Side Door Cellars

Incredibly cool setup, across from Healdsburg Plaza and by Bear Republic and Dry Creek Kitchen. Look for the red door! Once you step inside, knowledgeable and charming winemakers Steve & Lisa will pour a large selection of fine wines. It'll set you back just $10, which gets dropped if you buy some bottles. And you will!

Side Door Cellars presents an excellent selection from local micro-producers, including their own V-Twin Vineyards. The weekend I was in here, two of the other labels were personally represented by their winemakers, who were doing the pouring and sharing deep knowledge and fun stories. Sig Yeilding, of Yeilding Wines, and Danny Glover, who produces L'Objet Noir, both signed the bottles I purchased of their complex and delightful wines. Funny thing is, I had just met the other Danny Glover (the actor) a few weeks before I met the owner of Dan Glover Wines. Small world!

We stopped in while walking by, and were glad we did. It was nice to find a spot that offered a collection of local wines that weren't all from one winery. The owners were there and in all there were 3 wine makers there. We had a chance to talk to them about their wines which made the experience even better. Drop in and enjoy yourselves.

If you're timid about wine tasting visit the Side Door. The owners make you feel at ease while educating you. Great wines that you can't find anywhere else. The wines they sell are from small wineries that can't afford a tasting room which is a plus for the consumer. I love this place!