North of the Russian River area is the greatly heralded wine region known as Dry Creek, as well as the undisputed hub of Northern Sonoma wine country, the town of Healdsburg. A mere 30- to 45-minute drive from either valley and just north of burgeoning suburb Santa Rosa, its centerpiece historic square, which has been the heart of the town since its inception in 1857, captures the quaint shopping and dining experiences of downtown Sonoma’s plaza. Its rural roads and country B&Bs have the same genuine backcountry appeal as its surrounding wineries, while the abundance of Victorian architecture gives it a bit of old-world charm.

Recently, Healdsburg has become a bona fide alternative to Napa Valley highlife due to the arrival of a few very sophisticated restaurants and hotels. (The wine scene here was already exceptional.) Adding to its intrinsic allure, the town is surrounded by all the premier viticultural areas, allowing easy access to Russian River, Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, and Chalk Hill. What more could you ask for?