Visiting Healdsburg and Nearby Wineries

Nestled against the Russian River in northern Sonoma County, the historic town of Healdsburg holds the charms of a small, agricultural community with the amenities of a world-class wine and food destination.

While hops and prunes were the reason many farming families settled in northern Sonoma County, today Healdsburg is a rising star in the already bright constellation of Sonoma County wines.

Three wine valleys – the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River – meet near Healdsburg. Other noted wine regions like Chalk Hill and Knights Valley are nearby.

A good way to explore the many wineries of Healdsburg is to visit the tasting rooms that dot the plaza, interspersed with art galleries and boutiques. Another good way to get a sense of Healdsburg and northern Sonoma County is a multi-day pass from Wine Road. Their one-day wine pass includes special offers from wineries in the area, including complimentary wine tasting and discounts on buying wine.

Nearby wineries include Wilson Winery, Rodney Strong, Ferrari-Carano, Pezzi King, Dry Creek Vineyard, Mill Creek, Armida, Foppiano, and many others. Check our listings of all Sonoma County Wineries and click on Healdsburg.

Often compared to Yountville and St. Helena, its glitzier cousins in neighboring Napa Valley, Healdsburg holds the charms of a small, agricultural community with the amenities of a world-class wine and food destination.

In Healdsburg, farmers come to town to buy work boots while well-heeled visitors stroll into Costeaux French Bakery for fresh pastries and delicious breakfasts.

At the center of town is the Healdsburg Plaza with an old-time band shell that’s still being used for concerts and civic gatherings. A small fountain entertains children while large redwood trees stand on the corners, watching over friends meeting for coffee and visitors enjoying the sun.

The Russian River runs through the outskirts of the town, and visitors have to cross over it when coming from nearby Windsor on Old Redwood Highway. A renaissance of the river among locals includes the Russian River Festival – a month of activities hosted by Sonoma County Regional Parks. There’s also increased interest in the Steelhead fish that run up the river in winter, celebrated with an annual festival held at nearby Lake Sonoma.

Raford Inn and Geyserville Inn are great overnight options with gorgeous vineyard views. And the nearby towns of Windsor, northern Santa Rosa, Geyserville, and Cloverdale are also good options for places to stay when exploring northern Sonoma County and the Healdsburg area.

Looking for more fun things to do during your trip to Sonoma County? Take a look at the many outdoor activities to enjoy in the valleys, vineyards, coastline and Russian River areas of Sonoma County. 

Go wine tasting at one (or more!) of the 425+ wineries in Sonoma County, and enjoy farm-to-table delights at these great restaurants when you get hungry.

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