Guide to Healdsburg, CA

One of the best parts about living in the Bay Area is that friends and family come visit you because you live so close to amazing spots - especially wine country. Luke used to email me every time someone was in town asking me for recommendations in wine country. Finally I put together a guide that he could keep and then forward on as people asked him. It was nothing fancy just a pdf of a Word document. (I know I am a dork but it was pretty handy especially when those emails would come in) Late last year he forwarded the guide to one of his friends who then forwarded it on and so on and it actually was forwarded back to Luke's co-worker who was planning a wine country trip from it. Maybe I should have charged for that guide! Since it seems like a guide to wine country is needed on the world-wide web, I thought I would start to document my favorite places around the Bay Area so you can use it as a resource if you need it. First up, my unofficial guide to Healdsburg, CA.

Healdsburg, is a small relaxed wine community about an hour and a half north of San Francisco. The central square is the main hub of the area with shopping and world-class dining. Within 20 minutes of the square you are surrounded by some amazing wineries in areas like the Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley. (Think delicious red wines)

Luke and I were married in Sonoma, which is about 45 minutes east of Healdsburg. I love Sonoma, but I think Healdsburg is taking over the spot for my favorite place to drink wine. It is just so mellow and relaxing in Healdsburg. Napa is really touristy, lost of traffic and tastings are expensive. Sonoma still has the charm  but Healdsburg feels a little more like a hidden gem. There are no party buses at the wineries, never a huge tasting fee,  and everyone is always nice. I would be happy to go to any where in wine country,  but if I had my choice, Healdsburg would be it. (Plus if and when I make my millions, I would love to have a house up there. That seems like a very, very long time away but a girl can dream.)

Here are my recommendations for Healdsburg:

STAY

Hotel Healdsburg - The place to stay in Healdsburg if you want to splurge. I have never stayed there, but I have a soft spot for fancy hotels.

H2 Hotel - Eco-friendly boutique hotel right in the heart of Healdsburg. The delicious restaurant and bar Spoonbar is located in the lobby. You can drink a fancy cocktail while saving the planet. Kind of perfect, right?

Madrona Manor - A fancy inn that has a Michelin star restaurant. You won't have to go far for amazing food.

Also, I have stayed in two different rental houses up in Healdsburg. Both were amazing but very different. For our friend's wedding we stayed here and absolutely loved it. It is walking distance to the square and has a wonderful backyard. If you are looking for something a little more fancy, check out this spot. It is set away from the square and secluded up in the hills that surround Healdsburg. The house is gorgeous but be warned that it is "off the grid" meaning that it is completely eco-friendly and runs on solar power. I learned that the hard way when a group of girlfriends and I stayed there for a weekend and the solar power could not handle 8 girls getting ready for dinner. But can't go wrong with either one.

DRINK

Truett Hurst Winery- This is my favorite winery. Ever. I have an amazing time every time I visit Truett Hurst. Set on a couple acres, this winery always seems to have live music and tables outside to drink and eat at. Sheep, goats and chickens live on the winery along with a beautiful garden. This is a must visit when in Healdsburg.

Dutcher Crossing Vineyards - Stunning vineyard with amazing picnic areas.

Unti - They sell this wine at Whole Foods and I always buy it when I see it. The winery is just as perfect.

Arista -  A beautiful winery with the most stunning views.

Ridge - This is a great spot that has some delicious white wines. Luke has a thing for the Chardonnay here.  The view of Dry Creek Valley is not bad either

Preston - An adorable vineyard complete with pick your own strawberries, farm store and olive oil tasting.

EAT

Scopa- Delicious Italian food in the heart of Healdsburg.

Spoonbar - located in H2 Hotel, Spoonbar has wonderful food. Plus check out their delicious cocktails menu. Perfect if you are all wined out. (not sure that could ever happen to me)

BarnDiva - Places like this are what make Northern California so special. Delicious food served outside in an unpretentious manner.

Downtown Bakery and Creamery - This bakery sells their baked goods at the SF Ferry Building's Farmer's Market which has some of the best food you will ever eat. There is always a line at this stall . Get the sticky bun. Enough said.

Big John's Market - Just looks like a normal grocery store, but they have amazing sandwiches. My advice is to grab some sammies and head over to Truett Hurst and sit outside.

Another highlight of Healdsburg is the barrel tasting that happens every year. A huge number of Healdsburg area wineries participate and a ticket allows you to taste wines at the participating winery straight from the barrel. It is supposed to be such a fun event but you definitely need a driver for it. Here is one I have used in the past and he is awesome. You ride around in a Wine-abago - get it??

Lastly, when you are up there, make sure to check out Shed, a recently opened mecca of all things food, home and gardening. If I were to ever open a store, I would want it to look exactly like Shed.

Let me know if there is anything in Healdsburg that I missed!  I am always looking to try new spots and of course, new wines!

This is only the start. I am hoping to put up more guides here and have a permanent page on the blog devoted to travel guides and city guides. Stay tuned!