Tucked away in the quaint town of Healdsburg, a world of under-the-radar wineries awaits. These “hidden gems” are often family-run or housed in unique spaces and provide a one-of-a-kind experience. In this blog, we’ll uncover some lesser-known wineries that you’ll want to add to your list of things to do in Healdsburg.
Capo Creek Ranch
Founded in 2013 by Chef Winemaker Mary Roy and her husband Bob Covert, Capo Creek Ranch is known for their hand-harvested, small batch wines. The cāpo is a symbol that, for Capo Creek Ranch, joins love, laughter, music, and great wine. You’ll find a variety of exceptional wines, including Rhône varietals, Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
You’re in for a treat when booking a tasting at Capo Creek Ranch, as they specialize in unique wine and food pairings prepared by Chef Mary Roy herself. We recommend the Premier VIP Chef Table experience, which gives guests a chance to join Chef Mary for an incredible culinary journey overlooking Eva’s Vineyard. Reservations are required for certain tastings, but walk-ins are welcome Thursday – Monday from 11 AM – 3:30 PM.
Address: 7171 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, California
Stay At: Santini Farmhouse
Just a 6-minute drive from Capo Creek Ranch, you’ll find Santini Farmhouse, a gorgeous Italian villa nestled in Dry Creek Valley. The highlight of this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is the outdoor amenities, which include beautiful vineyard views, a fire pit, and a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after your Healdsburg adventures.
Orsi Family Vineyards
This small, family-owned vineyard blends the family’s rich Italian heritage with Sonoma County’s laid-back vibes. While Orsi started with the classics like Cabernet and Chardonnay, rare Italian gems like Sangiovese, Barbera, and Negroamaro can also be found here.
Orsi Family Vineyards offers a range of tastings, including the Solo Vino (wine only) to the La Scampagnata (Italian Picnic). The La Scampagnata features an artisanal selection of Italian goodies which includes two Italian cheeses, savory charcuterie, Marcona almonds, Castelvetrano olives, dried fruit, Taralli crackers, and crunchy biscotti. All you need to do is add your favorite bottle of Orsi Family Vineyards wine. Reservations are recommended for tastings, but walk-ins are available.
Address: 2306 Magnolia Dr, Healdsburg, CA
Hours: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday – Monday
Stay At: Rivers Breeze
Escape to Rivers Breeze, a peaceful retreat that offers a stunning riverfront location. The home features 3 bedrooms, each with a queen bed, 2 full bathrooms, and a queen sleeper sofa for extra guests. Dine al fresco on the deck or dip your toes in the river and admire the beauty of Wine Country.
Ramey Wine Cellars
Ramey Wine Cellars is considered one of the area’s top wineries and a must-visit during your vacation. David Ramey, the founder, is credited with shaping how many wines are produced in the US today, and his contributions to winemaking are immense, including whole-cluster pressing of white grapes and bottling without filtration. Ramey Wine Cellars produces Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, but is most known for their Chardonnays.
Reserve a private tasting where you’ll try some of California’s most sought-after wines while overlooking the winery.
Address: 25 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA
Hours: By Appointment 10 AM & 2 PM
Stay At: Healdsburg Plaza Gem
Fall in love with Healdsburg Plaza Gem, a quaint 2-bedroom cottage located just two blocks from the historic Downtown Plaza. The home’s cozy charm and walkability to everything in town make it a favorite for many of our guests. When you’re not discovering all of Healdsburg’s best shops, wineries, and restaurants, grab a book and bask in the comfort of the Adirondack chairs in the spacious backyard.
Unti Vineyards
Unti Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery specializing in European-style wines from Mediterranean grape varieties not commonly found in the region. The winery, established in 1997, produces small lots of estate-grown Barbera, Grenache, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel.
Expect a small and intimate setting for your wine tasting at Unti, where you’ll select six wines to sample from Unti’s extensive collection.
Address: 4202 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg
Hours: Open Daily from 10 AM – 4 PM, Tastings by Appointment Only
Stay At: Luxurious Wine Country Oasis
Luxurious Wine Country Oasis has all you need for an unforgettable stay. This main home boasts an open layout with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, while the guest house features a king bed, a memory foam sofa bed, and 2 full bathrooms. When you’re not exploring the area, cozy up by the fire pit reminiscing on the day’s adventures or play a friendly game of bocce ball and cornhole. You won’t have to go far to enjoy the best of Healdsburg at Luxurious Wine Country Oasis.
Rootdown
While Rootdown is in Geyserville, it’s just a short 10-minute drive from Healdsburg and worth the short trip. Rootdown focuses on varietal-specific wines from single vineyards and is most known for their Jura-inspired wines. The focus is not only on the fruit, but also about the earth and texture, hence the name Rootdown.
Rootdown offers wine enthusiasts several different tasting options. Contact their team to set up a one-of-a-kind wine experience during your Healdsburg vacation.
Hours: Tastings by Appointment Only
Stay At: Sanctuary on Lytton
Visitors looking for modern luxury will find it here at Sanctuary on Lytton. This exclusive 11.67-acre estate provides heart-stopping views and a beautiful outdoor living space with a private pool, hot tub, bocce court, fire pit, and even a bird habitat pond. Made up of three units, Sanctuary on Lytton is ideal for those traveling with multiple families, large groups, and corporate retreats. Take full advantage of their location, just three minutes to Rootdown and seven minutes to Healdsburg Plaza.
