If you’re coming to Sonoma County, here’s five reasons to visit Healdsburg.
Just about 75 miles north of San Francisco, this hip wine country town has been noted as a “top foodie destination” by food and wine enthusiasts from around the globe. And although Healdsburg has been praised by many food, wine and travel writers, it still gets overlooked among the nearby neighbors of Napa and Sonoma. So here’s just a few short reasons to plan your next trip to wine country around Healdsburg. You’ll be glad you did.
1. Great Restaurants and Local Artisans – From Michelin Star to Casual Wine Country Eats
So listen up all you food and wine lovers! Plan your next wine country trip to Sonoma County and make this hip wine country town your destination. I promise it won’t disappoint. This charming small town of less than 12,000 people has it all – from Michelin Star rated Madrona Manor to the casual wine country al fresco dining of places like Café Lucia for wine country inspired Portuguese or Campo Fina for some rustic italian fare and a game of bocce. The choices abound.
Campo Fina
2. The Bounty of Our Local Farms
And to get a little education in the beauty and bounty of ingredients that come from our local farms, don’t miss a trip to Healdsburg SHED. They celebrate good cooking, good farming and good eating in this modern metal structure that has been beautifully curated with a fermentation bar, a pantry full of products from near and far, and the best of kitchen and farming utensils. Or visit one of the many local farms where you can get the best fruits and vegetables with something to offer almost all year long
3. Sonoma County Wines – Some of the Best in the World
Of course, where there’s great food there’s also great wine. In fact, there are more than 100 wineries within 10-15 minutes of town and about 40 tasting rooms within walking distance of the town plaza. So yes folks, you are in the right place to enjoy the best of the best. Whether you want the fuss and fancy of the big chateau or a more casual farm feel, the wineries abound. And many have some very talented chefs that will take you through a food and wine pairing journey from the garden to the table. A great one to check out is Jordan Winery. It’s a special culinary treat. Or maybe take a visit to Preston Vineyards, where the farm meets the vineyard, or a trip to Gustafson Family Vineyards. Setting high above Dry Creek Valley, it’s a great spot to sip their wines and enjoy a picnic.
Healdsburg SHED
4. Events for the Culinary Minded
For a special treat, plan your trip around one of the many wine country events that happen throughout the year. A great site that features many of the wineries in Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and the Russian River Valley is Wine Road. I would highly recommend the Wine and Food Affair in November that they put on. Each participating winery pairs their wines with wine country fare and recipes. Or plan your trip around Labor Day weekend and come for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. It is weekend featuring 200 winemakers and chefs from the area. From an all day food and wine inspired festival to special winemaker dinners the choices abound! There’s also local cheese makers, craft beer and cider makers, coffee roasters and so much more. You’ll want to put your happy pants on after this one!
5. Meet the Talent Behind the Cuisine on a Savor Healdsburg Food Tour
As a local resident and owner of Savor Healdsburg Food Tours, I meet people from everywhere and I often hear my guests say how pleasantly surprised they are with what Healdsburg has to offer. So put Healdsburg on your list. It’s a food and wine lovers paradise and while you’re here take our food tour and meet some of the amazing chefs, local artisans and winemakers who have put Healdsburg on the map. It’s a great addition to a day of wine tasting. Spend a day tasting on one of the many wine tours or just take a walk through the tasting rooms of Healdsburg. Our visitor’s center can give you recommendations, wine maps and some complimentary wine tasting passes. And start your trip with a Savor Tour and let us take you on a progressive dining journey through our diverse and delicious hot spots! It’s an adventure that you’re sure to enjoy!
Bravas Bar De Tapas