Wineries

Top Wineries in Healdsburg

Idlewild Wines, Healdsburg

Although Healdsburg gained fame as a Sonoma Wine Country destination more recently than the town of Sonoma, with its green plazas and preserved historic buildings, the two towns have much in common today.

Once a farming and timber town, Healdsburg is a country cousin that has assumed an equal — some might say preeminent — reputation as the center of Sonoma Wine Country.

Old-timers still remember the days when fights that broke out in John & Zeke’s bar spilled out onto the sidewalk on Saturday nights. Today, visitors stroll along Healdsburg streets, which are chock-a-block with wine lounges and boutiques.

The gazebo anchors the town plaza — Healdsburg Plaza

Perhaps because the area’s dining and accommodations are concentrated in this small, walkable town, wine-tasting rooms have cropped up on just about every block. It’s easy to stop by one or two on the way to dinner reservations or to make a day trip entirely on foot without anyone having to drive.

Healdsburg wine-tasting rooms are located in three areas: Most are located around the Plaza and side streets; an eclectic cluster can be found by the Russian River near the steel truss Healdsburg Memorial Bridge; and there’s more to explore on the industrial and residential West Side.

Healdsburg Plaza Wine Tasting

Siduri Healdsburg Lounge

Bottles of wine standing on barrels — Siduri Wine Lounge, Healdsburg

A few steps south of the Plaza, discover the expansive, cool blue digs of Siduri Wine Lounge. Taste cool-climate Pinot Noir, produced in both single-vineyard and AVA-level wines from growing regions across California.

Stephen & Walker

Inside the ‘Trust Winery Limited,’ you’ll find Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Muscat Canelli made and grown by locals with long experience in the real work of making wine.

Hartford Family Winery Tasting Room & Salon

Taste the trinity of Russian River Valley wines (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and old vine Zinfandel) in this light-filled tasting room with a view of the Plaza. Part of the Jackson Family Wines empire, Hartford Vineyard is tucked away in a picturesque little valley — should the wine inspire a drive or bike ride.

Thumbprint Cellars

Thumbprint Cellars, Healdsburg

The food pairings served at this curvy bar on the south side of the Plaza may not always be vegan, but the wines are designated as such — no animal byproducts were used in the winemaking process. Choose from 10 wines daily, including saucily titled blends like ‘Four Play’ and ‘Threesome.’

Idlewild Wines

Head east on Plaza Street to find the salumi and wine bar, Idlewild, where you can explore Piedmontese varietals grown in the elevated hills of Mendocino County.

Healdsburg Tasting Rooms Off the Plaza

Explore the side streets around Healdsburg Plaza to find Italian varietals at Portalupi, Chardonnay at Selby, surfer-themed tasting at Longboard, scrumptious small bites with big Cabernet at Williamson, and more.

Cartograph Wines

At Latitude 38.62° N, Longitude -122.86° W., you’ll find this brightly styled tasting room on Center Street pouring Pinot Noir with freshness and transparency, and if you’re lucky — a dry Riesling too!

Healdsburg Tasting By the Russian River

Davis Family Vineyards

Sample winemaker Guy Davis’ award-winning wines, such as Pinot Noir and Zin, at this ‘warehouse’ winery overlooking the Russian River. Here, you may also find a gourmet food truck near a produce garden in full bloom.

Hudson Street Wineries

Hudson Street Wineries is a hidden secret destination less than a mile southeast of the plaza and is home to four tiny wineries crafting premium Sonoma County wines. At this tasting spot, you don’t even have to leave your comfortable seat to enjoy an array of magnificent small-production wines.

Healdsburg Tasting on the West Side

Breathless Sparkling Wines

An umbrella and an outdoor sofa surrounded by plants — Breathless Sparkling Wines, Healdsburg

Just a short walk from the Plaza, sip sparkling wine and dress up for Polaroid photos in this landscaped oasis next door to the facility where its sparkling North Coast Brut, Blanc de Blancs, and other wines are made. Three sisters founded this sparkling wine brand in honor of their mother.

Seghesio Family Vineyards

There’s room for bocce courts and a picnic grove just a few blocks up Grove Street on the tree-shaded grounds of Seghesio. Founded by an Italian-American family, they planted some of the first Sangiovese in California. Italian whites, reds, and Zinfandel are tops here. The winery is connected to the old Italian Swiss Colony winery that some visitors may remember from touring in the 1960s or from TV commercials.

While visiting Healdsburg, stay in a hotel with a vineyard view.

Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight