Late summer is an exciting time to be in the northern Sonoma County. In the vineyards, grapes are gaining sweetness and color, ripening and plumping for harvest and eventual conversion into wine. In downtown Healdsburg, particularly as the region continues to re-emerge from COVID-19 related shutdowns, restaurants and businesses are buzzing with activity, and there’s no shortage of things to do around town. Here’s a rundown on some of the upcoming activities and happenings about which we’re excited.
*One of the newest shops on the Healdsburg Plaza: Forager Mercantile (pictured above). The shop, which opened earlier this month, offers beautiful home furnishings that range from bowls, plates and decanters to textiles, trinkets, and housewares. The shop also sells art pieces that include sculptures incorporating natural elements like real-live moss and leaves. The store moved into the space formerly occupied by clothier OSKA, on Center Street between The Nectary and the new Marine Layer wines tasting room. Window-shopping is encouraged.
*We’ve spent the last few years (four, to be exact) following the development of The Matheson, the newest restaurant from Chef (and local boy) Dustin Valette. Finally, the big day has come—both The Matheson and Roof 106, a more casual concept upstairs, are slated to have their grand openings in early September. The event marks a huge accomplishment for Valette, whose grandfather operated a bakery in the very same building in the early 1900s. The Matheson is the more highfalutin of the two, offering fine-dining and a “wine wall” where guests can sample up to 80 different wines. The rooftop restaurant, with views of the Plaza, is more casual.
*Chef Charlie Palmer’s beloved Pigs & Pinot event is back this year after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, and the celebration of all things pinot noir is expected to be quite a bash. Due to concerns over social distancing, this year’s event has a different format; guests will enjoy a seated dinner with five courses from Palmer and chefs Nate Appleman and Wyatt Keith, and each course will be paired with two different pinots from the region. The event will be held September 10 at Hotel Healdsburg and Dry Creek Kitchen; for more information or for tickets, visit the website here.
*Lunch at Jordan Winery is a communal affair, and guests can join in on the experience by signing up for one of the many Harvest Lunches available between Sept. 2-30. This marks the first year ever that these lunches are available to the public—previously they have only been open to members of the Jordan Estate Rewards loyalty program. The lunches, which last about 90 minutes, showcase the bounty from the winery garden, and (of course) are paired with Jordan wines. Menus change daily based on what’s fresh. Lunches are available Thursday through Monday and cost $110 per person. No children allowed.
