a great visit to healdsburg, ca.

If you haven't been to Healdsburg in awhile, it is time to plan a day trip to this wonderful town.
My aunt is lucky enough to live there, for me, I only get there occasionally and it is truly a treat.

This past weekend Joseph Leon and I went up to check out a few collectible and antique stores, do a little wine tasting and have a wonderful lunch.  We accomplished all three easily.  First stop on the square, Oakville Grocery.  Not only is the fresh food outstanding, you can't resist picking up some great sauce or in this case some gorgeous crisp crackers perfect with brie or pate.  Down the street at the JCB tasting room we experienced a sparkling to die for, No. 69 Brut Rose Cremant, dry, citrusy and delicious and only $20.00 a bottle.  Stop by Seasons of the Vineyard and visit with Al as he pours your choice of 3 Ferrari-Carano tastes for only $5.00.  We walked about 50 feet for brunch at Bistro Ralph, an established Healdsburg eatery and sampled a morel mushroom omelet and a divine lamb burger smothered in whipped blue cheese.  Oh, they had No. 69 on the wine menu, what a surprise--we had another glass.

After lunch we walked the square with stops at Lime Stone, owned by Charlie Palmer's wife (Dry Creek Kitchen is right next door) and a quick stop at Barndiva a top recommendation from Al at Ferrari-Carano. A wonderful day; Healdsburg really has it all.