The grass is always green on this side of Sonoma County.
You’ve heard phrases like: shop local, live local, support local, etc. But what does living locally really look like? Farm-to-table restaurants, independently-owned shops, boutique hotels, and sustainable agriculture are a good start. But the city of Healdsburg takes it further, restricting national franchises from developing in the area. And our charming plaza is more than simply quaint, historic, and voted one of the best public squares in the nation: it represents the communal, walkable aspect of our entire downtown landscape. It’s the literal foundation for serving neighbors and visitors alike. This holistic approach, combined with our commitment to proactive green solutions—let’s just say you won’t have to tread lightly here for your footprint to be minimal.
Earth-Friendly Eats
Known for its agriculture, farmers have been flocking to Healdsburg’s fertile valleys along the Russian River since the Gold Rush of 1859. You can grow just about anything here—we wear our “Buckle of the Prune Belt” title with pride, okay?—so of course we put the hyperlocal lifestyle into practice with literally everything we do, starting from the ground up. And we’re not saying we invented the concept of farm-to-table dining, but it certainly tastes like it at our locally sourced, Michelin-starred delicacies.
A biodynamic farm, artisanal inn, and three-Michelin-Star restaurant, SingleThread made #2 in Forbes’ list of worldwide dining destinations. Seems like being mindful of the planet can make you one of the best on the planet. If that weren’t enough, SingleThread also hosts floral workshops that cover flower harvesting, seasonal arrangements, and design principles ranging from Japanese Ikebana to English Cottage.
Talk about homegrown. With seasonal offerings, ethically raised meats, and produce from their own estate farm, Valette is the ideal blend of class, taste, and authentic roots. Their five-course tasting menu and picturesque indoor and outdoor seating options are the very definition of indulging responsibly.
Growing sustainable produce since 1976, Bernier Farms is a certified-organic, family-run farm and vineyard. Come for the varieties of organic garlic and stay for the lesson on local living. They cultivate grapes so the vines are able to grow self-sufficiently—yet another example of folks making the most of our rich Sonoma County soil.
Little Saint is a 100% plant-based restaurant, coffee shop, bar, and event venue that actively cultivates a biodiverse ecosystem. They even offer workshops that teach you how to craft the ultimate zero-waste cocktail. Plus, there’s Little Saint Farm, an 8-acre regenerative property providing restaurant produce, market stands, and CSA boxes. Planning to enjoy the local rolling hills and pristine pastures with a picnic? Top it off with a to-go bottle from their wine shop.
Viable Vineyards
The center of three renowned growing regions, earthy wines meet earthy practices in Healdsburg, CA. From lush vines to earth-friendly methods, our wineries are green in more ways than one.
Both an organic and a biodynamic property, Preston Farm and Winery is a Dry Creek Valley staple. Savor wines, olive oils, and fresh sourdough all made right there on the estate. Take some seasonal produce, olives, and pickles home with you, or picnic on the property and meet their sociable cats.
A leader in environmental stewardship, Silver Oak Winery was called “California’s most eco-conscious winery” by the San Francisco Chronicle. As one of the world’s first production wineries to be labeled LEED Platinum Certified, it’s also one of the first wineries to join the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). Through water conservation, irrigation, solar panels, and buildings made of salvaged and reclaimed materials, Silver Oak manages to save significant amounts of energy while crafting superior wines—in fact, they insist eco-friendly practices are the only way to produce top-notch results.
Utilizing organic and biodynamic farming practices in conjunction with solar energy, Quivira Vineyards is also hard at work restoring the adjacent creek back into a Steelhead trout and Coho salmon spawning habitat. Try their Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rhône varietals to see why they’ve garnered such a dazzling reputation.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery’s ample estate runs on solar and renewable energy, conserves natural habitats, and maintains certifiably sustainable vineyards. Not only that, but your glass of vino goes directly to area nonprofits. And don’t sleep on the eats: Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren’s 25 years of experience include a 13-year tenure as a Michelin Star-winning executive chef—all while working at Healdsburg establishments, naturally.
Local Legends
You don’t have to be in Healdsburg very long to realize this place is made up of local businesses supporting local businesses. Chefs and owners across the city are intentionally fostering alumni shops and eateries right here because they see the intrinsic value of our exemplary legacy and want to see it grow even more.
Erika Dawkins, owner of Bon Ton Studio, grew up in Healdsburg, traveled the world, and then returned to open an acclaimed boutique. She geared the shop specifically toward locals, instilling “community” as one of her brand pillars from the very start. Bon Ton Studio is an evolving collection of apparel and goods reminiscent of Dawkins’ world travels that emphasizes handcrafted artistry and functionality. She has since opened Bon Ton Baby right across the street.
The green eggs and ham dish isn’t the only reason to visit Acorn Cafe. Beryl Adler, chef and owner, designed his restaurant to be a community gathering place. Adler serves on the Community Outreach committee for Healdsburg Forever, a community endowment dispersing funds to over a dozen local nonprofits. Acorn Cafe is also known as “Mia’s Restaurant” since Adler’s 3-year-old daughter started walking around like she owned the place (and we guess she sorta does). Mia was at the forefront of Beryl’s mind when he designed the cafe’s kids’ corner and pancake-decorating menu. We think it’s safe to say this acorn has put down roots in Healdsburg.
The Rena Charles Gallery features artists who are local, regional, emerging, female, and BIPOC. An artist herself, gallery owner Rena Charles is advancing the careers of all artists at all levels through representation, showcases, and progression. She also hosts regular community events.
A blend of handmade pieces, in-house designs, and thoughtfully curated collections, Falling for Dainty is a contemporary jewelry store that bridges the gap between quality and affordability. Founder and Healdsburg native Brooke Gabrielian’s main goal is to reduce the impact of the fast-fashion industry. And her sustainable selections make living locally look good.
Sustainable Sleeps
It’s easy to stay planet-conscious in Healdsburg, with LEED-certified hotels, boutique bed and breakfasts, and locally owned luxury suites available.
With its innovative, eco-friendly design, H2 Hotel does more than provide all the creature comforts. Featuring a living roof, solar panels, low-flow fixtures, and recycled materials, H2 cuts down on waste but levels up on quality.
A boutique hotel showcasing energy-efficient lights, in-room recycling, and eco-friendly appliances, Harmon Guest House champions sustainability with every step. Peep stunning views and locally sourced menu items atop their terrace.
As if participating in water conservation, energy-efficient practices, and local sourcing wasn’t enough, Hotel Healdsburg grows fresh ingredients from its onsite gardens to serve up at its in-house restaurant. Plus, guests can snag complimentary bikes for responsibly rolling through Healdsburg’s ample vineyards, friendly downtown, and scenic trails.
You didn’t know it, but you’re saving the earth one vacation at a time when you book a trip to Healdsburg. No matter where you come from, it won’t take you long to be livin’ la vida local. There’s a neighborly atmosphere in our thoughtful boutiques, luxury hotels, ecologically sound vineyards, and authentic farmer’s markets that invites you in. You’ll see. Stay in Healdsburg and leave no trace. Because leaving nothing behind means everything to you.