Beyond Napa: Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek Valley is reminiscent of Europe, with winding country roads which lead to small, intimate vineyards where the person pouring your wine might be the winemaker. Here you will receive personal attention in the tasting rooms and get your questions answered. Dry Creek Valley has warm days with cooler evenings. The region is famous for Zinfandels, but 40 other varietals also thrive in this region.
Dry Creek Valley is a 16-mile long, two-mile wide valley with 9,000 acres of vineyards. With more than 70 wineries, you could spend a week and still not be able to discover them all. Here are some suggestions:
The Mauritson Family Winery has an award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, but they also make Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and a Bordeaux blend. Charlie Clay Pinot Noir—a collaboration between Clay Mauritson and Chef Charlie Palmer—can be found in cities that have a Charlie Palmer restaurant. Enjoy their indoor tasting room and purchase a bottle of your favorite wine to enjoy outdoors at one of their picnic tables.Tasting room hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Picnic supplies can be purchased from the nearby Dry Creek General Store.
UNTI Vineyards specialize in bold fruity reds from Rhone and Italian varietals. They serve their wine with wit. This family-owned winery has been producing wines since 1997. Sample their wine in the tasting room and purchase a bottle to enjoy on the trellised veranda. Picnics are encouraged. Tasting is by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 1-707-433-5590.
The Seghesio Family Vineyards offers wine tasting in their large stone tasting room. Try your hand at bocce ball or enjoy a picnic in their shaded picnic grove. The family has been producing wine for more than a century. They are best known for their Zinfandels, but they also produce Petite Syrah, super Tuscans, Carignane, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, and Filano. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stay
The Hotel Healdsburg is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Healdsburg. Most rooms have balconies with a view, and all are designed with both comfort and aestheticsin mind.They are furnished with Frette linens and robes, and they have oversized bathrooms. Book a treatment at the on-premise spa to relieve stress, restore vitality, or relax at the outdoor pool.
The H2 Hotel, Healdsburg’s newest hotel, has a strong focus on sustainability. The modern building features a living roof – a plant covering which reduces the amount of heat emitted and filters rainwater to diminish the hotel’s impact on storm drains. Each of their 36 eco-chic rooms hasa balcony or a patio. Designed to be understated and luxurious, the rooms use natural and organic materials to create the perfect oasis for the weary traveler. Explore the town and beyond on the hotel-supplied bikes, enjoy the creek-side pool, or book a treatment at the spa.
The Dry Creek Inn is close to the majority of the wineries in Dry Creek Valley. The Tuscan-inspired hotel has pools, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, and a steam room as well asa delightful courtyard and fountains. Rooms have patios or balconies with seating for two overlooking the charming courtyard. The spacious rooms have Jacuzzi tubs with separate showers. Watch the sunset and savor a glass of wine in the courtyard or on your private balcony.
Dine
Dry Creek Kitchen, Charlie Palmer’s restaurant, is top-rated and one of the first to offer farm-to-table meals using fresh local ingredients.Enjoy seating in their indoor/outdoor dining room, and sample the extensive wine list of local Sonoma wines. For a decadent meal, choose the six-course tasting menu. Reservations are encouraged.
Michelin-starred Cyrus provides an amazing dining experience. Begin your meal from the Grand Caviar andChampagne cart for a truly spectacular meal. The eight-course tasting menu allows for a broad selection of artfully prepared dishes. Choose the additional wine pairing for the ultimate meal.
The Bear Republic Brewing Co. is a great place to slake your thirst with their craft-brewed beers and enjoy uncomplicated food.
