8 Best Wineries in Healdsburg, CA for Your Next Sonoma Trip

ByLaura Wine Destinations

Planning a trip to Sonoma wine country and looking for the best wineries in Healdsburg? You’re in the right place.

Healdsburg may be small, but it has more than 30 tasting rooms packed into a few walkable blocks. You’ll find everything from cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to old-vine Zinfandel and even Italian varieties. The hard part isn’t finding great wine. It’s deciding where to go.

As a certified wine expert and frequent wine country traveler, I’ve visited Healdsburg multiple times. From exploring at my own pace to panel tastings and meeting the people behind the wines, I’ve had the chance to experience the town’s tasting rooms in all kinds of ways.

In this guide, I’m sharing my top picks for wine tasting in downtown Healdsburg. Plus, helpful tips from my own visits so you can make the most of your getaway.

Healdsburg square with a central fountain surrounded by green trees, benches, and a pavilion decorated with red, white, and blue bunting, under a clear blue sky.

Guide to Healdsburg Wine Tasting Rooms

This guide will help you find the right tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg based on the wines and experiences you enjoy. Since the town is walkable, you can easily visit three or four in a single day. Just be sure to leave time for exploring the town square, shops, galleries, and restaurants.

If you’re planning to visit other parts of Sonoma wine country, check out my guide to wineries in Dry Creek Valley. It’s close by and known for its family-run spots, beautiful vineyard views, and some of the best Zinfandel in the country.

Marine Layer Wines

Vibrant bar interior at Marine Layer with a modern design, featuring four orange pendant lights, a marble countertop, and wooden bar stools with leather backs.

If you’re into cool-climate Pinot and Chardonnay, Marine Layer should be one of your first stops in Healdsburg. Founder Baron Ziegler and winemaker Rob Fischer built the brand around Sonoma Coast vineyards, where the fog keeps things cool and the grapes develop bright, fresh flavors.

The tasting room has a modern, lounge-y vibe with velvet seating and marble tables. I started with a welcome splash of rosé. Then, chose a single-vineyard flight that made it easy to taste how the same grape changes from place to place.

The staff was one of my favorite parts, super friendly, down-to-earth, and full of good info. They walked me through the different vineyard sources, including Marine Layer’s small Chardonnay estate near Sebastopol and well-known spots like Gap’s Crown.

It’s a great stop if you like learning a bit while you sip. Comparing each pour back to back made the differences easy to spot in a really approachable way.

Bottle of Marine Layer Pinot Noir wine with a pink label next to a partially filled wine glass with red wine on a white marble table, and bar counter and chairs in the background.
Modern wine tasting lounge area at Marine Layer with velvet chairs, minimalist decor, and elegant hanging lamps.
Elegant wine tasting setup at Marine Layer, featuring a wine glass, water carafe, fresh flowers in a glass vase, and a wine menu on a white table with wooden chairs in the background.
  • Wines to Try: The Vermentino was a surprise standout, bright with a little salty snap. I also loved the estate Chardonnay, with creamy lemon curd and floral notes. For Pinot, Gap’s Crown was my favorite with deeper red fruits and more structure.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations recommended, but they take walk-ins. Choose from two flight options: single-vineyard or appellation-focused. You can also order by the glass, and they offer small bites like mezze and cheese plates.

Marine Layer Wines, 308 B Center St, Healdsburg, CA

Idlewild Wines

Outdoor patio and entrance of Idlewild's tasting room with large glass windows, red umbrellas shading seating, and decorative plants in planters.

If you’re looking for something different than the usual Sonoma varieties, head to Idlewild for Italian-style wines.

Sam Bilbro grew up in vineyards and fell hard for the wines of Piedmont (one of my personal favorite regions). He founded Idlewild with that inspiration in mind, focusing on grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Cortese from high-elevation sites in Mendocino County and the Russian River Valley.

The tasting room sits on a quiet side street off the square, with a modern farmhouse feel and a shaded patio outside. Inside, you’ll find a few seating nooks near the front and a larger room in back. I grabbed a window seat and settled in for a flight.

The wines felt familiar but also a little unexpected. They captured the spirit of Piedmont but with a California twist. I had a great time chatting with the staff about all things Italy and wine travel. I even got some great recommendations for other places to visit.

Indoor seating nook at Idlewild with a wooden table, metal chairs, and plush pillows on a built-in window seat, adjacent to large windows with gray curtains, overlooking a patio with red umbrellas.
A dark glass wine bottle with a white label featuring a black and white illustration of a tree and background landscape, with the word "IDLEWILD" in bold red capital letters. The bottle is placed on a light wooden surface, with blurred dark background elements.
Cozy wine-themed interior of Idlewild with black walls decorated with framed botanical illustrations and vintage whimsical artwork, warm ambient lighting, and casual seating with cushions.
  • Wines to Try: The Arneis was one of my favorites, with lively acidity and white-peach notes. I loved the Barbera for its bright red fruits and easy drinkability. And the Nebbiolo had that classic mix of structure and perfume that instantly reminded me why I love this grape.
  • Visiting Tips: Open Wednesday–Sunday with indoor and patio seating. Reservations recommended for tastings but walk-ins welcome. You can also stop in for glasses, and they offer prosciutto, salumi, and Italian cheese plates. Larger groups can be accommodated with advance booking.

Idlewild Wines, 132 Plaza St, Healdsburg, CA

Which wine region should you visit? Click to take the quiz.

Williamson Wines

Modern entrance to Williamson Wines with large potted green bushes, a black canopy with "Williamson Wines" sign, and sleek building architecture reflected by surrounding trees and windows.

If you love tastings built around food and wine, Williamson Wines is a great pick. Bill Williamson, an Australian-born fourth-generation vintner, settled in Northern California in the 1980s and now farms 32 acres of sustainably grown, estate fruit. All the wines are natural, vegan, and made to enjoy alongside food.

The style leans French, with a few fun Australian nods like sparkling Shiraz. Wines come with love-themed names like Allure and Scandal. And they’ve created hundreds of recipes to pair with each bottle.

I did the wine and cheese pairing, which was relaxed and informative without feeling formal. We talked through how each cheese changed the wine. And a few combos really surprised me, especially the cheese that genuinely tasted like pizza!

If you want a tasting that’s interactive and a little different from the typical flight, this is an easy yes. The experience feels personal and approachable, with plenty of food-focused options to explore.

Rustic wine bar interior at Williamson Wines with wooden bar counter, high wooden chairs, wine bottles on shelves, and exposed wooden beams.
A bottle of Williamson Wines Meritage red wine, a glass of wine, and a small white plate with two cheese cubes on a copper bar top.
Williamson Wines tasting room with a rustic wooden table set with four wine glasses and tasting notes, surrounded by black chairs and large windows letting in natural light.
  • Wines to Try: Fizz, a crisp Chardonnay-based sparkler, was a standout paired with black truffle Gouda. The citrus and stone fruit notes of Captivate (a Chardonnay-Viognier blend) also worked well with a mango and ginger English Stilton. And Tickled Pink rosé was a great match for a chipotle cheddar Gruyère.
  • Visiting Tips: It’s best to book ahead, but they do take some walk-ins for wine and cheese tastings if space allows. At the Healdsburg tasting room, you’ll find wine-and-cheese pairings, food-pairing experiences, wine-pairing lunches, and weekday happy hours. Similar options are offered at their estate nearby on Dry Creek Road.

Williamson Wines, 18 Matheson St, Healdsburg, CA

Ramey Wine Cellars

Elegant wine tasting glasses filled with white and red wines on a tasting sheet with the "RAMEY" logo.

If you want to taste iconic wines from one of California’s most influential winemakers, Ramey Wine Cellars is the spot. Founded in 1996, David Ramey has been making wine since the 1970s and helped shape many of the techniques used in modern California winemaking.

This isn’t a casual, stroll-in-and-sip kind of spot. Tastings are private and take place inside the working production facility. This makes the whole experience feel more like a behind-the-scenes visit than a traditional tasting room. You’ll walk past stainless steel tanks, stacks of barrels, and get a real sense of the scale and craft behind the wines.

The tasting is both personal and incredibly educational. They cover everything from vineyard terroir to family history to the techniques that helped redefine California Chardonnay. And the wines are stunning. Some of the best I tasted in Sonoma.

If you’re a wine nerd or someone who loves learning the “why” behind great bottles, this is absolutely worth booking. It’s thoughtful, intimate, and a chance to taste wines that have helped shape the region for decades.

Gold Ramey Wine Cellars sign on a textured wall with a metal handrail below.
David Ramey of Ramey Cellars giving a tasting presentation next to a stainless steel wine press and a table with glasses and tasting accessories on a white tablecloth.
Stainless steel wine fermentation tanks at Ramey Cellars with overhead industrial lighting and a metal roof.
  • Wines to Try: My tasting was part of a wine writers conference, so I had the chance to try some of their library wines. The 2014 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay was outstanding, with creamy lemon custard and still so much freshness. The 2022 Westside Farms Pinot Noir was also delicious, with dark plum and raspberry and a soft, elegant texture. And the 2007 Napa Valley Claret, a term David coined, showed just how gracefully these wines age.
  • Visiting Tips: Visits are by appointment only, requested through their website. Private tastings are offered daily at 10am and 2pm, and last about 90 minutes in a room overlooking the winery. If there are specific wines you want to try, you can ask when scheduling.

Ramey Wine Cellars, 25 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA

LIOCO Wines

Outdoor patio at Lioco with black tables and chairs, white building wall, decorative string lights, and green plants in white pots on a sunny day.

If you want a tasting that feels more like a lively wine bar than a traditional winery stop, LIOCO is your spot. The vibe is casual, upbeat, and fun, with a big indoor bar and plenty of patio seating outside.

LIOCO’s story goes back to 2005, when the founders set out to make lighter, more nuanced wines than the big styles dominating the era. Today, their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are known for exactly that, with grapes sourced from small family-owned vineyards across Sonoma, Mendocino, and Santa Cruz.

I grabbed a seat at the bar, which ended up being the perfect choice. Andrew was pouring wines and cracking jokes behind the bar, and it set the tone right away. The Headwaters tasting included reserve-level single-vineyard wines from top sites.

The tasting wasn’t overly educational, but that’s part of the charm. It’s more about enjoying good wine and good company. I found myself chatting with a couple of people next to me, and it felt like a relaxed hangout rather than a structured tasting.

Lioco's modern wine tasting room with a large gray shelving unit filled with wine bottles, glasses, and decorative items and high-top tables with blue cushioned chairs.
Bottle of Lioco Chardonnay wine with a white and blue label and a glass of white wine beside it on a bar surface.
Modern lounge area at Lioco with large windows, a long upholstered bench, and small round gold and marble tables decorated with colorful flowers.
  • Wines to Try: I loved the Skycrest Chardonnay for its minerality, lemony acidity, and round mouthfeel. The Sealift Pinot Noir was another favorite, with raspberry and blackberry, a little earth, and hints of black tea.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations encouraged, but walk-ins welcomed at the bar or patio. They offer several tasting options plus a long list of wines by the glass. You can add on small bites like prosciutto, pecorino, cheese plates, olives, and snack boards. Non-alcoholic mocktails are available too.

LIOCO Wines, 125 Matheson St, Healdsburg, CA

Seghesio Family Wines

Guests enjoy wine tasting under large umbrellas in the shaded outdoor seating area of Seghesio Family Vineyards, with a shiny Airstream trailer wine bar in the background.

About a 15-minute walk or a quick drive from Healdsburg square, Seghesio is a great pick if you want to try Zinfandel and Italian varieties with a bit of local history behind them.

The winery’s story goes back to 1895, when Edoardo Seghesio arrived from Piedmont, Italy and planted Sangiovese in Northern Sonoma County.

Five generations later, the family is still farming some of those original vines, along with old-vine Zinfandel from vineyards across their 300 acres. When a Seghesio bottle is labeled “old vines,” it means the fruit comes from vineyards at least 50 years old, with some blocks closer to 75.

I visited their Wine Garden, where massive trees create the perfect lounge space for enjoying a glass. A retro trailer serves as the outdoor wine bar, giving the whole area a relaxed, backyard feel. You can also head inside for a quick tasting or lay out a picnic blanket if you prefer.

Stone archway entrance with a sign reading “Welcome to Seghesio Family Vineyards Tasting Room,” surrounded by trees and rainbow pride flags.
Wide view of the outdoor tasting patio at Seghesio Family Vineyards, with tall trees providing natural shade over tables and lounge seating.
Exterior view of the Seghesio Family Vineyards tasting room, featuring white benches with colorful pillows and landscaping with ornamental grasses.
  • Wines to Try: The Cortina Zinfandel stood out for me with dark berry fruit, spice, and a velvety finish. I also liked their Sangiovese-based wines, and the Vermentino was a favorite if you prefer whites.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations are recommended for seated tastings or tours. You can also reserve a bocce court and order a bottle to enjoy outside. The Wine Garden is open for walk-ins with space for picnics. Kids and dogs are welcome outdoors.

Seghesio Family Vineyards, 700 Grove St, Healdsburg, CA

Hartford Family Winery

If you’re curious how different Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel can be from one Sonoma vineyard to another, Hartford Family Winery is a great place to explore that. Founded in 1994 by Don and Jennifer Hartford, the winery focuses on single vineyard versions of these varieties from sites across the Russian River Valley and beyond.

They started with just one Chardonnay, one Pinot, and one Zin, but now make a whole line of small-production, site-driven wines. They also work with fruit from places like the Willamette Valley and Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara, so you get a broader West Coast snapshot too.

I first tried their wines during a panel at the Wine Writers Educational Tour, then walked by the tasting room just off the Healdsburg square. It has a warm, homey feel with a few big tables, high-tops, and a small sidewalk patio.

This is a great stop if you like comparing styles, exploring different parts of Sonoma, or just want a tasting with a clear sense of place behind each wine.

  • Wines to Try: I loved the Far Coast Vineyard Chardonnay for its minerality, aromas of orange zest, and flavors of ripe mandarin. The Far Coast Vineyard Pinot Noir was another favorite, with bright red raspberries, red currants, and a lingering finish.
  • Visiting Tips: The Healdsburg tasting room is just off the main square. Appointments are preferred, but they take walk-ins or you can confirm same-day availability by phone. Flights focus on wines from different vineyard areas, and you can also order by the glass or bottle. They also host tastings at their estate in the Green Valley area of Russian River Valley.

Hartford Family Winery, 331 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA

DaVero Farms & Winery

The exterior of DaVero Farms & Winery, featuring a sage green barn-style building with open double doors welcoming guests inside.

Just outside downtown Healdsburg, DaVero is an easy drive or rideshare away and absolutely worth the quick trip. This biodynamic farm and winery focuses on Italian varieties. Expect Sangiovese, Barbera, Sagrantino, and other lesser-known grapes that thrive in Sonoma’s Mediterranean climate.

Founder Ridgely Evers (yes, the QuickBooks guy) and his wife Colleen first planted olive trees on the property. After trying a Sagrantino from Italy, Ridgely became convinced it could thrive in Sonoma’s climate and decided to give it a shot. That decision shaped everything DaVero makes today.

I visited during a progressive dinner and loved how each stop around the property featured a different wine and food pairing. We sipped rosé in the tasting room, moved to the garden cottage and willow grove, and finished under a vine-covered pergola. Dishes like salmon lollipops with Sangiovese and lamb with Sagrantino made it one of my most memorable tastings in the area.

If you’re into Italian varieties or want something a little different from the downtown tasting rooms, this is a stop I 100% recommend.

Handwritten chalkboard sign at DaVero pointing the way to the cottage and Willow Circle, set beside a vibrant garden path with blooming flowers and greenery.
A bottle of DaVero 2016 Sagrantino wine from the Hawk Mountain Estate Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley, placed on an outdoor table with vineyard views in the background.
Close-up of a black-and-white spotted piglet in a pen at DaVero Farms & Winery, standing on straw with a curious look.
  • Wines to Try: The 2016 Hawk Mountain Sagrantino was the star for me with its intensity, earthiness, and dark fruit. The Altobasso blend of Sangiovese and Barbera was another standout. And if you like dessert wines, the Late Harvest Moscato was the perfect sweet finish.
  • Visiting Tips: DaVero offers an educational style of tasting along with wines by the glass or bottle. Walk-ins are welcome for the garden tasting. You can also book a tour and tasting with a charcuterie board. And don’t miss the olive oil and vinegar samples while you’re there.

DaVero Farms & Winery, 766 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 

The Best Sonoma Wine Tours

If you’re looking to visit wineries outside of downtown Healdsburg, joining a tour or hiring a driver can make the day a lot easier (and safer!). Here are two great options depending on whether you prefer something private or small group.

  • Private Sonoma Valley Wine Tour – A great pick if you want full control over your itinerary. You’ll have a private SUV and driver, with pickup available throughout the area. You can choose the wineries or get suggestions from your guide, and taste at your own pace. Tasting fees and lunch aren’t included.
  • Sonoma Wine Rides Small-Group Tour – A small-group tour that visits three wineries in Sonoma County with tasting flights at each stop. It includes a charcuterie-style lunch and pickup in Santa Rosa and nearby towns. Tasting fees are paid directly to the wineries.

🚌 Book the Private Tour
🚌 Book the Small-Group Tour

Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me share new wine destinations with you and I only recommend products and services that I love and think you’ll love too!

Where to Stay for Healdsburg Wine Tasting

If you’re planning a wine-tasting getaway around Healdsburg, it helps to stay somewhere in town or that makes it easy to get there. Here are two great options I recommend:

  • Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza – Right on Healdsburg’s main square, this inn is steps from tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants. The vibe is warm and inviting, with touches like fireplaces in many rooms and a complimentary afternoon wine and cheese tasting. It’s a great pick if you want to park your car once and walk everywhere.
  • Hotel Trio Healdsburg – About a mile from downtown, Hotel Trio is a modern all-suites hotel with plenty of space to unwind after a day of tasting. There’s a pool, fire pits, and a free shuttle that drops you off near the square, so you don’t have to worry about driving. It’s ideal if you want something a little quieter while still being close to everything.

🏨 Book the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza
🏨 Book the Hotel Trio Healdsburg

FAQs About Wine Tasting in Healdsburg

When is the best time to visit Healdsburg?

You can visit year-round, but the most popular months are late spring through fall. May and June bring great weather with less crowds. Harvest season (September and October) is busy but really fun if you don’t mind more traffic. Winter is the quietest and often the most affordable, and many wineries offer indoor tastings.

What’s the best way to get to Healdsburg?

Most people fly into San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK) and drive about 1.5 to 2 hours north. Santa Rosa’s airport (STS) is the closest at about 15 minutes from town. Sacramento (SMF) is another easy airport option with a drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, many tasting rooms are walkable from the Healdsburg square.

What wine is Healdsburg known for?

Healdsburg sits at the center of three major wine regions, which makes it a great spot to taste a variety of Sonoma wines.

The Russian River Valley is famous for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Dry Creek Valley is one of the top places for old-vine Zinfandel along with Sauvignon Blanc. Alexander Valley leans warmer and is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.

You’ll also find Sonoma is putting out some excellent sparkling wines and a growing number of Italian and Rhône-style varieties.

Are wineries open year-round?

Most wineries in the Healdsburg area are open all year, though hours may be shorter in winter. A few outdoor-focused spots may reduce their schedule after the holidays, so it’s always good to double-check before you go.

Do you need reservations for the wineries?

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and peak season. Some downtown tasting rooms take walk-ins. But if you’re planning a full day of tastings, it’s best to book ahead of time so everything flows smoothly. Check out more winery etiquette tips.

How much are tasting fees?

Most tasting fees in Healdsburg range from $25 to $50, depending on the winery and the experience. Reserve or library tastings can be higher. Some places waive the fee if you purchase a certain number of bottles. See how this compares to wine tasting costs in other regions.

Can I bring my kids and pets to the wineries?

It depends on the winery. Some outdoor patios allow kids and well-behaved dogs on leash. But other wineries are 21+ only, particularly those with limited space or more guided tastings. Always check the winery’s policy before you go so you’re not surprised when you arrive.

Keep Exploring Sonoma Wine Country

Once you’ve made your way through Healdsburg’s tasting rooms, Dry Creek Valley is an easy next step. It’s only a short drive away and packed with wineries pouring everything from bright Sauvignon Blanc to some of the best Zinfandel in the country. Head over to my Dry Creek Valley guide for my top winery picks, tasting tips, and the best stops to add to your itinerary.

Check out More International Wine Destinations

Posted In: Wine Destinations

Author

I'm your go-to gal for all things wine and wanderlust. With a WSET Level 3 certification in wine and passport stamps from 30 countries and counting, I’m here to help you explore the world, one glass at a time.

You’ll Also Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *