If there’s one place that must be visited by everyone at least once in their lives, it’s the wine country of California. Not only is it any wine-lover’s dream, but the destination’s rolling hills and vineyards make it look like it should permanently be cast in the lighting of a warm sunset. Are you dreaming yet? Get ready to fall even more in love with the idea of wine country, as Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind takes us through the ins and outs of Healdsburg, California…
Hello! It’s Aida from Salt & Wind here with another City Guide and a travel-inspired recipe for you. Seeing as August is when wine harvest kicks off, I wanted to share one of my favorite corners of wine country here in my home state of California. You think California wine country and you think Napa, don’t you? Napa is worth a visit, but, us locals prefer quieter, lesser-known parts of wine country. And when it comes to Northern California wine country, Sonoma County’s Healdsburg is one of those places. A few years ago this sleepy country town was all but unknown outside Sonoma County, but it has since caught on with Bay Area locals as a perfect wine country getaway—far enough from San Francisco to escape yet close enough that it’s an easy weekend trip. Healdsburg is one of those quaint towns that has all the touch points of old school California—a leafy town square, architecture dating back to the Gold Rush, and a lazy river lined with redwoods. It’s the kind of places locals greet you, even if you’ve never met, and where you can head to the farmers market (on Saturdays and Wednesdays, by the way) for local produce and leave with locals’ advice. What keeps me going back is Healdsburg’s laidback chic take on wine country with local boutiques, well-designed hotels, and farm-to-table cuisine that rivals the best in San Francisco. Here are the must-visit places in Healdsburg:
Where to Stay
Hotel HealdsburgJust a few feet off the town square, the hotel’s lobby fireplace is one of my favorite places in to hang over a charcuterie board and a glass of wine. H2HotelThis LEED-certified hotel is green and gorgeous. From their chill pool to their rooftop garden, it has vibes so good that we have to pull ourselves away whenever we visit. Oh, and their restaurant, Spoonbar, downstairs is a great place for a bite or a drink. Healdsburg Modern CottagesOwned and operated by the family behind Barndiva (see below), these adorable cottages in the middle of town are minimal and chic. This is my top pick for affordable luxury in Healdsburg and the pool is all-essential if you visit during the warmer months.
Photo Courtesy of Healdsburg Modern Cottages
Where to Eat
Healdsburg ShedThe classic country store gets an incredibly chic update with Healdsburg Shed. The open plan, minimal, all-white space sells impeccable produce beside gorgeous home goods that’s next to a pour over coffee counter with picture-perfect pastries. You can set up out front and people watch as you eat or sip a glass of wine at happy hour next to the creek in the back. ScopaSet on the town’s main square, Scopa comes across as a hole-in-the-wall trattoria, but it has seriously legit Italian comfort food. On a recent trip, I ordered the lupini beans, grilled Calamari, and polpette (meatballs) and loved every bite. BarndivaA few streets off of the square, Barndiva is owned by the same crew behind Healdsburg Modern Cottages. And, similar to the cottages, Barndiva has a wine country chic décor that’s not too stuffy, but still serious enough to go with the farm-to-table food and craft cocktails.
Where to Shop
Mill Street AntiquesOkay, this spot is a major find so listen up: some of the best antiques I’ve ever bought in the Bay Area are at Mill Street Antiques. Yes, it’s huge and a bit dusty, but give yourself time and you’ll find everything rom impeccable midcentury barware to Art Deco cake stands. Lime StoneIf you need a gift from wine country and don’t want it to be yet another bottle of wine, head to Lime Stone. This boutique is a well curated mix of home ware, cookbooks, and décor that hits that balance between wine country rustic and modern sophisticated. PunchThis boutique is California style through and through, so if you forgot anything at home, you’ll likely be able to buy it here. Proof that this corner of wine country isn’t at all stodgy, they carry brands you’d find on your Instagram feed from Free People to Revolve. 
Where to Wine Taste
Quivira VineyardsI’d tell you that you have to stop at Quivira because its organic farm and meandering garden might be the most photogenic corners of Sonoma County. But you really should stop by for their wines—I’m a big fan of their French-style wines like their Rosé and their Grenache. Preston WineryOne of the reasons I love Northern Sonoma county is that it’s still farm country before wine country and nowhere proves that more than Preston Winery. Their vineyards are just one part of their biodynamic, family-owned and run farm, so you may spot pigs running around as you gaze out at the vineyards. Medlock AmesThe outdoor petanque court (kinda like French bocce ball) and the gorgeously renovated general store are probably reason enough to visit Medlock Ames. But the wines are really some of the best in the Anderson Valley, so make a reservation and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy.
Inspired Eats
To understand just how good the food is at Healdsburg SHED, you’ll want to make these Smashed Berry Ricotta Lavender Toasts—toast never tasted so chic! See the full recipe here. Yet again, Aida hit it out of the park with her latest city guide, and it’s having us itching for a vacation to the cozy spot of Healdsburg! To see more from Aida, visit her website or follow her on Instagram @saltandwind.
Xx Team GM
Photos: Salt & Wind, Healdsburg Modern Cottages