Visiting California wine country for the first time is exciting—but let’s be honest, planning your trip can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out the best things to do in Healdsburg: there’s just so much packed into one little town!
If you’re gearing up for a dreamy weekend in Healdsburg and aren’t sure where to begin, you’re in luck. I’ve created this easy guide filled with insider tips to ensure you experience the best of Healdsburg without missing a beat. And trust me—you can rely on this guide because I’m a local who’s constantly exploring, tasting, and checking out what’s new in our cute town.
P.S. – If you’re unsure what to wear to a winery (or looking for some wine country outfit inspiration), check out these links for some stylish ideas. Ready to savor pastries, sip incredible wines, and soak up small-town charm? Let’s dive in!
Get Breakfast at One of the Best Bakeries in the United States!
Quail and Condor was just named one of the Best Bakeries in America, so if you’re into flakey, buttery pastries, this is where you want to start your morning. Must have breakfast items at Quail and Condor include: Beet and Walnut Danish made with roasted beets, local goat cheese and a walnut crumble, a Yuzu Morning Bun filled with sweet yuzu curd, or thick slices of quiche with veggies and cheese.
Another option for breakfast in Healdsburg is the Acorn Cafe. The Green Eggs and Ham, served with two poached eggs, herbed yogurt, grilled ham, sourdough bread, and fresh herbs, is mind-blowingly good.
Pro Tip: Acorn Cafe is also terrific for brunch. Queue up those mimosas!
For more Healdsburg breakfast ideas click here.
Quail & Condor
LOCATION
149 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Daily 8 am – 3 pm
Acorn Cafe
LOCATION
124 Matheson St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Daily 8 am – 3 pm
Go Wine Tasting at Healdsburg Wineries
There are two strategies for going wine tasting in Healdsburg: drive to a winery and kick back with stunning vineyard views (most wineries are just 10 – 15 minutes from downtown Healdsburg) or visit tasting rooms on the Healdsburg Square.
My recommendation is you try both experiences, because when it comes to things to do in Healdsburg, of course wine tasting is on the list!
Sonoma Wineries with Vineyard Views
Reeve Wines is a local favorite for Sonoma Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their sparkling wine and Riesling are pretty great, too.
The patio at Reeve is pure heaven on sunny days. Dig into fresh-from-the-wood-fire-oven pizzas (great if you missed lunch!), sip wine with your friends, and take in the serene surroundings.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pet the goats! They’re so freaking cute!
LOCATION
4551 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Daily 10:30am to 5pm
Reserve here.
When you go wine tasting in Healdsburg, you must visit at least one winery on Westside Road, and if you skip Overshine on Westside Road, you’re seriously missing out. This Healdsburg winery throws the stuffy wine scene out the window and invites you in with open arms, good vibes, and a killer soundtrack. The wines are vibrant, approachable, and practically beg to be enjoyed while soaking in the sweeping vineyard views from the patio.
With a vinyl collection that rivals your favorite record store and a playlist that keeps the energy high, Overshine isn’t just a tasting—it’s a whole mood. Oh, and their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandel are pretty great, too! If you go to Overshine Wines, be sure to check out the tasting for their sister brand, Comunita. These wines are super food-friendly, and everyone who tries them seems to fall in love with their elegant drinkability.
Pro Tip: Flip through the crazy collection of vinyl, find your favorite and ask the tasting room staff to throw it on the record player.
LOCATION
2201 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Daily 11am to 5pm
Reserve here.
Like Overshine Wines, Flowers Winery is also located on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Westside Road, and sitting in their House of Flowers tasting room will feel like you’re relaxing in an oasis. Picture a blend of modern and earthy design, canopied patio seating with flowy drapery wafting in the breeze, and lush gardens.
What else is great about Flowers Vineyards & Winery? They happen to be one of the best organic and biodynamic wineries in Sonoma County, and it’s these farming practices that not only nurtures the earth but also results in superb Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Pro Tip: The vineyard views at Flowers are gorgeous, so take a few pictures for your Instagram and pair it with these winery captions!
LOCATION
4035 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Thursday – Monday, 10 am to 5 pm
Reserve here.
With a tasting room that’s surrounded by towering redwood trees and hilly vineyards, the drive alone to Porter Creek Vineyards is worth it. Tucked away in a valley on Healdsburg’s Westside Road, Porter Creek Vineyards specializes in handcrafted, organic wines, including classic California Zinfandels, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and a delightful rosé. The welcoming, dog-friendly tasting room has rustic charm, a friendly staff ready to guide you through their wines, and it’s one of Sonoma County’s most serene settings to savor wine with friends.
LOCATION
8735 Westside Rd.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Daily 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Reserve here.
Wine Tasting in Downtown Healdsburg
While the vineyard estates outside of town offer sweeping vineyard views and a more traditional wine country feel, the tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg bring a fresh, energetic vibe that’s perfect for exploring on foot. Each spot has its own personality—often with artful design, music, and by-the-glass options—making it easy (and fun!) to try a variety of wines without ever leaving the plaza.
If you want to go wine tasting on the Healdsburg Square try:
If you’re looking for something totally different from the usual tasting room experience, Idlewild is your spot. This Sonoma county winery is known for unique, Italian-inspired varietals rarely found elsewhere in California – or the US, for that matter. The Brachetto is to die for. The Arneis is a joy to drink, and don’t get me started on the Grignolino. You’re seriously going to love sipping these wines.
Need another reason to visit Idlewild Wines? Their massive cheese and charcuterie plate alone is worth the stop, pair it with these beautifully expressive wines and… wow.
LOCATION
132 Plaza St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Wednesday – Sunday, 10:30 am to 5 pm
Reserve here.
Housed in a charming building with a beautiful sunny yellow exterior, LIOCO’s downtown Healdsburg tasting room blends California Coastal design with Euro wine bar vibes, complete with vinyl records spinning and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. What sets LIOCO apart is its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a rotating lineup of events like industry nights, guest chef pop-ups, and live music, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or new to the wine scene, LIOCO’s welcoming vibe and exceptional pours make it a must-visit destination in downtown Healdsburg
LOCATION
125 Matheson St
Healdsburg 95448
HOURS
Daily 12pm to 7pm
Reserve here.
I make no secret about how much I love the wines of Arnot-Roberts, but here’s why you’ll love them, too. While these wines appear on wine lists at some of the world’s best restaurants, their Healdsburg tasting room is refreshingly down-to-earth. Book a tasting and experience rare grape varieties like Trousseau, Ribolla Gialla, and Falanghina – all great for summer sipping, by the way.
Want to try more familiar favorites? This stellar Sonoma County winery also crafts elegant Syrahs, Chardonnay and an enchanting Cabernet Sauvignon.
LOCATION
33 Healdsburg Ave
Unit I
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Friday & Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm
Reserve here.
Grab a Cocktail Before Dinner
You’ve spent the afternoon enjoying wine, now it’s time for pre-dinner cocktails! Head to Lo + Behold for the best cocktails in town, and their food is pretty good, too!
Prefer a glass of Champagne before dinner? The Healdsburg Bubble Bar is the place to go! This Parisian-inspired champagne bar is a little glitz, a little glamor, and great for bubbles!
Check out my full review of Lo + Behold, and the Healdsburg Bubble Bar.
LOCATION
214 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Thursday – Monday, 11:30 AM – Midnight
Tuesday & Wednesday, Closed
Have a Fabulous Dinner
The Madrona Manor is my favorite place to get dinner in Healdsburg. The atmosphere is sort of like if Bridgerton was set in California (which I love). Not only is Madrona just minutes from downtown, but this restaurant has tons of fairytale charm, romantic views from the porch and patio, and interiors so gorgeous you’ll need to snap some pictures to show everyone back home.
Guests at the Madrona restaurant dine on chef-crafted dishes sourced straight from Madrona’s very own culinary garden—we’re talking peak farm-to-table freshness. Whether you’re cozying up inside jewel-box parlors filled with velvet couches and curated artwork, or soaking up sunshine on the Palm Terrace (perfect for a mimosa filled brunch!), the Madrona is pure magic.
Check out my full review of the Madrona restaurant here.
LOCATION
1001 Westside Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Dinner – Daily – 5:30pm – 8pm
Lunch – Friday – 11am – 2pm
High Tea – Saturday Afternoons
Brunch – Saturday & Sunday – 10:30am – 2pm
Hannah’s Bar – Daily – 3pm – 9ish
GoodNights Prime Steak + Spirits
If you’re staying at a hotel in downtown Healdsburg and want a walkable restaurant, go to GoodNights Prime Steak + Spirits. Thursdays are my favorite nights to visit Healdsburg’s only steakhouse, because Thursday is prime rib night! Get ready for a mouthwatering cut of prime rib with a beautiful fat cap served with sky-high popovers, bourbon porcine jus. maple-roasted brussels sprouts & baker’s bacon, yukon gold potato purée. GoodNights’ prime rib night is a 3-course dining experience that also includes a nostalgic favorite for dessert, bananas foster!
Pro Tip: Bring your favorite bottle from your wine tasting adventure to dinner!
LOCATION
113 Plaza St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Tues – Sat
Bar: 4PM – 9PM
Dinner: 5PM – 9PM
Barndiva is one of the most popular restaurants in Healdsburg—and for good reason. With its artful, farm-to-table food, and eclectic interior, it’s the kind of spot that turns a casual dinner into a fun celebration. The menu is seasonally inspired and packed with local ingredients, from lavender honey-drizzled goat cheese croquettes (the must order dish) to expertly crafted cocktails (that can also be made as mocktails, FYI).
Pro tip: book ahead to snag a table—reservations at Barn Diva go quickly, and you don’t want to miss the magic.
For a deeper dive into the best restaurants in Healdsburg, check out this post on my favorite spots to dine in Healdsburg.
LOCATION
231 Center St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
HOURS
Open Thursday – Monday starting at 5 pm
Rent Bikes in Healdsburg and Go Wine Tasting
One of the best ways to experience the wineries of Healdsburg is on two wheels—pedaling past sun-soaked vineyards and rolling hills. Renting bikes lets you hop effortlessly between tasting rooms, sip incredible wines, and take in vineyard views at your own relaxed pace. There’s nothing quite like it.
For a guided bike wine tasting tour check out Getaway Adventures & Wine Country Bikes.
Do Some Shopping on the Square
Healdsburg’s town square has some of the cutest shops you’ve ever seen. Stroll beneath leafy trees as you pop into whimsical shops like Mr. Moon’s, a delightful boutique brimming with toys, jewelry, quirky gifts, all manner of cards and adorable home goodies you never knew you needed.
Any time I go into cozy Copperfield’s Books I lose track of time browsing all of the colorful titles. They also have adorable tea towels, candles, stationary, and seasonal kitsch. If you’re into seasonal kitsch and decor for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc… you’re sure to find a few gems.
The Healdsburg Square also has local clothing stores (check out those winery dresses!), artsy galleries, and inviting antique shops—perfect for snagging those unique, wine-country treasures you’ll be bragging about back home!
In between your shopping adventure, go to legendary Noble Folk Pie + Ice Cream (because who doesn’t love pie and ice cream!!) for the richest, creamiest ice cream you’ve ever tried!
Tips
- While having a car in Healdsburg is recommended, you can easily spend a car-free day in downtown Healdsburg. Grab breakfast at the Acorn Cafe, window shop on the Square, relax with a cup of coffee on the plaza, visit a few tasting rooms, and then head to dinner.
- May through September are the busiest months in Healdsburg, so make those restaurant and winery reservations early!
- If you’ve never experienced a wine country harvest, visit between September and October! Watch the wineries bring in grapes to be processed, and marvel at the scent of wine and wine barrels as it fills the air.
- If you purchase wine at one of your winery visits, never leave that wine in a hot car as you make your way through Healdsburg. The heat of the car will turn the wine and you won’t be able to enjoy it!
FAQ
Where is Healdsburg?
Healdsburg is located in the heart of Sonoma County, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco and just an hour northwest from downtown Napa. When you visit Healdsburg prepare for gorgeous vineyards, towering redwood groves, and all the small-town charm you could ask for.
What is Healdsburg known for?
Healdsburg, California is known for exceptional restaurants, captivating wine experiences, and picture-perfect scenery. It’s also more relaxed and less stuffy than Napa. The most famous restaurant in Healdsburg is SingleThread (a three Michelin star restaurant that is leagues better than the French Laundry), which is considered one of the best restaurants in the world.