Escape to Healdsburg, CA

Sunday, June 17, 2012

I'm really excited about an upcoming road trip to Grand Tetons National Park, WY. I've been really fortunate to travel to amazing places during my lifetime along with fabulous photos, most on film/print. However, I got a photo scanner for my birthday so I plan on sharing my adventures and stories.

One of my fav places is Healdsburg, CA. I discovered it on my first trip to Napa Valley. My friend and I traveled over to Sonoma Valley. At one vineyard someone mentioned the beauty and wines of northern Sonoma so on impulse we drove up and explored Healdsburg. Not only did I love the beauty of the town but also I fell in love with Sephesio zinfandels.  When we returned to the wine country last year we had to make the journey up there. 

The town's population runs a little over 11,000.  Three wine-producing regions (Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley AVA's) converge in Healdsburg. Towering redwoods ring the 19th century plaza. I love the shops and boutiques, especially the Powell's candy store with every treat imaginable from nostalgic to current favs. The wine tasting rooms are straight-forward and reasonable, but the one I have to visit is the one for the 100 year-old Seghesio winery. The first time I visited I tasted a peppery zinfandel that received a high ranking by Wine Spectator. 

I hope you enjoy these photos of Healdsburg.  :) Carol

Healdsburg

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Head north of Napa Valley and treat yourself to amazing vistas on your way to where three important wine producing regions [Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River] come together: Healdsburg, founded in 1857.

I discovered Healdsburg on my first trip to wine country several years ago, and it wasn't hard convincing my friends to head that way this year. We had a blast, especially when we ran into a red light on a section of the road where there was no intersection. As we waited for nearly 15 minutes for the light to change--with no traffic in sight, we realized they had road construction with only one lane open. Finally one truck came rolling into view from the opposite direction.

Before reaching the main drag, we stopped at the tasting room of the award winning Seghesio, my first love in Zinfandel's. Even after several years, we still got more 'bang for a buck' with the wine tasting with the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The store also has unique gifts for the wine lover.

Once in Healdsburg you'll find the charming 19th plaza in the town center with towering redwoods and the square of eclectic shops and restaurants. The weather was gorgeous and we wandered in and out of the stores. The bookstore had a few friends' books in the front display.

Here's a sampling of photos from Healdsburg: