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ZinFANDEL

FUN FACT: IF IT WEREN'T FOR WHITE-ZIN...

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(the queen of bulk, boxed wine made popular in the 80's), (my parents had a box on their counter all the time...I'll admit it!), we wouldn't have the coveted old-vine zinfandel vines that make Dry Creek Valley famous.

Zinfandel thrives in this hot climate. And our local wine-makers know what to do with it...

North County

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A. Rafanelli*

This humble, rustic, family-owned winery has been making premium zin, cab and merlot for four generations. You can't buy it anywhere but at the winery or from a restaurant wine list. This place is AWESOME. Quintessential Dry Creek Valley wine. It's an absolute must. ~appointment only

4685 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, CA

(707) 433-1385

arafanelliwinery.com

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Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves

A seriously stunning property with some of the most friendly staff and HUGE zins. They're so big that I'm drinking mine that I bought 8 years ago and they're amazing. Great place to picnic, take photos and sit in the sun. Cool cave...and I mean cool--bring a sweater. Love this place.

9711 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, CA

(866) 57-BELLA/ (866-572-3552)

bellawinery.com

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Limerick Lane Cellars*

The oldest Zinfandel-producing vines in the valley are grown and farmed by Limerick Lane. 

Call or reserve online here.

1023 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA, 

(707) 433-9211

limericklanewines.com

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Passalacqua*

Tasting on a beautiful porch on a sunny day or in a fireplace-lit tasting room on cool days. Stunning views and great staff.

Appointment only (@ 11 am, 12:30 pm, & 2 pm daily, and an additional appointment @ 3:30 pm on Friday, Saturday & Sunday). Call or reserve online here.

3805 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg, CA
(877) 825-5547

passalacquawinery.com

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Seghesio Family Winery

Some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the county belong to the Seghesio family. This was a family-owned winery that sold a few years ago to a large corporation. I was nervous they'd lose themselves...but so far they've preserved their quality and style, with Ted Seghesio still at their wine-making helm. Their Sonoma Zin remains my favorite "daily drinker" (value wine) for over a decade now. Very fun spot featuring Italian varietals and an entire menu of Zinfandel. Bocce courts and picnic grounds. A nice spot to end your day of tasting.

14730 Grove St, Healdsburg, CA

(707) 433-3579

seghesio.com

 

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West County 

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Martinelli Winery

The Martinelli family has been growing grapes in Sonoma County since the late 1800's. Their finer wines are mostly available exclusively to their mailing list--and it's a worthy list to join. Some of the best wines I've ever poured are made by Martinelli.

3360 River Rd. Windsor, CA

(707) 525-0570

martinelliwinery.com

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Woodenhead Vintners

Small producer of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel near Forestville.

5700 River Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 

Open Thursday-Monday

(707) 887-2703  

woodenheadwine.com

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*Apppointment Only

North County
West County

LOCATION 

ABOUT

WHEN TO VISIT

Healdsburg is located in the northern aspect of Sonoma County...just 70 miles north of San Francisco and 55 miles west of Napa.

Healdsburg is a small, perfect, wine-country destination town that is home to three of the most prominent and award-winning wine regions in the world: the Russian River, Dry Creek & Alexander Valley AVAs.

Click here to learn more...

There is no perfect time to visit wine-country. Whether a warm day beckons you to outdoor-seating or a cold, rainy day draws you inside a cozy tasting room, you can't go wrong.  

Fall? Town is bustling with harvest.

Spring? New vintages have just been released, the valleys are green and the flowers are in full bloom.

Summer? Enjoy bottles of rosé and play some bocce with friends.

Winter? The town is quieter and reservations are easier to acquire.

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