Healdsburg, CA Travel Tips from a Garden-to-Table Guru
Tucker Taylor is the director of culinary gardens for Kendall-Jackson Vineyard Estates. We asked him about his favorite places in Healdsburg to eat and drink on his own time
Photo of Plank Coffee Courtesy of Tim Eubanks for Sonoma Tilemakers
A savant for new and interesting produce, Taylor cut his teeth in gardens, including the garden at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. He loves browsing garden stores or sipping top-notch Pinot Noir at his favorite tasting room.
Stay
Taylor sends guests to The Duchamp Healdsburg. The bungalow-style hotel is located in the heart of downtown (walking distance to wineries and Healdsburg Plaza) and offers six exclusive, private suites that surround a sleek pool and spa. Plus, each suite has its own enclosed patio.
Eat
For an everyday lunch spot or a special dinner with friends, Taylor grabs a table at Campo Fina. “You can chat with friendly locals at the outdoor bar in the back, play bocce, and enjoy one of my favorite dishes: Nonna’s Tomato Braised Chicken with sautéed Swiss chard and soft polenta.” The multicourse, farm-driven tasting menu at Single-Thread is also one of his all-time favorites.
Drink
Taylor gets his caffeine fix at Plank Coffee, a loved-by-locals spot. “I’ll splurge with a delicious frittata and the brioche French toast,” he says. Wine-wise, he’s a fan of Hartford Family Winery Tasting Room in Healdsburg Plaza downtown. “[The winery] focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Winemaker Jeff Stewart is a master.”
Do
“For a beautiful hike, I always enjoy Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve,” Taylor says. The trail-filled park includes wetlands, oak woodlands, rocky serpentine chaparral, and open grasslands.
Shop
Open for 21 years, The Gardener’s Healdsburg location “is one of my go-to places for unique pots and specialty gardening and culinary gear,” Taylor says. The lush gardens are brimming with persimmon, palm, pomegranate, and willow, which offer instant inspiration.
