Winery Restaurant
We would like to have a good meal, on a patio, at a restaurant on the way back from Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. We are staying at the Lodge of Healdsburg. Any suggestions?
If you’re visiting Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and want to enjoy a relaxed, high-quality meal on a patio on your way back to Healdsburg, Sonoma County offers several excellent options. Many wineries in the Healdsburg area feature restaurants or tasting rooms with outdoor seating that take advantage of the beautiful vineyard views and California weather. The drive from Armstrong Redwoods to Healdsburg is about 45–50 minutes, so it’s convenient to stop at one of these spots for lunch or dinner before returning to your lodge.
Here are some recommended winery restaurants and spots with great patio dining near Healdsburg:
- Jordan Winery: Located north of Healdsburg, Jordan offers an elegant dining experience with vineyard views. Their patio is perfect for a relaxed meal, and the menu focuses on seasonal, California-inspired cuisine paired with their wines.
- Dry Creek Kitchen: Situated in Healdsburg itself, this restaurant offers a beautiful outdoor seating area. While not directly a winery, it has strong connections with local vineyards and serves contemporary American cuisine with excellent wine pairings.
- Chalk Hill Estate Winery: Located along the route from Armstrong Redwoods to Healdsburg, Chalk Hill offers a scenic patio overlooking the vineyards. They serve a menu of seasonal dishes that pair beautifully with their estate wines.
- Seghesio Family Vineyards: In nearby Sonoma, this winery has a welcoming tasting area with outdoor seating. While the focus is primarily on wine, they offer small plates and charcuterie boards ideal for a casual yet high-quality outdoor meal.
Additional tips for planning your winery meal:
- Check in advance if reservations are required for patio seating, as weekends can be busy.
- Confirm seasonal hours, since some wineries may reduce their dining operations in late fall or early winter.
- If you prefer a larger meal over just small plates, look for wineries that specifically offer a full lunch or dinner menu rather than only tastings.
- Consider pairing your meal with a flight of wines from the vineyard; many places provide food and wine pairing options that highlight local ingredients.
Overall, stopping at a winery with a patio on the way back from Armstrong Redwoods is a wonderful way to combine the natural beauty of Northern California with the region’s acclaimed culinary and wine offerings. Healdsburg itself has a concentration of restaurants and wineries with outdoor seating, making it a perfect endpoint for your drive.
