HEAD OVER HEALDSBURG
Healdsburg has long been a sleepy little country town just enough off the beaten path to make for a remarkably relaxing getaway. While Napa’s natural glamour dazzled out-of-towners, locals in the know would slip away for quiet weekends a little farther north.
Today, Healdsburg still retains its small-town vibe and rustic charm, but the rest of the world is waking up to all it has to offer. That includes three-Michelin-starred dining plus enough shops, galleries and tasting rooms to keep you occupied for a longer stay. As to where to stay, we highly recommend the H2 HOTEL. As the undulating “green roof” suggests, this eco-chic hotel holds the gold standard in sustainability certifications, which should help you sleep even better at night! And you’re going to need your rest – Aside from miles of hiking trails (plus shopping and gallery hopping), some of our favorite wineries have tasting rooms right downtown. Start your day on the right foot with a saunter across the historic Healdsburg Plaza, established in the 1850’s by Harmon Heald himself.
"Drink what you love, love what you drink."
LIOCO sits at the southwest corner of this anchor point, on the opposite side of Center Street. This modern tasting room is owned by husband and wife team Matt and Sara Licklider. For their own wines, they focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Carignan from exceptional vineyards with older vines and heritage clones. If the sun is shining, grab a spot outside and ask for the 2020 LIOCO Chardonnay from Sonoma County. When you’re ready to move on, head north up Center Street, stopping to enjoy a little music in the plaza if you luck into a performance. You’ll soon stumble across BANSHEE WINES’ TASTING ROOM. Comfortably rustic with reclaimed wood and old leather, it’s a charmingly low-key spot to enjoy a flight of wines paired with a seasonal charcuterie board. Banshee’s Sonoma County Pinot Noir is an easy wine to keep on the menu at home because it always overdelivers.