As one of northern California’s worst kept secrets, Healdsburg, CA toes the line between quaint farm town and the hub of wine country. From the bustling city square with countless tasting rooms to the sprawling vine-covered countryside just outside of town, Healdsburg has something for every wine lover. My Healdsburg weekend guide covers all of my favorite spots.
Where I stayed
h2hotel
The h2hotel is an incredible hotel with 36 “eco-chic” rooms. Located right off the main square, it’s the perfect location to explore the town, visit a tasting room and walk to dinner. And with all rooms boding a private balcony, you’ll be able to enjoy an afternoon respite in the sunshine.
Where I drank
Banshee
The tasting room for Banshee Wines is located right off the main square and it’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner flight. Banshee makes one of my favorite Pinot Noirs, so if you’re into a light to medium bodied reds, you must make it a point to visit Banshee.
Idlewild
Idlewild is a small vineyard that produces Italian inspired California wines. Around the corner from Banshee and right off Healdsburg’s plaza, Idlewild’s tasting room offers multiple flights with the option to pair your wine with some salumi and cheese.
Unti
Unti’s appointment only tasting room is worth the effort. A 10-minute drive from downtown Healdsburg, Unti features Dry Creek Italian-esque wines. Their tasting room even bodes the famous Italian Cypress trees. Pack a picnic, enjoy a tasting and buy a bottle to drink with your picnic surrounded Unti’s vines and trees.
Where I ate
spoonbar
spoonbar is the h2hotel’s restaurant. Located just off the lobby, spoonbar offers dishes with local fresh ingredients. My favorites were the roasted Bernier Farms carrots, crispy smoked octopus, and chive + sheep’s milk gnudi. Grab a drink at spoonbar’s cocktail bar or pair with a local wine and then settle in for a delicious meal.
Healdsburg SHED
The SHED is magical. Boasting a larder, a coffee shop, a fermentation bar and a cafe, the Healdsburg SHED is like Disneyland for me. It’s the perfect place for lunch or to pick up supplies for a post-hike picnic. (PS – get the beet tzatziki, you’ll thank me. Actually, can you send me some? Thanks.)
Bar Diva
Open for lunch and dinner, Barn Diva is a restaurant, cocktail lounge, and wine bar. The focus on what they call “modern country cuisine” which is a better way to describe their simple sustainably sourced food. I’ve been wanted to visit Barn Diva for years and it didn’t disappoint. I grabbed a cocktail in the cocktail lounge and then I enjoyed the tuna crudo, the kale lasagna, and the filet mignon… with an amazing bottle of wine.
Oakville Grocery
When you need the basics, Oakville Grocery is your spot. It’s my go-to to pick up the makings of a cheese board, grab a bottle of wine or even snag a sandwich. A bit pricy but the quality it outstanding. I grabbed a few things before I head out to Armstrong Redwoods for a hike.
