Healdsburg Wineries with Patios Now Open for Alfresco Wine & Food Pairing in Sonoma
A few of our favorite Sonoma wineries with food
Eating and drinking is always on the agenda in Healdsburg, a vine-carpeted corner of Sonoma County where three wine regions intersect with a charming town square filled with shops, restaurants and tasting rooms. After almost three months of sheltering in place, Healdsburg wineries are finally reopening to guests–but they must serve a sit-down meal outdoors, per the local health order. I don’t know about you, but I’m beyond ready to dine outside with a glass of wine in hand and sunshine on my shoulders. Here are some of the best Sonoma wineries with food pairings served on Instagram-worthy patios this summer. We’ve focused preliminary on wineries in the Healdsburg area, but included other favorites in Sonoma County to round out our list.
There are at least 50 Healdsburg wineries and/or tastings that have reopened by appointment–and others expect to reopen this weekend, now that the Governor has announced that wineries can reopen indoor tasting rooms without food service. Wine Road is keeping a running list of them all, including those that serve a boxed deli lunch or cheese platters. Our list focuses on the best Healdsburg wineries with serious food and wine pairings outdoors in Sonoma County. We will be revising our blog daily, so please check back for new additions and leave us a comment with any updates from around town. (If you’re looking for Sonoma wineries with restaurants, this blog will help.)
Alfresco Wine & Food Pairing at Sonoma Wineries
ALEXANDER VALLEY
Jordan Winery Reopens For Outdoor Food & Wine Pairings on June 11
Jordan Vineyard & Winery will officially reopen for seated food and wine pairing experiences on Thursday, June 11. The French-inspired Healdsburg winery will resume Vineyard Hikes and Chateau Block Vineyard Tastings but will now offer these experiences four and five days a week. A new Paris on the Terrace bistro-style dining experience debuts on June 18 with two seatings five days a week, and seven Picnic Lunches and three outdoor dinners will be offered this summer. Reservations for all experiences open for booking June 1 online. Reservations required. Located five miles north of Healdsburg.
Robert Young Reopens For Flights & Bites
Our neighbor in Alexander Valley, Robert Young is now open daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Tuesdays for appointments via phone or email for the foreseeable future. Enjoy the Estate Flight and light, local bites available for purchase as an addition to the tasting.
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Trattore Farms Opens For Alfresco Food & Wine Pairings
Trattore Farm’s expansive terrace above Dry Creek Valley reopens for alfresco food and wine pairings on June 1. The menu includes a wide selection of freshly prepared local cuisine, paired with the Rhone-style wines and owner Tim Bucher’s famed Dry Creek Olive Oil Company products. Reservations are recommended, however walk-ins are accepted based on capacity.
Comstock Reopens for New Wine & Food Pairings, Reservations Only
Just west of downtown Healdsburg, Comstock Wines is a must-see for sweeping vineyard views of southern Dry Creek Valley. They recently announced their reopening for outdoor mezze platters and wine pairings for $40 per person. Starting the first weekend of June, Comstock will also be offering their Wine and Woodfired Pairing, which is a four-course food pairing offered on Saturdays and Sundays for $60 per person. Open Friday through Sunday by reservation only.
Bella Vineyards + Wines Caves Opens for Limited Outdoor Experiences, Friday through Sunday
Venture down West Dry Creek Road for a relaxing and spacious wine tasting experience at Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves. Now offering an array of outdoor experiences from Backyard Nights with Geyserville’s Diavola Pizzeria and Salumeria to self-guided hiking around the property with a wine flight and Backyard Restaurant’s famous fried chicken to finish. Open Friday through Sunday by reservation only. Reserve your outdoor experience on Tock or call the winery directly with any questions.
Lambert Bridge Reopens For Outdoor Garden Tastings and Picnics
Head up the gravel driveway and find yourself surrounded by brilliant foliage on Lambert Bridge’s private terraced garden and patio, available by reservation, or enjoy a picnic in their gardens. Outdoor tastings and picnic experiences will be available daily from 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Outdoor wine tastings include a cheese plate and are $40 per person. Their new picnic experience includes a curated picnic basket with local cheeses, charcuterie, and provisions. Maximum of 6 guests for all experiences. Book your reservation on their website.
Reeve Wines Reopens For Outdoor Food & Wine Pairings
Venture down Dry Creek Road for a peaceful view and ample space at Reeve Wines. Reeve is now accepting reservations for outdoor food and wine pairings on their outdoor patio where guests can sip through their wine flights Friday through Monday with limited capacity and spaced outdoor seating. Reserve your spot on their website.
Sbragia Family Vineyards Reopen For Tastings By Reservation
With its massive patio and views of sweeping vineyards, Sbragia Family Vineyards is the perfect place to enjoy wine tasting appointments accompanied by a meal. All winery visits will be appointment-only to better serve guests and protect the health of their customers and employees. Pickups are also available by appointment daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
Lioco Open For Alfresco Tastings On The Sidewalk
Lioco’s yellow door is now open for retail, wine-by-the-glass to-go and bonafide meals and LIOCO tastings, alfresco. Call to reserve your table on the sidewalk or pick up wine every day from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Roadhouse Opens New Patio For Outdoor Tastings
A quaint spot on the square, Roadhouse has opened a new outdoor patio so that guests can enjoy stellar lineup of Award Winning Pinot Noirs, and meet Wine Dog “Holly Beary”. Due to county reopening guidelines, tastings do require a meal purchase at $20 per person. Look out for charcuterie and other provisions. Call the winery and check the website to make reservations, they are going fast!
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Bricoleur Vineyards
This new Russian River Valley estate, founded by Mark Hanson, delayed its May grand opening due to the pandemic. Guests can purchase wine and food packages to enjoy outside with sweeping vineyard views that are now available and range from $45-$90 per person. Executive Chef Shane McAnelly, formerly of Brass Rabbit and Chalkboard in Healdsburg, leads the winery’s culinary program, and he has plans to create a custom seven-course wine and food pairing showcasing Bricoleur wines and fresh ingredients sourced sustainably and locally, some of it from their own garden.
Iron Horse Vineyards
Sparkling wine pioneer Iron Horse, located on a picturesque knoll in the Green Valley district of Russian River Valley, is now offering a new Picnic in the Gazebo experience. Up to six guests per party bring their own picnic to enjoy under the shade of recently built gazebo, made of local redwood. Bottle service provided. The Oyster Girls are back, serving on weekends too. Sign me up for two Wedding Cuvées, a dozen.
SONOMA VALLEY
St. Francis Reopens With Seasonal Estate Pairings
Starting June 5th, escape to St. Francis Winery for a seasonal Estate Pairing. The 75 minute seated outdoor experience takes place at the winery’s new, spacious, open-air Vineyard Portico. Guests will be presented a Chef selected line-up of four wines paired with light, epicurean delicacies. The experience is offered daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at $50 per guest. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Gloria Ferrer Reopens June 5th
On June 5th, Gloria Ferrer will open for tastings made by reservations only daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Guests will taste the award-winning sparkling and still wines, paired with curated seasonal bites while enjoying picturesque views from the outdoor Vista Terrace. Curbside pairing pick-ups are offered as well. Visit the website to learn more or to book a reservation.
Three Sticks Winery Plans to Open Adobe In July
Three Sticks Winery is in the process of preparing for their Adobe to reopen in July. The amended experience will follow CDC and State of California guidelines while ensuring that guests have the same memorable experience. In the meantime, they offer Virtual Tasting Kits online with in-home tastings via Zoom. Visit the website for more information.
Ram’s Gate is Open for Open-Air Tastings
Ram’s Gate is now open for guests to make reservations for up to 6 people. You will enjoy an open-air tasting that includes five wines from their Cellar Note Series, Single Vineyard Wines and Estate Collection accompanied by a tableside picnic full of local cheeses, sliced cured meats, candied almonds, olives, fresh artisan bread, pickles, and other accouterments. The picnic tables on the terrace overlook rolling hills and the San Pablo Bay. Visit the website for more information and to make reservations.
Mayo Family Winery Opens with Outdoor Food & Wine Service
Mayo Family Winery officially opened on May 23rd for Outdoor Food & Wine Service at both the Reserve Room & Main Tasting Room. The Mayo Reserve Room is located in the heart of Kenwood situated in an unassuming building that overlooks local vineyards and the Mayacama Mountains. The Executive Chef John Locher will serve the new summer menu while you taste through delicious wines.
With limited seating, call in advance to make your reservation for the main tasting room & the reserve room.
Check out Michel-Schlumberger for the ultimate food and wine pairing!