Healdsburg local Joise Gay knows where to go and what to do in Sonoma County and we are lucky to have her share her top selections for a Perfect Day in Wine Country.

Healdsburg Bar and Grill outside seating
Healdsburg Bar & Grill

One of my favorite weekend brunch spots is Healdsburg Bar & Grill. I love their fried chicken and waffles! It’s so nice to sit out on their patio, enjoy a mimosa or fresh juice and indulge in the sun.

Lake Sonoma with landscape and water views
Lake Sonoma

I absolutely love the outdoors and three of my favorite ways to connect with nature is a hike up Fitch Mountain. It’s a steep one-mile climb to the top, but the views along the way are stunning! My next favorite is paddle boarding up at Lake Sonoma on a warm summer evening. And finally, there is nothing like kayaking down the Russian River!

Copperfield's Bookstore showing books and magazine rack
Copperfield’s Bookstore in Healdsburg

When it’s time to relax with a book, Copperfield’s Bookstore has THE best newsstand I’ve ever seen! They have mountains of great magazine, which I love to peruse. And inevitably I pick up a new book or two every time I walk through their door.

Heladsburg Farmers' Market with tent booths outside in Healdsburg, CA
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market

The Saturday morning Farmers’ Market in Healdsburg is the best! It’s small town charm, delicious organic produce, great music and amazing brekkie options rolled in one. I love it!

Dry Creek General Store with colorful bunting on the outside of the building
Dry Creek General Store in Dry Creek Valley

For a mid-day meal Dry Creek General Store is one of my favorite spots to eat lunch. I love their sandwiches and their front patio. And I always run in to friends, so it’s always good to have impromptu meals with friends!

Medlock Ames tasting room with bocce courts and people playing and sipping wine
Medlock Ames Bocce ball courts

There is nothing like a good picnic, and my favorite spot is at the Medlock Ames Tasting Room in Alexander Valley. Their have beautiful share tables nestled together under olive trees, their pour wine by the glass or bottle, and a bocce ball/petanque court adjacent to the tables – so you can enjoy a game, share a glass and eat lunch in one spot. Be sure and plan on lingering!

Light filled dining room at Dry Creek Kitchen
Dry Creek Kitchen in downtown Healdsburg

My husband and I have been enjoying Happy Hour at Hotel Healdsburg! The food is prepared by Dry Creek Kitchen, the wine list is yummy, it’s casual, but romantic, comfy seating, and if you have to bring along the kiddos – they are welcome and there is a big grassy area just outside the lounge.

From dining to hiking to simply relaxing with a glass of wine, there is no place more perfect than Sonoma County!

Posted by Marcy Gordon

Marcy Gordon is a freelance wine and travel writer. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including Wine Enthusiast, San Francisco Chronicle, Sonoma Magazine, The California Travel Guide, and Forbes Travel Guide. In 2017 she was awarded a fellowship to the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers. She is the co-host of the award winning Wine Road Podcast.