Located in central Sonoma County at the epicenter of three top wine-producing regions, the town of Healdsburg hosts a growing wine and foodie scene that is a paradise for hungry tourists looking to explore wine country with casual yet sophisticated perspective. Contemporary art establishments, acclaimed restaurants highlighting the bounty of the surrounding countryside, and celebrated wineries are situated throughout downtown and line the notable (a must-see) town square. Healdsburg is authentically Sonoma County, and a day visit or longer jaunt is a great way to savor the flavors of this wine and culinary mecca.
Your visit to Healdsburg can easily be enjoyed at leisure with a bit of casual research, but with the assistance of a knowledgeable tour company, there’s an opportunity to discover the gastronomic gems and hidden treasures of Sonoma County. Healdsburg’s Tastemaker Tours are a partnership with local organizations and businesses dedicated to highlighting the attributes of the region to travelers and locals alike. Savor Healdsburg Food Tours, Sonoma Living Tours, and Wine Country Walking Tours have crafted one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully planned adventures inspiring participants to go beyond the typical wine country experience and partake in intimate interactions with local artisans, chefs, and masters.
A Sonoma Farm Food Wine Experience
Go off the beaten path for five hours of farm, food, and full-bodied(wine) pleasure dedicated to attaining a better understanding of the farm-to-table practices that Sonoma County is known for. Discover the full circle of food life and get to the know the individuals who cherish and depend on farming in the region, and explore flavors directly from the gardens and vines. Complete your culinary adventure with an introduction to a local chef and learn more about their philosophies around producing memorable dishes.
Insider tip: Wear your walking shoes for a five hour adventure that is hands on and non-stop. While you’ll be on the go, each stop will include small bites and tastings to fuel up. This delicious experience ends with a cherry on top — a delicious dessert.
Taste of Healdsburg Food Tour
Highlighting why Healdsburg has been ranked and awarded a top foodie capital in the United States, this relaxed walking tour will take you on a culinary journey throughout the downtown area. Enjoy small bites and local libations as you explore a side of Healdsburg dedicated to mouthwatering moments. Partake in tours of a new sparkling wine facility, a local cider taproom, and interact with culinary experts and artisans developing the flavors that showcase Healdsburg’s culinary chops.
Insider Tip: Come with an empty stomach as this journey is going to be jam-packed with flavor as you visit seven distinctive eateries. Perfect for small groups. Call ahead if you have a larger party than eight as they will help accommodate.
TasteMaker Evening Tour
Beginning late in the day, this four hour journey begins with an art walk showcasing the local and international art scene of Healdsburg. A hands-on lesson in informative and imaginative cooking and a mixology are next on the agenda and guests are led through step-by-step guidance in both crafts. An intimate, winemaker’s dinner closes off the evening with wine pairings to complement the multi-course meal.
Insider Tip: A great way to begin a weekend of exploration in Healdsburg, this tour is only offered on select Thursdays. Be sure to check the calendar before planning. Perfect for inquisitive foodies who want to savor the labors of this experience.
Tastemaker Half-Day Tour
Beyond food and wine, Healdsburg is bountiful in extraordinary, interactive experiences. This half-day marathon of activities is great for those inclined to get their hands a bit dirty (no pun intended). The first stop is a local flower farm. Attention to farming in Sonoma County is often weighted on food and farm-to-table initiatives, but this visit will feature the colorful blooms of the region with a instructed demonstration in floral arrangement while you sip on local specialty wines. Continue your lesson in farming by creating a lunch side-by-side with a local cook with fresh ingredients, straight from the source. Wine Country Walking Tours meets you at Relish then whisks you away to explore a downtown Healdsburg restaurant, tasting room and art gallery, of course, gleaning selected pours and treats along the way.
Insider Tip: Treat yourself and stay the night after this half-day adventure. Many Healdsburg hotels are offering discounted lodging for guests embarking on Tastemaker Tours. Visit the Healdsburg lodging site and explore special offers for tour takers.
Tastemaker 3-Day Tour
In-depth, interactive, and exclusive, this three day exploration is the most robust tour embarking guests on a multi-part excursion to gain a deeper understanding of what makes Healdsburg a culinary mecca. Days are fully scheduled so guests can immerse themselves in the history and seasonal opportunities while building relationships with other tour members.
Insider Tip: Plan a longer trip than the three days dedicated to your scheduled tour. Start leisurely, and take in the many facets of Healdsburg by a self-guided adventure, or leverage the additional days to add on continued fun at the end of your journey and savor and act on some of the knowledge gained.
Author
WineCountry Collective
WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.