Weekend visit to Healdsburg for wine, food and relaxing

When Don and I first moved to California in 2005, one of the first wine regions we explored was Healdsburg. It is about one hour north from Mill Valley where we lived. Its quaint charm and amazing wine and food have kept us going back ever since. 

We love the varietals from this region, particularly the Zinfandel from the Dry Creek area, Pinot Noir from the Russian River, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley. Some of our favorite white wines are here too, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. And don't forget Rose. 

What makes Healdsburg so special is its balance of wine country charm and a true hometown feel. The town square sits right at the center, with a fountain and pavilion that naturally becomes the gathering place. On any given weekend, you'll find people lingering, drinking coffee, enjoying an ice cream cone, listening to music, and just enjoying the pace of it all.

Most of our weekends follow a similar rhythm. We spend our days tasting wine, taking our time at meals, wandering through local shops, and getting outside whenever we can. It's relaxed, but never boring. 

Over time, we've found a handful of wineries we keep coming back to. Williamson Wines is always a favorite for its welcoming atmosphere and food pairings. Seghesio Family Vineyards is a go-to for classic Sonoma varietals. Their Zinfandel and Rose are so delicious (and affordable!) Chalk Hill Estate Winery offers a more expansive setting and a beautiful property to spend time on. They also have the most amazing seasonal events for wine club members. A newer winery we recently discovered is Zialena. We love their story, transitioning from grape growers to wine makers. 

The food scene is just as much a draw as the wine. Baci Cafe and Wine Bar is one of those places we find ourselves returning to again and again. You'll find more locals here than visitors. The hotel we stay at is right across from Plank Coffee. It's the perfect stop to start the morning. They have amazing coffee plus home-made pastries, biscuits, and bagels. The portions are huge. You won't leave hungry. Lo & Behold Bar and Kitchen offers a great mix of energy and atmosphere with really healthy food options. Our favorite place to sit is in the back garden. And lastly, we love having a cocktail and a snack at the rooftop bar of Harmon Guest House. 

If you're looking for a place to stay, there are a lot of options, but we usually opt for the slightly more affordable rooms at the Hotel Trio or Dry Creek Inn. Both are dog-friendly.

Beyond the wineries and restaurants, some of the best moments are the simplest ones. Walking through the farmers market on Saturday morning, browsing the boutiques and galleries, or taking a walk on the Foss Creek Pathway. It's a 4-mile trail for walking and biking.

For us, Healdsburg has become more than a place to pick up wine. It's somewhere we return to again and again, not just for what we do there, but for how it feels when we're there.