Healdsburg

Healdsburg is a city in Sonoma County, California, located along the Russian River and offering access to three wine regions: Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. At the center stands a rectangular plaza surrounded by shops, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms.

Harmon Heald purchased a portion of Rancho Sotoyome in 1857 and founded the settlement, which officially became a city a decade later. Winemaking has shaped the area for over a century, evolving from small family operations into a globally recognized region.

More than two dozen art galleries and tasting rooms line the downtown streets, drawing visitors from around the world. The museum in the former Carnegie Library building displays exhibits about local life and preserves stories from the earliest settlers and winemakers.

The central plaza allows visitors to reach all main destinations on foot without needing a car. Many wineries in the surrounding valleys offer tours and tastings, and advance booking is often recommended.

Dry Creek Valley maintains a winemaking tradition spanning more than a century, and many wineries remain in the hands of descendants of the original founders. The plaza was laid out in the 19th century as a public gathering space and continues to serve as the social heart of town.

Location: Sonoma County

Inception: 1857

Website: https://healdsburg.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.61750,-122.86639

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:14