Tasting rooms abound in Healdsburg (27 in downtown, alone). But for wine groupies who also enjoy following the industry’s increasingly changing owners, investors and labels, it’s an interesting time. Some new operations are like macramé, knotting together several proprietors and brands under one roof, and with winemakers taking multiple roles at a single business.
Sip some wine, follow along with these emerging “family trees,” and see how many new names you can — well, name.
Overshine Wine Co.
Set on Dry Creek Valley’s former Armida Winery hillside property that was built in 1989, Overshine opened its doors in June. But the retro tasting room and facility stays true to its original groovy style, designed like a giant Quonset hut and with nifty touches like record players to spin vinyl.
The work of Sonoma County winegrower/former Google exec David Drummond, varietals salute the classics, too, focusing on Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, plus assorted grapes from Overshine’s Il Campo vineyard.
Another notable twist: rising star winemaker and new Overshine general manager Sam Bilbro will be curating grapes from Drummond’s Las Cimas Vineyard in the Russian River Valley for his own Italian-style Idlewild brand that Drummond just acquired, and making Drummond’s new Comunità Italian-style brand, too. Look for those labels on the Overshine tasting list as the boutique operation gains steam.
2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-2222, overshinewines.com
Mascarin Family Wines
You might not have heard of the boutique 32 Winds Wine, but the company is owned by third generation vineyard manager Ed Mascarin and his daughter Mia Mascarin-Oven. So this year they debuted a new label, named, of course, Mascarin.
You’ll find an introductory three flavors: a single vineyard Chardonnay from Sebastopol’s secret gem, two-acre Dalya Estate; a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast’s Moonshine Vineyard; and a complex Red Field Blend of co-fermented Rhone and Loire varietals from the Mascarin’s own Angelo vineyard near Healdsburg.
You visit at the under-the-radar 32 Winds property, a gorgeous site with a wood barn, olive trees, towering walnut trees and views of the famous Dry Creek.
1010 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-1010, 32windswine.com
Truett Hurst and VML
This March, Phil Hurst regained control of the lauded Truett Hurst and VML brands he founded in 2008 but sold 10 years later to the large Washington-based Precept Wine Co. He wasn’t able to swing buying the ultra-pricey 24-acre Dry Creek Road estate he had established, but working with new partner Ken Wilson of the expansive Wilson Wines portfolio, he recently moved into a new tasting space next to downtown Healdsburg’s roundabout.
(Truett’s old location at 5610 Dry Creek Road was quickly snatched up and is now the Aesthete winery and tasting room.)
You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see the giant red chair out front — it’s a salute to Truett’s Adirondack chairs that graced his original property along Dry Creek. Now, staff pours both the Truett Hurst and Hurst’s other VML labels in the same brick and slate lined shop, with signatures like Three Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, a North Coast Burning Man Petite Sirah and a White Sheep Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
113 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-433-9545, truetthurstwinery.com or vmlwine.com
Comstock Wines
The Comstock family already has a lavish tasting room at its nine-year-old estate winery at 1290 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. But this summer, they opened a second one, 2.9 miles away. The space is set up in Bacchus Landing, a collective of boutique wineries just outside downtown Healdsburg.
The idea is to attract wine lovers wanting more of a casual, hip and perhaps impromptu experience without much of a drive from central Healdsburg, said general manager Kelly Comstock Ferris. Besides tastings, there’s bottle service, bocce ball games, and a collection of classic board games, such as Monopoly, Scrabble and Battleship. Bring your dog, linger and sip.
For something a bit different, remind yourself to try the standout Dry Creek Valley Blanc de Blanc sparkling, the Russian River Valley Viognier and the Sonoma Valley Grenache.
14210 Bacchus Landing, Healdsburg, 707-723-3011, comstockwines.com
Stressed Vines Cellars
Stressing a vine by withholding water is actually a good thing, as it helps increase concentrated fruit flavors. But founder and vintner Rob Barney wants guests to relax at the tasting room he opened steps from the Healdsburg Plaza in July.
Barney began making wine in 2016, sourcing from a variety of vineyards across Sonoma and Napa counties for his signature Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays and Pinot Noir. Texas wine lovers know him — Barney is from there and has his original tasting room in Richardson.
243 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-385-4658, stressedvines.com