END-OF-YEAR HUBBUB
The end of the year is always a memorable time in Healdsburg, as holiday fever takes hold of the entire town. The city decorates the Plaza for Christmas. Oakville Grocery puts up a menorah for Hanukkah. Businesses paint windows with wintry scenes. Sure, our home has a population just under 12,000, but at this time of year Healdsburg always feels like the smallest of small towns across America. Many of the traditionally in-person events have pivoted to virtual events. Here, in no order, is a rundown of our favorite happenings on the calendar.
Fancy tea is a great way to celebrate the end-of-year-holidays, and this year Hotel Healdsburg has adapted its annual holiday tea to comply with social distancing protocols. The cozy tea service will be offered on weekends at the hotel’s Spirit Bar from November 28 to December 20. Tables will be set up al fresco with heaters, at least six feet apart. All participants receive sandwiches, scones, desserts, and tea; bubbles and holiday-themed cocktails are optional add-ons (and well worth the surcharge).
Another great—and quintessentially Healdsburg—annual holiday celebration is the Holiday Gift Soirée from Dragonfly Floral. This year’s event runs from November 28 to December 12 and it’s entirely virtual. The shindig will spotlight nearly two dozen independent local artisans, as well as wreaths, centerpieces, and other flower-focused crafts from Dragonfly. Consider it the perfect opportunity to buy presents for loved ones and support local business. For more information, click here.
Breathless Wines serves up some of the tastiest sparkling this side of Champagne, and the winery has launched a Covid-safe breakfast series designed to pair their American bubbles with French food. The events, dubbed “Breakfast with Breathless,” take place at the winery’s socially distanced outdoor patio; each participant receives a sweet or savory crepe and a glass of bubbles. The next breakfast will be held November 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and space is limited so book soon.
Lambert Bridge Winery has adapted to life during the Covid-19 pandemic in style: The winery now offers private enclosed outdoor tasting areas for each party. These little tasting areas, called pods, essentially are luxurious tents with translucent walls, spread out at safe distance from each other in the winery’s on-site garden. Each pod holds between two and six people, and the pods are completely private. Heat and blankets are available when it is cold. Tastings in the pods are by appointment only, and cost $25 per person. Lambert Bridge also has added self-guided wine flights for $50 apiece. Picnics are available, too. For more information visit their website.
