Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Valley, in Healdsburg

Dry Creek Valley, in Healdsburg

In Northern Sonoma County, in downtown Healdsburg and on the west side of Highway 101, is where you will find Dry Creek Valley.  Densely packed with wineries, the country roads here are also a popular venue for cyclists so be careful and courteous as you share the road.

Favorite Tasting Rooms in Dry Creek Valley

Acorn Winery – Founded by Betsy & Bill Nachbaur in 1990, Acorn Winery is framed by tall oak trees and their wine is aged in oak barrels, so…that’s where the name comes from.  Originally, they sold their grapes to other wineries but in 1994 they started producing wines under their own label and we are huge fans of their Italian varietals (Dolcetto, Sangiovese), their “Heritage Vines” Zinfandel, the Axiom Syrah, and the Medley (a field blend of over 10 varietals).  This is a family-owned, premium winery that only makes about 3000 cases per year and is well worth the effort to seek out. 12040 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg  (707) 443-6440 [reservation required] 

Davis Family Vineyards – High-quality, hand-crafted wines are here in the tasting room on the south side of Healdsburg.   Our favorites here are the Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet Sauvignons.  52 Front Street, Healdsburg  (866) 338-9463  

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery – The prettiest winery in Dry Creek; you should come here to walk through the garden and see the estate.  While here, be sure to taste the Fume Blanc, Siena, and Tresor.  8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg  (707) 433-6700

Fritz Underground Winery – The tasting room is built into the side of a hill, and the tasty wines are created in a terroir-focused manner.  Pay special attention to the whites here – the Sauvignon Blanc and the Chardonnays.  24691 Dutcher Creek Road, Cloverdale  (800) 418-9463

G & C Lurton Vineyards – Gonzague and Claire Lurton’s extended family owns numerous Chateaux in the Bordeaux area (and around the world) and this is their Sonoma County winery.  Here, they practice sustainable and organic farming, and work closely with some biodynamic practices to allow their wines to reflect this unique terroir.  Our favorites here are the Acaibo and the Amaino (blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) and the G/C Lurton (Merlot).  The tasting room is just one block north of Healdsburg Plaza.  422 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg  (707) 473-8556 

Hawley Winery – Small family winery (dad and his two sons) out on Bradford Mountain, overseeing Dry Creek Valley, with a tasting room in downtown Healdsburg making some excellent wine.  Historically, the Viognier, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon have impressed us.  36 North Street, Healdsburg  (707) 473-9500

Kokomo Winery – Out of all of the wineries at Timber Crest Farms, this is our favorite.  Kokomo Winery (named after the winemaker’s hometown) focuses on single vineyard wines.  We like the Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley here.  4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg  (707) 433-0200

Longboard Vineyards – A tasting room with a surfing theme (yes, you read that right).  A little off the beaten path, but well worth seeking out.  The Sauvignon Blanc, Dakine Petite Sirah and RedGrav Cabernet Sauvignon are your must-trys here.  5 Fitch Street, Healdsburg  (707) 433 3473

Mauritson Wines – Friendly winery on Dry Creek Road makes great wines from the Rockpile area.  Be sure to try the Sauvignon Blanc and the Rockpile Zinfandel when here.  2859 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg  (707) 431-0804

Mounts Family Winery – Small family winery focused on big and bold red wines.  We’ve bought a lot of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah over the years here.  3901 Wine Creek Road, Healdsburg  (707) 292-8148  [reservation required]

Sanglier Cellars – In 2006, Glenn and Melissa Alexander started Sanglier Cellars and their portfolio now includes white wines, red wines, and a Rosé.  Personally, our taste buds usually migrate towards their red wines, including the Rouge du Tusque (Grenache), Bear’s Camp (Mourvèdre), Boar’s Camp Cuvee (GSM) and Left Tusque (Cabernet Sauvignon).  “Sanglier” means “Wild Boar” in French, which will help explain the adorable stuffed animals you’ll find in the tasting room.  422 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg  (707) 433-6104

Sbragia Family Vineyards – Ed Sbragia (from Beringer Winery) has this namesake winery at the north end of Dry Creek.  Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons are the main draws here.  9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville  (707) 473-2992 

Seghesio Family Vineyards – Italian-style winery established in 1895 and still making great and interesting wines today.  Be sure to try the Fiano, Cortina Zinfandel, and the Omaggio.  700 Grove Street, Healdsburg  (866) 734-4374

 

Favorite Food Stops in Dry Creek Valley

Big John’s Market – Excellent independent gourmet grocery store where you can get picnic fixings (including sandwiches made to order).  1345 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg  (707) 433-7151

Costeaux French Bakery – Popular bakery with crowds of locals as well as visitors.  417 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg  (707) 433-1913

Black Oak Coffee Roasters – Based in Ukiah, this second location is the place to go for your “I need some really good coffee” fix.  324 Center St, Healdsburg  (866) 390-1427

Healdsburg Bar and Grill – Fantastic burgers and large TVs for watching the game.  245 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg  (707) 433-3333

 

Other Links

Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley – Trade association for wineries and winegrape growers

Wine Road – Association of wineries and lodgings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys

Costeaux French Bakery & Cafe on Urbanspoon
Healdsburg Bar & Grill (HBG) on Urbanspoon


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  1. Pingback: Wine Tasting Ideas from Healdsburg | Two Guys From Napa

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