Discover a Wine Lover’s Paradise in Healdsburg

While other wine connoisseurs head to Glen Ellen or Kenwood, you can discover a haven of hidden wineries by venturing further north to Healdsburg.

Less trafficked than its Sonoma County counterparts, Healdsburg is the perfect place to set up your home base if you love the quiet and peaceful splendor of the Wine Country. However, you are never too far away from the action in a Healdsburg vacation rental as nearly 100 wineries and vineyards dot the area, beckoning you to taste their Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Since the wineries in Sonoma are more spread out than in Napa, it is best to devise a touring schedule that allows you to see all your favorites with as little backtracking as possible. One option that should definitely be near the top of your itinerary is the Ferrari-Carano Winery, which features critically-acclaimed wines, an interesting tour, and acres of exquisite gardens.

If you can spare the time or simply want to add a little diversity to your vacation, set aside a day to head over to Napa Valley. Calistoga is home to the dazzling Sterling Winery and its excellent self-guided tour, while St. Helena is ideal for retail therapy with its multitude of upscale shops.

Beyond your usual wine-oriented activities, consider a trip to the nearby Lake Sonoma State Recreation Area for a day of outdoor adventures such as boating, swimming, and picnicking. A stroll around the Healdsburg Plaza is also an experience in itself with the shopping, antiquing, dining, and wine tasting options.