Top Healdsburg Wineries for a One-Day Tasting Trip (Plus Dinner
- Theresa Downs
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Healdsburg has a certain magic to it. It's chic without trying too hard, full of winemakers who are passionate (and often a little obsessive in the best way), and home to some of Sonoma's most expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Spend a day here and you'll understand why it's one of the most loved towns in wine country. Here's our favorite itinerary when you have just one day to sip, stroll, and taste your way through Healdsburg.
Stop #1: WALT Wines
WALT specializes in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from vineyards up and down the West Coast, but the Sonoma and Russian River bottlings shine brightest here. Conveniently located at the beginning of West Side Road, also known as Pinot Noir country, it manages to be modern, stylish, and cozy without ever feeling stuffy. Flights often include a compare-and-contrast lineup of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, a delicious way to see how dramatically terroir influences flavor. Our wine concierge for the day was amazingly informative.
Must Try: 2022 Walt Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir
WALT Wines
📍 779 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
📞 (707) 721-8627
Stop #2: Cobb Wines
Cobb Wines is a small-producer favorite with a cult following among Pinot lovers. Cobb works with meticulously farmed coastal and coastal-influenced vineyards, producing wines that are elegant, high-toned, and deeply expressive; they are one of a small band of producers that make Riesling wines. Worth a visit just to see their uber cool Healdsburg tasting room.
Must Try: 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Cobb Wines
📍 328 Healdsburg Ave Suite A, Healdsburg, CA 95448
📞 (707) 595-2996
Stop #3: Thomas George Estates
End the day at Thomas George Estates, tucked into the rolling hills just outside of town. The estate is stunning — towering trees, vineyard views, and tastings set inside a naturally climate-controlled wine cave. Thomas George also produces terrific wines that are, frankly, very affordable. Notably, their wines are a bit older than what one normally experiences in a tasting. It's elegant without being over the top: the perfect Sonoma balance.
Must Try: 2017 Cresta Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir
Thomas George Estates
📍 8075 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
📞 (707) 431-8031
Lunch at Bravas Tapas
We headed back to town for lunch at Bravas Bar de Tapas, one of my favorite restaurants in Healdsburg. The menu is Spanish, shareable, and full of "just one more bite" dishes. Every single dish on the menu is stupendous. Better yet, they have an amazing array of sherries to complement it all.
Must Trys: Bacon wrapped dates; Patatas Bravas and Spanish White Anchovies (Yum!)
Bravas Bar de Tapas (Healdsburg)
📍 420 Center St., Healdsburg, CA 95448
📞 (707) 433-7700
Final Thoughts
Healdsburg is the kind of town where one day turns into three before you know it. This itinerary hits the sweet spot: downtown tasting, a small-lot Pinot producer with serious finesse, and a scenic estate finish.
