Limerick Lane — 1023 Limerick Ln, Healdsburg — Limerick Lane is one of the closest wineries to Hidden Pocket, just about half a mile down Limerick Lane. It’s a wonderful place to taste world-class Zinfandel and Rhône-style wines from a historic Russian River Valley estate. Tastings are offered in the scenic tasting room or outdoors among the century-old vines, some of which are more than 110 years old.
Aperture Cellars — 12291 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg — Just across Highway 101 from Hidden Pocket, Aperture is an easy first stop for wine tasting. The winery specializes in expressive Bordeaux varietals from Sonoma County’s finest cool-climate sites. The striking tasting room and hospitality center, inspired by photography, is itself worth a visit.
Just west and north of Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley is one of Sonoma County’s classic wine regions and is particularly renowned for Zinfandel. The valley is also home to outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône varieties.
Ridge — 650 Lytton Springs Rd, Healdsburg — Ridge is famous for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Chardonnay, including the iconic Monte Bello. The Lytton Springs property is a beautiful place to taste outdoors, and the winery’s distinctive buildings are constructed using straw bale and vineyard clay.
A. Rafanelli — 4685 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg — Family-owned and operated for generations, Rafanelli is one of Dry Creek Valley’s classic wineries. The family is particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. Tastings are typically offered in the barrel room or outdoors in the lovely garden.
Talty Vineyards — 7127 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg — A small-production, family-owned winery specializing in exceptional Zinfandel. Talty works with dry-farmed, head-trained vineyards and produces only about 1,300 cases a year. It’s a particularly good choice if you want to seek out something small and distinctive.
Zichichi Family Vineyard — 8626 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg — A family-owned winery in the heart of Dry Creek’s Zinfandel country. Zichichi produces rich, full-bodied wines from estate-grown grapes, including Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Tastings often include barrel samples, and the deck offers beautiful views across the Dry Creek Valley floor.
Hidden Pocket sits at the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley AVA. As you head west, the cooler climate makes the region particularly well suited to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Merry Edwards Winery — 2959 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol — Founded by pioneering winemaker Merry Edwards, this winery is renowned for its terroir-driven, single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley, along with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Their Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc is one of our favorite white wines.
Rochioli Vineyards & Winery — 6192 Westside Rd, Healdsburg — One of Sonoma County’s most celebrated wineries, Rochioli has been farming the Russian River Valley for three generations. The tasting room overlooks the valley floor and vineyards, including the famous West Block Pinot Noir vineyard. Rochioli is particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Marimar Estate — 11400 Graton Rd, Sebastopol — Founded by Marimar Torres of Spain’s Torres wine family, Marimar Estate specializes in premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate combines beautiful vineyards, Spanish-inspired architecture and a strong commitment to sustainable farming.
North and east of Healdsburg, Alexander Valley is one of Sonoma County’s premier regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The warmer climate and well-drained soils make it particularly well suited to Bordeaux varieties.
Robert Young Estate Winery — 5102 Red Winery Rd, Geyserville — Family-owned and farmed since 1858, Robert Young Estate sits on a 448-acre ranch about 10 minutes north of Healdsburg. The Scion House offers seated tastings with spectacular 360-degree views across the Alexander Valley. The winery is particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.