Savoring Healdsburg: A Food & Wine Lover’s Guide to Sonoma’s Heart

Wine tasting in the square

Every weekend, I made it a point to visit downtown tasting rooms. Ernest Vineyards has some standouts, including Clearly Ranch pinot noir, which is incredibly smooth and complex, and Joyce Vineyard chardonnay, which is crisp yet full-bodied. At Marine Layer Winery, you might come across a Gap’s Crown pinot noir from the Petaluma Gap AVA. This area is renowned for its cool, windy weather and rocky volcanic soil, which contribute to the production of some of Sonoma County’s finest pinot noirs. If you’re in the mood for a bold red, Marine Layer’s cabernet sauvignon from the Moon Mountain District is an excellent choice. It’s packed with blackcurrant flavor and savory tobacco notes.

Vineyard tastings beyond downtown

Hands down, my favorite tasting experience in all of Sonoma County is at Paul Hobbs Winery. It’s not just about wine; it’s a sensory journey. The winery pairs its chardonnays, pinot noirs, and cabernet sauvignons with exquisite small plates prepared by the onsite chef, creating an ambiance that feels like a Michelin-starred lunch. Another winery that offers breathtaking vineyard views and pairs them perfectly with its excellent pinot noirs and chardonnays is MacRostie Winery. The sweeping terrace view over rolling vineyards is simply stunning.

Shopping along the square

Explore Healdsburg’s independently owned shops, ranging from artisan home goods to gourmet food boutiques. Pick up locally produced treats for a flavorful souvenir. I always make sure to leave with a sticky bun from Healdsburg Downtown Bakery—a gooey, buttery masterpiece—and a seasonal pie from Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar—best enjoyed with a scoop of their unique ice cream flavors.

Healdsburg Farmers’ Market

This vibrant morning market operates seasonally, with Saturdays from mid-April to mid-December and Tuesdays from mid-May to mid-September. It’s a celebration of Sonoma’s agricultural bounty, featuring an array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and handcrafted specialties. Prepare a delightful picnic lunch before embarking on a visit to the wineries or taking a trip down the Russian River.

Cycling through wine country

Rent a bike and follow quiet backroads past vineyards, orchards, and the Russian River. Guided tours often pair scenic rides with curated winery stops for the perfect blend of activity and indulgence.

Art & gallery hopping

Discover Healdsburg’s thriving art scene, where local galleries showcase everything from contemporary paintings to sculpture and photography. Paul Mahder Gallery and Erickson Fine Art offer intimate glimpses into the local creative scene.

River kayaking or canoeing

Paddle the Russian River for a peaceful immersion into nature, with lush scenery and occasional wildlife sightings. Rentals and guided excursions are available seasonally.

Bravas Bar de Tapas

Spanish flavors meet Sonoma sunshine. My can’t-miss orders: Jamón ibérico, Spanish white anchovies, steamed clams in cava (with extra bread for the sauce), and grilled octopus. The shaded back patio is a lifesaver on hot days.

Valette

The chef’s specialty, dayboat scallops en croûte, is a showstopper—delicate scallops baked under a golden crust. For the ultimate experience, go for the “Trust Me” tasting menu: five courses that showcase the chef’s creativity and deep connection to local ingredients.

SingleThread

For our 20th anniversary, we scored a reservation during a collaboration dinner with Chef Ana Roš of Hiša Franko in Slovenia—a place we’d dined two years earlier. The marriage of their styles created one of the most memorable meals of my life. If you get in, savor every moment; it’s an intimate, world-class experience.

Stark’s Steak & Seafood (nearby in Santa Rosa)

Start with local oysters—briny and fresh—then a juicy steak with green peppercorn sauce. A classic done with care and flair.

Augie’s French (Santa Rosa)

I come for the garlic butter escargot and Liberty Farms duck confit. Upstairs seating offers a charming vantage point over the bustling bar and dining room below.