Just north of San Francisco rests Healdsburg, where Sonoma County wine is a half-step ahead of any other wine tasting experience in California wine country. Healdsburg runs like a river woven through the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley regions. And while celebrated for its exquisite culinary culture and chic shopping sprees, it’s still world class wines Healdsburg is known for most.

Here are the wines Healdsburg is renowned for: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Rosé, Syrah, and Petite Sirah are also well-established Healdsburg wines.

Below we’ll share about each selection of wine, whether they’re sweet or dry, red or white, and some of the best wineries in Healdsburg where you’ll find your favorite varietals. Simply click on each winery’s name for more details. The selection of wines photographed represent award-winning or highly acclaimed varietals, chosen solely for their renown and without inducement from any winery.

You can click here for a list of best wineries in Healdsburg or here for the best tasting rooms to visit. And now, on to our wonderful wines…

Healdsburg Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet sauvignon grapes are one of the winery world’s most petite grapes. However, she is in a class of her own, as one of the utmost robust and resilient of wine grapes. Such characteristics making her highly desirable among vintners. She can flourish in most any environment, retaining her gift for passion and splendor from vine to wine in every glass.

If ever a fruit of the wine embodied gusto for life, it is that precious jewel of the cabernet sauvignon vine. Mellow, yet intoxicating. Subtly seducing you with every soft sip. You’ll discover the best Sonoma cabernet sauvignon beckons you in Healdsburg.

Saunter into some of these wineries to sample Healdsburg’s Cab Sav delights: Armida Winery, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Soda Rock Winery, Hart’s Desire, and Goldschmidt Winery.  (cabernet sauvignon is a red, dry wine)

Healdsburg Zinfandel

Zinfandel grapes are a smaller breed, grow vigorously in warm climates, and rather ripen in waves, as certain clusters come to full fruition later than other clusters on the same vine. Known for early maturation in the harvest season, or “crush” as harvest is called, zinfandel grapes tend to have a higher sugar content. This accounts for wines which are traditionally on the higher scale of alcohol content.

And if there was a wine fruit which can eloquently reflect the heart and hand of its specific grower, it is our cherished little zin grape. Her fruit’s ability to mirror a lingering reflection of both the soil and skill of her grower makes her so endearing. Like a muse capable of posing distinctly for each artist, no two zinfandels capture one’s heart quite the same way. Healdsburg zinfandel wineries are renown for producing some of the best zinfandel in Sonoma County.

Healdsburg’s matchless array of zinfandel wine tasting begins with these wineries: Rockpile Vineyards, Stephen & Walker Winery, Portalupi Wines, Saini Vineyards, and Wilson Winery.  (zinfandel is a red wine, and can be dry, semi-sweet or sweet)

Healdsburg Pinot Noir

Pinot noir grapes are the most delicate and temperamental grapes to cultivate, due to their desire to be pampered in a perfect balance of cool breezes with only a proper portion of warmth and sunshine. Among the earliest grapes to bud in Spring makes a pinot noir harvest frost vulnerable as well. So, when you savor a sip of the best pinot Healdsburg has to offer, you’re indulging your senses in a wine tasting experience most rare.

Pinot noir fruit flourishes in the Russian River Valley Appellation. Caressed by cool whisps of ocean fresh air sweeping in each evening, leaving their subtle soft dew to glisten in the morning dawn. Perfect for our precocious little pinot princesses to blossom and prosper in.

To enjoy tasting some of the best pinot noir wine in Healdsburg be sure to visit some of these estate and family owned vineyards: Davis Family Vineyards, Gracianna Winery, J Vineyards, Foppiano Vineyards, and Truett Hurst Winery.  (pinot noir is a red, dry wine)

Healdsburg Chardonnay

Considered one of the more elegant varietals, the taste of this delightfully dry wine ranges from creamy to buttery, from vanilla to touches of pear or pineapple, with sundry shades of subtle nuances in between. Chardonnay captures the essence of Spring in every sip, warming the heart and any occasion in which it’s shared. Chardonnay grapevines blanket the misty hills rolling through Dry Creek Valley vineyards, rising up to relish the sun, which somehow shines within every poured glass.

Chardonnay grapes are a sensitive lot. While more spirited than the pinot noir, chardonnay’s fruit still wants for a gentle grower’s touch to both protect and guide its growth. Typically a more rare yielding fruit, premium chardonnays are among the most exclusive wines in the world.

To indulge in some the best chardonnay Healdsburg has to offer stop by these wineries and tasting rooms: Foppiano Vineyards and Gracianna Winery.  (chardonnay is a white wine, and can be dry or semi-sweet)

Healdsburg Sauvignon Blanc

This alluring grape hails from the Bordeaux region of France. Its name emanates from the French words for ‘wild’ and ‘white’. Sauvignon blanc vines are known to ‘bud’ later in the growing season. However, this late-blooming vine engenders gorgeous green grapes which ripen early, making them perfect for producing elegant white wines. Her nature can be gently influenced by the hand of her grower, making her one wine with a pallet of distinct subtleties.

An acquiescent wine, her arms embrace a wide array of culinary pairings. Able to be both sweet and dry, sauvignon blanc is the soft sister of wines, cable to both comfort and dazzle her guests around any table. Healdsburg sauvignon blancs are celebrated and acclaimed throughout Sonoma County Wine Country.

To savor the best sauvignon blanc Healdsburg serves, simply visit these distinguished wineries: Chalk Hill Estate, Ferrari-Carano Winery and Hart’s Desire Wines.  (sauvignon blanc is a white wine, and can be dry or sweet)

Other Well-Known Healdsburg Wines

While pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, and sauvignon blanc are Healdsburg’s headline wines, they’re by no means all our world class wineries and tantalizing tasting rooms specialize in. Cabernet franc, rosé, syrah, petite sirah, grenache, viognier, pinot grigio, and merlot, and an extensive medley of blends also make their mark here. Some Healdsburg wineries specializing in unique varietals include: Starlite, Arnot Roberts, Quivira, Alexander Valley Vineyards, J Vineyards, Ferrari-Carano Winery, and Reeve Winery.

You’ll discover downtown Healdsburg wine tasting rooms are among the finest in Sonoma wine country. Whether simply strolling around our plaza square, or traveling down picturesque Dry Creek road, exceptional tasting experiences await you.

You can learn about all the varietals our local vintners serve by going to our wineries page and clicking on the name of each winery. You’ll find fun free things to do around town by clicking here or visiting Healdsburg’s community calendar. You can also explore some of Healdsburg’s hidden gems (only locals know about), or enjoy our refreshing hiking trails and walking paths.