One Perfect Day in Healdsburg

Sonoma is one of those places that’s impossible to take in all at once, and getting to know it takes more than one short visit. The region stretches from the cool and rugged coastline to the warm and sunny inland valleys, with everything from quiet backroads to popular wine routes in between. It’s a beautiful, sprawling patchwork, but if it’s your first visit (or if, like my husband and I, you only have a limited amount of time), it’s a good idea to stay somewhere that offers a little bit of everything.

For us, that place was Healdsburg. After a few days shivering our way through Bodega Bay’s brisk coastal weather, we were happy to head inland for some much-needed sun on our final stop. This charming yet undeniably sophisticated town sits right at the meeting point of three major wine regions—Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and the Russian River Valley—making it the perfect base for tasting, dining, and exploring without spending half your day in the car.

We were there in the summer, but no matter the time of year, every season has its appeal, from lush summer landscapes and golden autumn light to crisp winter mornings and blooming spring landscapes.

Here’s how we made the most of our single day in and around Healdsburg.

Settling In

We checked into Hotel Healdsburg, and immediately fell in love with its warm sophistication and unfussy contemporary design. I loved how it sits right on the town square, just steps from restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms. We could easily explore the town on foot—a big plus for a city gal like me who loves to walk everywhere. My only complaint with our room was the lighting. It was a bit too dim, even for my sensitive eyes. But the bathroom had great lighting, which made up for it.

Plant-Based Delights

For lunch, we had booked a table at Little Saint, a bright, inviting space that feels like a huge living room. There’s a coffee bar, wine lounge, and a cozy 100% plant-based restaurant. I enjoyed the Kale Caesar with avocado, which was crisp and flavorful, but not very filling. I should’ve ordered more, but after eating it, I was feeling antsy to get outside and explore the town. Joel went for a waffle topped with chocolate “ice cream.” He liked it, but didn’t love it. (He’s not quite ready to give up milk and eggs!) Still, we both agreed the creative, casual atmosphere was worth the visit.

Little Saint. All photos by Lisa Denning

Wine Tasting at Quivira Vineyards

After lunch, we drove about 12 miles northwest to Dry Creek Valley to visit Quivira Vineyards, and this turned out to be a highlight of the day. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality that set the tone for an excellent tasting and touring experience.

The General Manager, Steve Domenichelli, took us around the organic property in a golf cart, and what a tour it was! We wound through beautiful vegetable gardens, stopping along the way to taste perfectly ripe peaches right off the tree—so sweet and juicy. Steve showed us a magnificent 150-year-old fig tree, and naturally, I had to try a fig too, which was also delicious!

The combination of seeing the land, learning about their certified organic farming practices, and tasting fruit at peak ripeness made us even more excited to try the wines back at the tasting room, where we sat on a lovely patio with umbrellas to shield us from the warm Sonoma sun.

Speaking of the wines, they were great—as fresh and juicy as the fruits I had just savored. We started with the refreshing and flavorful Quivira Rosé, followed by a crisp ‘Fig Tree Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc, before diving into what Dry Creek Valley is most known for: Zinfandel. Dry Creek Valley’s climate of long, warm days with coastal fog and cool nighttime temperatures lends Zinfandel its satiny texture and ripe raspberry flavors. Through Quivera’s Anderson Ranch Zinfandel and Black Boar Zinfandel, I could see why the region has built its reputation on this grape, which produces fruit-forward and beautifully structured wines. We also sampled some excellent wines made with Rhône varieties, including Grenache and Mourvèdre, two other stars of the area.

the 150-Year-old fig tree

What really made the experience special, though, was the staff. Everyone we encountered couldn't have been nicer. It's clear that Quivira is a place where people genuinely love their work.

Next time you’re in Sonoma, make sure to plan a visit to Quivira Vineyards, where you can take part in one of their reasonably priced curated experiences, including an Estate Tasting, an Olive Grove Tasting, or a Redwood Grove Picnic.

Shop, Swim, Sleep, Sip & Savor

Back in town, we strolled through Healdsburg’s nice mix of galleries, wine tasting rooms, and charming boutiques. No chain stores here! Spots like Levin & Co. Bookshop, Rete, and Gathered were a few favorites. After wandering around for an hour or so, it was time to head back to the hotel for some downtime. We relaxed by the pool, basking in the late-afternoon sun, and took a quick (and very well-deserved) nap before the evening’s adventures.

When we headed back out, the town square was bustling with live music. Families were picnicking, couples were dancing, and everyone was just soaking up the summer night. We couldn’t resist joining in for a little impromptu jig ourselves before heading to The Matheson, where the stunning, self-serve wine wall makes it easy to taste your way around the world, which I did with pleasure! My top picks: the Marine Layer 2022 Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, De Forville 2020 Barbaresco, and Joseph Mellot 2022 Cabernet Franc from Chinon, France. We didn’t eat anything here, but people seemed to be enjoying themselves in the adjacent dining room, and I've heard that the lively rooftop restaurant has excellent food.

Music in Healdsburg’s town square

Dinner was at Bravas Bar de Tapas, where we sat on the twinkle-lit patio and shared a spread of Spanish favorites, including pan con tomate (sublime toasted bread with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic), seafood paella, and tender grilled steak. Each dish was better than the last, and the lively atmosphere was the perfect way to wrap up our Sonoma day.

We would’ve loved to try Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen, a part of the Hotel Healdsburg, but it’s closed on Tuesdays, the one day we were there. Next time, for sure!

The Morning After

After we checked out early to catch our flight out of San Francisco (a little more than an hour’s drive), we brought our California adventure to a close. We had started in Santa Barbara before heading to Bodega Bay and finally to Healdsburg. Each stop had offered something unique, but Healdsburg was the perfect ending note: relaxed, delicious, and memorable.