Three AVAs in a Single Day

Cover three AVAs in a single day on a scenic loop drive past vineyards and wineries that begins in downtown Healdsburg. Make tasting reservations at least a day ahead, more for a summer weekend or if food is involved. Before departing, have breakfast at Costeaux French Bakery. Plan on having lunch at Dry Creek General Store either before or after your tasting in the Dry Creek Valley AVA. It's near both wineries mentioned below.

Russian River Valley AVA

A few blocks south of Healdsburg Plaza (past the roundabout), stay to the right to briefly hop on U.S. 101, after 1 mile taking Exit 502/Old Redwood Highway. Continue south 1½ miles on Old Redwood to Eastside Road and turn right (southwest). After 5¼ miles make a right on Wohler Road. Before long you’ll cross the rusting, highly photogenic Wohler Bridge. At Westside Road, turn north (right) to reach Arista Winery, which makes several Russian River Valley Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. After tasting there, continue north on Westside Road about 6½ miles. If you can't get an appointment at Arista, try Rochioli Vineyards and Winery.

Dry Creek Valley AVA

A sign along Westside Road indicates your passage into the Dry Creek Valley AVA. Turn northwest at Kinley Road, follow it 1½ miles to Dry Creek Road, and turn west (left). In 2½ miles you'll reach Mauritson Wines, where you can sip the type of Zinfandels that made Dry Creek famous. Another good option in the AVA, Dry Creek Vineyard, is about ¾ mile farther along Dry Creek Road, at Lambert Bridge Road.