Plan my day in Sonoma/Healdsburg

[HMK]

My husband and I will be in wine country next week for our annual pilgrimmage. We are staying in Napa, but eating at Cyrus on Friday night. I was thinking rather than drive over and back just for dinner, we could spend the whole day in Sonoma.

We are contemplating the Girl and the Fig for lunch (do we need to make reservations), but don't want to spoil our appetite for dinner.

We are intersted in wineries as well as olive oil, cheese etc. Pretty much anything goes. I'd like help planning the day.

Specific wineries?
Specific eats?
Shopping?
Markets?
Etc

[Melanie Wong]

Here's a link to your earlier request on this topic and replies.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...

[mc2]

The last time we had lunch at Willy's, in Healdsburg, it was outstanding.

[Joel]

We enjoy Healdsburg.
In the last two years, a number of wineries have opened tasting rooms right in the town. Most of them do not charge for tasting. They are all within a few blocks of the main plaza.

We find it more congenial to walk around town, tasting from time to time, rather than drive around to wineries. We bring a blanket so we can have a nap in the plaza before dinner. It is a beautiful spot.

I haven't been in the town of Sonoma in a few years, but I think there are also wine-tasting rooms in the plaza area.

[Melanie Wong]

Note that Healdsburg plaza is closed for renovation currently.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...

[sfmags]

I really like Jimtown store to pick up some lunch, followed by winery visits. J Winery serves great appetizers with their sparkling wine tastings -- a good experience. Roshambo winery has great views and is a little different from your typical winery experience. I've also enjoyed Stryker Sonoma Vineyard and Dry Creek Vineyards in the past.

Enjoy your stay...Healdsburg is a great town.

[Seconds Please]

If you can, go south to Bezinger in Glen Ellen. Amazing wine, family, location, corporate neighbor and environmentally sound.

[Benny Choi]

I visited Benzinger two weeks ago. Great vineyard and winery tour on the tractor-pulled tram. Nice place, nice people. So-so wines - a group of us didn't buy a single bottle after tasting everything they offered to taste.

[coolbean98]

Oakville Grocery in Healdsburg for fine picnic foods: http://www.oakvillegrocery.com/stores/healdsburg.asp

Bear Republic for truly Californian beers and outdoor seating (I recommend getting the sampler - 12 glasses to taste!), 1 block away from Oakville Grocery:
http://www.bearrepublic.com/

Wine tasting and picnicking along Dry Creek Wine Trail:
http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/russian_details.html

More wine tasting between Healdburg and Sonoma along Valley of the Moon:
http://www.viamagazine.com/top_storie...

[Robert Lauriston]

I don't think Oakville's as good as it used to be.

[Maya]

Article about small wineries in the area:

http://www.sfbg.com/38/40/x_bottle_ro...

[Robert Lauriston]

Downtown Bakery in Healdsburg for breakfast or lunch or to pick up picnic stuff to take to wineries.