Five Healdsburg Wineries with Charcuterie Wine Pairings
A charcuterie plate is often considered one of the easiest food pairings for wine—it’s filled with an array of rich, savory sausages, air-dried meats and pâtés, all of which have different textures, seasonings and fat levels to complement and contrast with still and sparkling wines. We’ve identified five wineries in the Healdsburg area offering charcuterie and wine tastings on terraces with some of the best views in Sonoma County’s three renowned regions: Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Read on for the best salumi and wine experiences in these renowned wine regions.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Executive Chef Todd Knoll’s curated selection of fine meats and cheeses showcases local purveyors and other American artisans who honor the traditions of France, Spain and Italy, each highlighting different nuances in multiple vintages of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests also enjoy Jordan Chardonnay, Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, homemade charcuterie accoutrements, artisanal cheeses, mustards, nuts, cornichons, and olives marinated with estate Meyer lemons, fennel pollen and herbs. Served in the Winery Chateau’s dining room or in various gorgeous locations on the Estate, these experiences require advanced reservations ($30-$60 plus loyalty program points).
Trattore Farms
Trattore Farms opened in 2016 and boasts some of the best views with higher elevation in Dry Creek Valley. Guests climb up a winding driveway through olive trees to reach a Mediterranean-design building that houses a tasting salon, kitchen and sprawling terrace upstairs and winemaking facilities below. Owner Tim Bucher founded Dry Creek Olive Company in 2007, released his first Trattore wines in 2008, and then started the seven-year project of building his dream winery and visitor center. Guests who love charcuterie and wine pairing can admire beautiful vistas at every turn, while snacking on locally produced salami and prosciutto from local companies like Sonoma County meat Co. and Journeyman Meat Co. as well as regional cow’s milk cheeses. Charcuterie plates ($30) are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to any tasting room guests. Estate-grown wines made from Rhône and Italian varieties are available to purchase by the glass and bottle, or sample one of the company’s many extra virgin olive oils.
Sbragia Family Vineyards
Just below Lake Sonoma, Sbragia Family is easily overlooked by tourists who don’t drive past Yoakim Bridge Road (home to the famous Dry Creek Peach Farm). Those who make the meandering drive to the end of Dry Creek Road are rewarded with beautiful views of fir trees, vineyards and valley vistas from Sbragia’s roomy terrace. The tiled patio features tables and lounge areas situated in shade or full sun, depending on your sun-worshipping desire. Walk-ins are welcome to enjoy a charcuterie board ($30), including coppa and prosciutto, local cheeses from numerous local creameries, house-marinated olives and stone-ground mustard. Wines from the Italian winemaking family are available by the glass or bottle. Call ahead if you’d like to request a table with the best view.
MacRostie Winery & Vineyards
Situated on a knoll with infinity views of Russian River Valley, the MacRostie Estate House opened in 2015 and has already gained a loyal following for its open-air, modern farmhouse design, single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and table-service hospitality. Enjoy an Elevated Tasting with their coveted single vineyard wines served with locally sourced and paired bites, Healdsburg-made salumis, artisan cheese and chocolate ($75, advance request required).
Rodney Strong Vineyards
Overlooking one of the winery’s Chardonnay vineyards, Rodney Strong’s modern terrace boasts lounge seating, patio tables with umbrellas, wine tastings and food pairings by the winery’s chef. Guests who book a Wine Flights experience on the weekends can enjoy a charcuterie and wine pairing, featuring local and European cheeses, an array of coppa, salami and proscuitto, olives, fig preserves and crostinis ($50-$70, reservations suggested). Single vineyard, reserve, estate and Sonoma County wines are offered by the glass, bottle or flight.
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Geyser Peak Winery has a wonderful Charcuterie Board as well!