Healdsburg and North County
Self-Guided Day Tour

Of my five free self-guided tours and maps, this Healdsburg and North County day trip includes the most wineries and wine-tasting rooms. You will be able to sample and learn about the wines produced in the unique soils of four of the five appellations in Sonoma County.

The vineyards along scenic Highway 128, the beautiful backroads of the lush Dry Creek Valley, and the ambiance and special wines of the countless wineries make North Sonoma County an irresistible place to visit. You’ll find some surprises in between tastings on today’s trip.

Either Windsor, ten miles north of Santa Rosa, or Healdsburg, 16 miles north, are good choices for lodging. Spending the night in either town, you will be at one with the serene beauty of the wine country and eager to learn more about these verdant valleys.

The four appellations on this tour offer their unique soil and climate combinations to produce different wines.

The light-colored soil of the Chalk Hill appellation is the reason for its name. It’s not chalk, but white volcanic ash. The rocky earth that drains well produces primarily Chardonnay grapes, and some Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

The Russian River flows through the Alexander Valley appellation on the east side of Highway 101, and turns west at Healdsburg. Both red and white grapes flourish here in complex soils and temperate microclimates. Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown here.

The Dry Creek Valley appellation has long produced Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes, but in the last two decades Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes have been grown in the warmer north end of the valley, while Chardonnay is grown on the south end, nearer the cooler currents of the Russian River Valley.

The frequent fog kissing the Russian River Valley is ideal for grapes requiring a cooler climate. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay excels in this appellation. More methode champenoise sparkling wines are produced in the Russian River Valley than anywhere else in California.

The Healdsburg area and North County map lists addresses and details about each winery. Many of the wineries charge between $5 and $15 for wine-tastings and wine-and-food-pairings. If the winery offers complimentary tasting, it is noted. I have tried to make the list complete, but sometimes wineries change their hospitality practices without notice. Please note that some of the smaller wineries offer wine-tasting and tours by appointment only.

If you choose to stay in Healdsburg, resist the temptation to explore the town square at the beginning of your day. Save the square for the afternoon and evening when all doors are open in welcome and the lively bustle in and around the square is sure to perk you up after your happily exhausting day.

To start the day, pick up a cup of take-out coffee and head south on Old Redwood Highway to Memorial Beach at the Russian River. Find a sunny spot in the picnic grounds on the river’s bank and savor the fresh calm of early morning. Once you inhale the serene specialness of this beautiful area, you are in the right frame of mind to take on your day of adventure.

Drive north back through town onto Healdsburg Avenue. Costeaux French Bakery and Café at 417 Healdsburg Avenue is a sweet way to start out the day with a breakfast menu and french breads and pastries. Follow Healdsburg Avenue north to the intersection with Alexander Valley Road and turn right to start your day-trip tour with the eastside wineries.

River Rock Casino, located on the Dry Creek Rancheria, is owned by the Dry Creek tribe of the Pomo Native American Indians. Stop for a break between tastings and enjoy the spectacular birdseye view of the wine country from the outdoor dining area. The casine has an historic and contemporary Pomo basketry and art display and sells Native American Indian jewelry in the gift shop.

At the northernmost part of the route, after Hwy. 128 heads west, you'll come to quaint little Geyserville. Drive south on Geyserville Avenue as it wends its way back and forth across Hwy. 101, passing some of the largest wineries. When you get to the Independence/Upas intersection, cross to the east side of Hwy. 101 and make the first right hand turn north. This will take you to Coppola’s winery (former Chateau Soverain). Its lovely “french chateau” architecture and grounds are worth at least a drive-by look.

Head south to Lytton Springs Road. If you “brake for garage sales,” you won’t want to miss the Salvation Army Regional Center at 200 Lytton Springs Road. This huge rehabilitation compound is a regional sorting center that is visited daily by dozens of trucks unloading donations. The donated treasures fill a number of specialty thrift shops on the grounds and spill over into the yards—furniture, gardening items, clothes, collectibles, nearly anything you could think of makes it to the center. As the trucks unload shoppers are waiting to sift through the deliveries for the best picks.

Travel east to the Dry Creek Valley. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road. At the north end of the route, after you stop at the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center and Fish Hatchery, continue farther a short distance up to the lake and cross the bridge for breathtaking vistas of the lake and mountains.

Turn back and drive south to continue your wine-tasting adventures. Turn right on Yoakim Bridge Road and make another right (north) on West Dry Creek Road. Visit the wineries on this short stretch. Preston is the northernmost. Make a U-turn here and travel south on West Dry Creek Road. When you come to Westside Road, turn left to return to Healdsburg.

Park the car and begin your much-anticipated exploration on foot of delightful Healdsburg Square.

If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with the Tuesday night Healdsburg Farmers Market, which offers fresh local produce and flowers, gourmet food items and free concerts. Within and surrounding the square you'll find a variety of wine-tasting rooms, fine and casual dining, boutiques, art galleries and country markets. Drink in the wine-country hospitality and rub elbows with the locals, for whom an evening at the square is a regular social event.

You’ve had a full day of sampling this beautiful part of Sonoma County. Healdsburg's country-friendly charm will most likely be a highlight of your Sonoma County visit.

Print out the day trip itinerary and map for your personal use to take with you on your day trip.

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