Healdsburg, California is a town that offers food, wine, art, fun, and adventure. It is about an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and neighbors the Sonoma County wine country. A meal from the best farm-to-table dining, along a scenic countryside of lush valleys and redwood forests surrounded by Lake Sonoma and Russian River, are a few reasons that a Wildcatter will enjoy Healdsburg.
Hotel Les Mars is a quaint hotel in the heart of Healdsburg, and more than 100 wineries can be found within a 20 minute drive. Walking distance from the hotel are shops, cafes from coffee to deli, bakery to bistro, and world-class cuisine. Meals can be paired with fine wines from the best Sonoma wineries. Fine art galleries where one can meet the owners and artists are also walking distance from the Hotel Les Mars. An afternoon of shopping is a must. Finds for home, family, gifts, boutique clothing shops, hand-crafted jewelry stores, bed and bath shops, and even furniture stores are all walking distance from Hotel Les Mars. Hint: book your spa appointment after shopping.
During your stay at Hotel Les Mars, visit the Chalkboard Restaurant, which is located in the hotel lobby. The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, and made up of small bites. Local wine flights and wine by the glass are the focus, but customized flights are available. Chalkboard also offers a cocktail list with fresh ingredients from the Chalk Hill garden.
With hundreds of wineries to choose from, Coppola Winery is worth visiting. The grounds are stunning, and lunch or dinner can be enjoyed while overlooking the beautiful vineyards. There is a gorgeous pool, and an area to play bocce ball. Francis Ford Coppola’s movie memorabilia is displayed on two floors at the winery. The bright red-orange Tucker (the car) sits on a rotating circle, and the desk that Marlon Brando sat behind in The Godfather is upstairs. Other props are on display from the movies Dracula, Apocalypse Now, as well as, Coppola’s Oscars and Golden Globes. A day at Coppola Winery is a day well spent.
Another winery that offers a great experience is Arista Winery. If planned properly, a tour guide will take you for a ride where the view of this 36-acre estate is magnificent. Afterward, you can pick fresh vegetables grown on the farm grounds that will be used for your meal. Each course includes a wine pairing and is prepared by your very own private chef.
An integral part of the Northern California lifestyle is outdoor recreation, and none is more exhilarating than zip lining. The beauty of the Redwoods from above is spectacular. The views are breathtaking, and the experience is unforgettable. Book through Canopy Tours.
Wine country, dining, art, shopping, and outdoor recreation are a few reasons to put Healdsburg on your must visit list. Wine and Healdsburg go hand in hand.