Less than two hours from the Bay Area, Sonoma County’s charming Healdsburg offers more than 80 vineyards throughout the destination and 40 tasting rooms alone in the downtown plaza. Healdsburg is renowned for: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Here are a few must try wineries in Healdsburg.
Skipstone
Skipstone was the most amazing winery experience we’ve ever had. The signature wines and premium olive oil offer experiences that beautifully evoke stories of place and time showcasing the tremendous diversity of the Skipstone Estate. All private visits to Skipstone are by appointment only.
Favorite Vintage: 2021 Oliver’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon
Medlock Ames
Medlock Ames is organically farmed at their vineyard at Bell Mountain Ranch in Alexander Valley for over 20 years. This vineyard is unlike any other and combines steep hillsides with growing conditions similar to that of Bordeaux – perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
Favorite Vintage: 2019 Fifty Tons Cabernet Sauvignon
Aperture Cellars
The aperture of a camera lens changes the amount of light a photographer has to work with; at Aperture Cellars, they’re shedding light on what Bordeaux varieties in the cooler pockets of Sonoma are capable of. Over two decades of harvests learning from the best producers in the world—Pétrus, Screaming Eagle, Viña Cobos, Bodega Noemia, and more—have led to this moment at Aperture, where winemaker Jesse Katz wines have generated buzz and critical acclaim in equal measure.
Favorite Vintage: 2022 Chenin Blanc
Domaine de la Rivière
Domaine de la Rivière is inspired by the traditional winemaking practices of Burgundy, and they passionately marry these old-world winemaking techniques with their new-world terroir, fruit, and contemporary facilities to create authentic artisanal wines.
Favorite Vintage: 2020 Middle Reach Vineyards Pinot Noir
Robert Young
The winery’s estate vineyards are located throughout their 448-acre ranch and are comprised of eight distinct soil types. Since 1858, six generations of the Youngs have lived and farmed on the ranch in Alexander Valley.
Favorite Vintage: 2018 Malbec
THE WATERS EDIT 