tasting Weekend
From the time I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve been coming to Healdsburg for day-trips and weekend getaways. It’s one of my favorite places in the world from the cool, misty vineyard mornings to the dry, warm afternoons to the farm-to-table fresh food, you’d be hard pressed to find a more relaxing place to hang out.
Healdsburg, California is located north of San Francisco between the coast and Napa County.
With its location near the coast, Healdsburg enjoys the morning fog and dry, warm to hot summers.
Most Common Varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc
You'll also find: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Rosé, Syrah, and Petite Sirah
Trip Logistics
Transportation - Getting There
You will need a car to get there. Public transit isn't robust and Uber / Lyft is sparse once you are in Healdsburg.
Sober Driving
You don’t want to drink and drive - not only does it put others at risk, but loosing your license or worse, getting into a horrific accident, can quickly sour things.
I've used Designated Drivers Napa Sonoma in Sonoma County in the past and they have been worth it. Companies offering driver services can craft a tasting tour for you as well, which takes part of the planning off your plate!
Reservations
Wine tasting rooms in Healdsburg town are more accommodating for walk-ins however winery tastings almost always require reservations.
Dinner reservations are a must, especially during the busier summer months.
Accommodations
Staying central in Healdsburg gives you the option to walk to restaurants, tasting rooms, and morning coffee. I have stayed at and highly recommend Harmon Guest House. The rooms are spacious with the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on, the rooftop bar is great for a pre-dinner drink, and it’s central to Healdsburg making most restaurants and tasting rooms walking distance.
Weekend Itinerary
Day One
Drive into Healdsburg and check into your accommodation for the weekend.
If you arrive before 5pm, check out Idlewild Wines in town for a tasting of Italian inspired wines.
For dinner, I highly recommend Chalkboard. You'll find most restaurants here are farm-to-table and can accommodate food preferences, such as vegetarian and gluten-free, with ease!
Remember to save yourself for a full day of wine tasting the next day!
Day Two
The Harmon Guest House breakfast left a lot to be desired last I stayed, so I recommend picking up coffees and breakfast burritos at Black Oak Coffee Roasters. They have order ahead if you want to skip a long line!
Before heading out to do your wine tasting, call in your lunch order to Dry Creek General Store in order to beat the lines for lunch. Dry Creek General Store offers a great selection of gourmet sandwiches and can accommodate gluten free easily.
Healdsburg has many award winning wineries with a variety of wines to offer so you may want to tailor your trip to your groups preferences.
Here are some wineries that I return to time and time again for the quality of the wine, the service and the ambiance:
For dinner, head to Valette and get the Chef's Trust Me Tasting menu. After a day of tastings, it will be what you want and need.
Day Three
After a full day tasting wine and eating delicious food, take a leisurely morning then head to Costeaux French Bakery for breakfast.
If you are heading off in the afternoon to your next destination, first stop at Spa Montage or the Spa at Hotel Healdsburg for a delicious massage to detox all of yesterday's indulgences.
For lunch, grab a table at Bravas Bar de Tapas for a tasty and filling meal before you get on the road.
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