Planning a trip to Northern California? Make sure to set a day aside for Wine Tasting in Downtown Healdsburg! Here's our walking tour itinerary including five wineries, lunch, and dinner!
Huge thanks to Wine Road and the participating wineries for hosting our recent visit. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Last month, my family took our annual summer trip out to Northern California! We spent just shy of two weeks hanging out around Sonoma County, wine tasting, exploring new areas, and even enjoying the beach.
On one of the days, my husband, Zack and I decided to venture out for a solo day of wine tasting. Healdsburg has a really cute downtown square with multiple tasting rooms and so much more!
Wine Road coordinated everything for us and set us up with the best itinerary we could have asked for. Best part – everything was in walking distance!
Wine Road
For those of you who do not know, Wine Road is an association of wineries and lodgings the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys of Northern Sonoma County. It's made up of 200 wineries at over 50 lodgings!
They coordinate annual wine tasting events and are the best resource for discovering wine country.
On their website, you can purchase tickets to their events, tasting passes, and request a free wine road map! Wine Road also has a podcast, where they share tips and news on events, wineries, wines, dining options, activities, places to stay, and more.
Healdsburg Walking Wine Tour
If you're looking for a day of wine tasting without a car or driver, head to Healdsburg! The downtown plaza has several tasting rooms, plenty of dining options, charming boutiques, hotels, and much more.
Longboard Vineyards
5 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Longboard Vineyards was established in 1998 by Oded Shakked. He has lived, worked, and surfed on four continents! Oded fell in love with northern Sonoma County in the late 1980’s and now has a tasting room just a short walk from the Downtown Healdsburg Plaza.
The SURFLOUNGE (tasting room) is a down-to-earth relaxed space to explore and discover something new. My favorite wine of the tasting was the 2018 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc!
Longboard was the perfect start to our day. We could have stayed and chatted all day long with our host! She was super knowledgeable, in a friendly casual way.
Selby Winery
215 Center Street Healdsburg, CA 95448
Selby Winery was founded in 1994 by Susie Selby, Winemaker, and her father, David K. Selby, M.D. The winery is 100% owned and operated by Susie Selby. The Selby Tasting Room is a half block from the square and is the oldest tasting room in Downtown Healdsburg.
Be sure to stop by to taste the nationally acclaimed wines in a relaxed atmosphere. Our favorites were the 2017 Sonoma County Bobcat Zinfandel and 2017 Sonoma County Rosé of Syrah.
Fun fact: Selby Wines have been served in the White House since 1995!
Portalupi Wines
107 North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Portalupi Wines is family owned and operated by Jane Portalupi and Tim Borges. The husband and wife team started Portalupi in 2002 and opened the tasting room in 2011. They are influenced by their rich Italian heritage and years of experience in the wine industry.
The Cal-Ital inspired food and wine pairing is not to be missed! We both loved the 2014 Pauli Ranch Barbera, which won “Best of Class” at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Roald Wine Company
118 North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
This tasting room just opened in May! Roald Wine Company is named for winemaker Greg Nelson's father. It’s a casual and welcoming space with jazz and blues music.
Our host was so friendly and explained the tasting notes as we sipped on each wine. We both enjoyed the 2016 GSM Blend and look forward to visiting again. Hopefully when we're out for Thanksgiving this year!
Spicy Vines
441 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Crystalyn Hoffman started the award winning boutique winery, Spicy Vines in 2012 with a spiced wine inspired by the mulled wines from Germany.
The Healdsburg tasting lounge is chill and chic, with original artwork by internationally acclaimed artist, Reds Regan. They offer wine flights, wine cocktails, and small bites. A super fun spot for a fun happy hour!
During our visit, I tried the Mango Sunrise wine cocktail – A mix of Spicy Vines Original Blend, bubbles, and mango orange juice. Yum!
A Day in Downtown Healdsburg
If you’re looking for a unique day of wine tasting, head over to Healdsburg for an unforgettable experience! You’ll fall in love with the shops on the square, unique wineries, and friendly people. In addition to tasting rooms, you can spend your day shopping around the square, playing in the park, or dining at one of the many local restaurants.
Here are a handful of fun ways to enjoy Sonoma wine tasting!
If you liked this post, you’ll probably enjoy these too:
- Wine and Food Pairing at Kendall-Jackson
- Black Glass Tasting at Matanzas Creek
- Sparkling Wine Tasting Through Napa Valley
Have you visited Downtown Healdsburg? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments! Cheers!!
Kelly
I haven't been to Healdsburg in a few years so I appreciate the update. Will keep it on hand for my next trip up there. Looks like many great options to choose from and such a pretty area.
Jenna | The Urben Life
So happy to hear that 🙂 I just love it!
Kelsey
Downtown looks so beautiful, sunny, and clean! Healdsburg sounds just lovely and this sounds like a perfect getaway.
Jenna | The Urben Life
It absolutely was all of those things 🙂
Amanda Martin
I've been trying to convince my husband to go to wine country! If I ever succeed I'll be sure to add this spot to my list, it looks beautiful!
Jenna | The Urben Life
Yes!!! Fingers crossed 🙂
Carissa
I have never been to wine country but its definitely on my list. I have only visited local wineries and we loved them so I know I would love an experience like this one!
Jenna | The Urben Life
Local wineries are just as special! I hope you get a chance to visit 🙂 It's incredible
Lisa Favre
Can you believe I've never done a wine tour before?! This place would make for the perfect date night.
Jenna | The Urben Life
OMG WHAT!! It would be so perfect 🙂
Shayla Marie
This looks like the perfect little day getaway! I know we have places that do wine tastings near us. I'll have to look them up and make a point to go.
Jenna | The Urben Life
Absolutely 🙂 Always so fun!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Looks like an amazing experience! I need to plan another trip to Wine Country - Wine Road sounds like a great resource!
Jenna | The Urben Life
It was incredible 🙂 Definitely check them out!
Rach
I love wine tastings! I haven't done one in so long. This looks like a super fun day 🙂
Jenna | The Urben Life
Thanks, Rach! It was great 🙂 I hope you get to go soon!!
Jordan
Wow! What a gorgeous location! It looks like you guys had an incredible trip <3
Jenna | The Urben Life
It was a day to remember! Thanks 🙂