Photo Credit: Jordan Winery
When it comes to wine country, everyone immediately thinks of Napa. However, its little sister to the west, Sonoma, is just as wonderful. A visit to one of Sonoma’s star winemaking cities such as Healdsburg offers a unique and lovely getaway. What it lacks in pomp and circumstance, it makes up for in charm. Walk through the square in downtown Healdsburg, and it’s like walking back in time to a place where people stopped and smelled the roses instead of being constantly distracted by smartphones. Healdsburg Square has a refreshingly small-town quality that is comforting and nostalgic. While there are places to stay outside of the town itself (and closer to the wineries), it’s best to stay near or off the square because that is where the action is in terms of food and nightlife.
Photo Credit: Harmon Guest House
The four-story 39-room Harmon Guest House is a new hotel that opened last September. It’s less than a block away from the plaza and near multiple tasting rooms. Named for the founder of Healdsburg, Harmon Heald, the hotel has modern, masculine rooms with ample light and balconies. Wood floors and textured throw pillows make all the rooms feel cozy and homelike. The Guest House has a happening rooftop bar and pool, so during the warmer months, it’s a fabulous place for people watching.
Photo Credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink
If you’re looking for a more intimate and private place to stay, book a room at Les Mars. This opulent French-style Relais & Chateaux property is the stuff bed-and-breakfast dreams are made of. Each room is outfitted with old-world antiques including poster beds with curtains, oversized armoires, and tufted armchairs. If it’s a cold day, turn on the fireplace or relax in the luxurious marble bathtub.
Photo Credit: Jordan Winery
Continue the French theme by visiting Jordan Winery, an estate that was founded in 1972 and designed to resemble a classic French chateau. Jordan specializes in two types of wine—Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon—and their mastery of the varietals is apparent at first sip. Food plays an essential part in the family-owned winery’s footprint, and a tasting experience is always paired with cheese or small bites from Jordan’s culinary team. Jordan recently debuted a stunning remodeled dining room by Geoffrey De Sousa and new tour options to enjoy its reimagined space.
Photo Credit: Seghesio Family Vineyards
At Seghesio Family Vineyards, a winery that dates back to 1895, taste an assortment of Italian-inspired varietals at the massive bar that overlooks a cellar room filled with barrels. Enjoy vibrant Zinfandel, aromatic Arneis, and hearty red blends. The friendly staff will fill you in on the estate’s colorful history while providing interesting tidbits about the labels your sipping.
Photo Credit: Campo Fina
When hunger strikes, head to one of Healdsburg’s beloved restaurants. At Pizzando, you’ll find thin, crispy-crusted pizza and delicious salads in a casual and comfortable setting. For a more upscale Italian experience, grab a table at the popular hot spot, Campo Fina. Indulge in rich housemade pasta, flavorful meatballs, and incredible appetizers like creamy duck liver spread and finger-licking good saffron arancini.
Photo Credit: Kim Carroll
Spoonbar at the H2 Hotel is another dining option that is upscale and inviting. Order a classic cocktail and sit back, relax, and get ready to devour a feast. Executive chef Matthew D’Ambrosi serves elegant wine country cuisine in generous portions. Think creamy cauliflower soup with shaved truffles, melt-in-your-mouth red wine braised short ribs, and crunchy fried Brussels sprouts.
Photo Credit: Eric Wolfinger
If you require picnic provisions for a day at the wineries, stop by Journeyman, Pete Seghesio’s sensational artisanal butcher shop. Journeyman sources its meat from small local ranches including the Seghesio family ranch—and makes nine different types of salami! There are also platters with pickled veggies and cheese, housemade sandwiches, and grilled sausages. For the ultimate foodie experience book a reservation at SingleThread, the one-year-old three-Michelin-star restaurant that operates its own farm and serves up seasonal Japanese-inspired cuisine.
Photo Credit: Spa Hotel Healdsburg
No trip to wine country is complete without some rest. When you need a break from all the wining and dining, book a lavender peppermint restorative massage at the Spa Hotel Healdsburg. Afterward, you can sip a soothing cup of Japanese herbal tea at The Taste of Tea, a restaurant and wellness center that has a vast selection of imported tea, sake, and rejuvenating dishes like ramen. Or take a yoga class with Jenn Russo at Yoga On Center, a clean and spacious studio that offers lunchtime vinyasa, happy-hour flow, and restorative yin yoga.
