One Perfect Day in Healdsburg

Just an hour north of San Francisco, the town of Healdsburg offers the perfect mix of small-town charm with sophisticated cuisine, top-notch wine tasting rooms, and proximity to Sonoma’s extensive wine country. After a week exploring California’s coast, from Santa Barbara to Bodega Bay, the hubby and I only had time to cap off our trip with a single day in Healdsburg. I wished we’d had more time, but with just 24 hours to spare, we soaked in as much of its relaxed vibe, exceptional wines, and culinary delights as possible.

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

Here’s how we made the most of one unforgettable summer day in and around Healdsburg.

Settling In

We checked into Hotel Healdsburg, and immediately fell in love with its hip, modern aesthetic and unbeatable location right on the town's picturesque plaza. The hotel strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, with an unfussy contemporary design. Being steps away from restaurants, shops, and the town square meant we could easily explore the town on foot — a major plus for a city gal like me who loves exploring on foot. My only complaint with our room was the lighting. It was a bit too dark, even for someone like me who is sensitive to bright light. However, the bathroom was well-lit, so that’s the most important.

Plant-Based Delights

For lunch, we headed to Little Saint, a bright, inviting space that feels like a living room for the local community. There’s a coffee bar, wine lounge, and a cozy 100% plant-based restaurant. I ordered the Kale Caesar with avocado, which was crisp and flavorful. It wasn’t super filling, and I should’ve ordered more, but after eating it, I was ready to get out 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 butter 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 get a taste of a perfectly ripe peach 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—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 truly known for: Zinfandel. Dry Creek Valley’s climate of long, warm days with coastal fog and cool air funneling in at night, lends Zinfandel its satin texture and ripe raspberry flavors. Through Quivera’s Anderson Ranch Zinfandel and Black Boar Zinfandel, I could see why this region has built its reputation on this grape, which produces fruit-forward and beautifully structured wines. We also sampled some excellent 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 wonderful mix of galleries, wine tasting rooms, and charming boutiques—Levin & Co Bookshop, Rete, and Gathered for women’s clothing are just a few favorites—before heading 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 wandered back out, the town square was alive with music. A local festival was in full swing. 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. 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. I've heard that The Matheson has a lively rooftop restaurant with 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—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 home, we brought our six-night California adventure to a close. From Santa Barbara to Bodega Bay and finally to Healdsburg, each stop had offered something unique, but Healdsburg was the perfect ending note: relaxed, delicious, and memorable.