Westside Road at a Glance
Just minutes from downtown Healdsburg
Westside Road begins right at the edge of town, making it one of the easiest ways to spend a full day tasting in Sonoma County wine country.
12 miles of wine country
The road winds through vineyards, farms, redwoods, and the Russian River landscape before connecting with River Road to the south.
12 distinctive wineries
From intimate family estates and working vineyards to polished destination tasting rooms, Westside Road offers a remarkably varied collection of winery experiences along one scenic route.
Three wineries makes a great day
Two wineries makes for a relaxed visit, while three is the sweet spot for most guests. Four can work if you prefer shorter tastings and plan your reservations carefully.
Reservations are recommended
Some wineries welcome walk-ins when space allows, but advance reservations are the best way to make the most of your day, especially on weekends and during harvest.
Known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and much more
Westside Road is especially celebrated for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but visitors will also find Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Italian varieties, and other distinctive wines along the way.
Plan Your Day
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Very close. Some of the first wineries are only a few minutes from the Healdsburg Plaza. Mill Creek, DaVero. and Orsi are just 2-3 minutes away. Westside Road starts at the edge of town, so you can leave the Plaza and be surrounded by vineyards almost immediately.
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You can go from a small, family-run estate to an architectural showpiece to a historic agricultural landmark within a few miles. Gary Farrell focuses heavily on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; Landmark pours those varieties inside the historic Hop Kiln property; Orsi specializes in Italian varieties; Mill Creek has a broader estate lineup with a strong Bordeaux influence; Porter Creek offers a decidedly small, agricultural winery experience; and WALT/BACA combines Pinot Noir and Zinfandel at one property.
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Plan on three wineries for the ideal Westside Road day. Most tastings take about 60 to 90 minutes, so three stops leave enough time to enjoy the wines, scenery and people without constantly watching the clock. Two makes for an especially leisurely day, while four is possible for visitors who prefer shorter tastings.
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Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends and during harvest. Some wineries welcome walk-ins when space allows. Check the individual winery page for current hours, availability and booking information.
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One of the best things about tasting on Westside Road is how little time you need to spend in the car. The road stretches between Healdsburg and the lower Russian River area, so visitors can easily approach from either the north or the south.
From downtown Healdsburg, the closest wineries are just a few minutes away, while wineries farther down Westside Road are generally within about 15 to 20 minutes. Visitors coming from Guerneville, Forestville, or other points to the south can simply start at the southern end and work their way north.
Most wineries are only a few minutes apart, making it easy to spend far more of your day tasting wine and enjoying the scenery than driving between stops.
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If you're staying in Healdsburg, start close to town and work your way south. You'll find DaVero, WALT/BACA, Mill Creek and Twomey near the northern end of the route before Westside Road winds deeper into the Russian River Valley.
If you're coming from Guerneville or the lower Russian River, reverse the route and work north toward Healdsburg.
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A picnic and a day of wine tasting go well together. If you’re coming from Healdsburg, a few favorite places to pick up lunch are Big John’s Market, with its excellent deli, sandwiches and picnic provisions; Troubadour Bread & Bistro, known for exceptional bread and sandwiches in downtown Healdsburg; and the Dry Creek General Store, a classic wine country stop for made-to-order sandwiches, salads and picnic supplies.
Several Westside Road wineries also welcome picnics. Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery allows guests to bring a picnic to enjoy on the property. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery welcomes picnics on its outdoor patio, and Gary Farrell Winery offers a reserved “Picnic with a View” experience where guests can bring their own food and enjoy a table overlooking the Russian River Valley.
Picnic and outside-food policies vary by winery and can change, so it’s always a good idea to check when making your reservation. Whether you pack lunch for the road, reserve a picnic experience, or head back into Healdsburg after your tastings, there are plenty of ways to make lunch part of your Westside Road day.
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Westside Road is home to a diverse collection of wineries, each with its own style, setting, and tasting experience. Explore the wineries below, learn what makes each one unique, and follow the links to plan your visit or make a reservation.