Wine Tasting Weekend: Healdsburg, California
About Healdsburg
Healdsburg, California is located north of San Francisco between the coast and Napa County. If you're visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, this is an easy weekend trip since it's only about an hour drive away without traffic.Â
Wine VarietalsÂ
With its location near the coast, Healdsburg enjoys the morning fog and dry, warm to hot summers.Â
Most Common Varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon BlancÂ
You'll also find: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Rosé, Syrah, and Petite Sirah
Trip Logistics
Transportation
You will need a car. Public transit isn't robust and Uber / Lyft is sparse once you are in Healdsburg and wanting to get to different wineries.Â
Sober Driving
I've used driving services in Sonoma County in the past and they have been worth it. Many can craft the tasting tour for you as well, which takes part of the planning off your plate!
ReservationsÂ
Wine tasting rooms in Healdsburg town are more accommodating for walk-ins however winery tastings almost always require reservations.Â
Dinner reservations are a must, especially during the busier summer months.Â
Accommodations
Staying central in Healdsburg gives you the option to walk to restaurants, tasting rooms, and morning coffee
If you have a larger group, there are many beautiful Airbnbs in town and out on the vineyards.Â
I particularly love these:Â
Itinerary
Day One
Drive into Healdsburg and check into your accommodation for the weekend.Â
If you arrive before 5pm, check out Idlewild Wines in town for a tasting of Italian inspired wines.Â
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!Â
Day TwoÂ
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
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.
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.Â
Here are some wineries that I return to time and time again for the quality of the wine, the service and the ambiance:Â
Day Three
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
I hope you've enjoyed your weekend in Healdsburg!Â
Please tag @travel_well.co in any of your posts. I would love to see your adventures 🥂
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