Grape Leaf Inn Bed & Breakfast for California Wine Lovers

Hey Google, where’s the best bed and breakfast in Healdsburg? I found the Grape Leaf Inn when I did a quick search on my cell phone. My husband and I were looking for an upscale hotel within walking distance of Healdsburg Plaza that was pet-friendly. We scanned the photos and positive reviews and booked a two-night mid-week stay in Sonoma wine country.

You may have read about the wine country fires in Sonoma County and I’m here to tell you that everything is back to normal in this part of Northern California. Unfortunately, there were some building casualties in the outskirts of town, but historic Healdsburg is alive and well and waiting to welcome you.

When many folks are shoveling snow on the East Coast, here in Sonoma County we enjoyed sunny weather, zero wait times at top wine country restaurants and personal attention from winemakers at the local wineries. If you’re lucky, you might experience special winter getaway hotel rates, as well. 

Built in 1905, the 13 room Queen Ann Victorian is an adult-only inn located in a residential neighborhood, yet an easy walk to historic downtown Healdsburg. Open year-round, Grape Leaf Inn is family-owned and operated by Wilson Artisan Wines. Why do I mention this? If you are visiting Healdsburg for wine tasting, the Wilson family owns 10 wineries in Sonoma and Mendocino counties and waves tasting fees for hotel guests. Additionally, they offer generous wine discounts.

Grape Leaf Inn guests are welcomed to the inn with fresh baked cookies and greeted with a wine and cheese hour on the first night of their stay. Be sure to ask for a tour of the speakeasy with private bar and wine tasting room during your visit. If you want to impress your travel partner or make this trip a night to remember, you may arrange a romantic dinner to be served downstairs in the speakeasy.

We stayed in the Sangiovese room with a gas fireplace and king bed, located on the first floor.

The dog-friendly room had an ensuite bathroom with a tub/shower combination. Those with mobility issues will appreciate the grab bars in the bathroom shower and next to the toilet, while the roll-under sink is able to accommodate a wheelchair. 

Two white robes were ready and waiting for the short walk to the spa pool in the private patio. The inn had recently opened two private treatment rooms for spa appointments. What a wonderful excuse for a return visit to Healdsburg!

After a full day of wine tasting we enjoyed the king bed and our flat screen television, accompanied by a cup of hot tea.

A multi-course breakfast is included with your stay, as well as fresh coffee, two types of fruit juice, housemade granola with fruit and yogurt, pastries and a hot entree. The Culinary Institute of America chef will offer several breakfast options, or guests may request a cooked to order breakfast. Arrangements may also be made the night prior if you have an early morning departure for a flight home.

Rates typically range between $200 and $500 depending on the season and room type. See more information, packages and rates at the hotel website. Or check online at Hotels.com or Expedia. 

Review and all photos by travel writer Nancy D. Brown, who was a guest of Grape Leaf Inn. As always, all opinions are her own.