Finally, some relief for the Dry January crowd having major tasting-room FOMO these days. (Me among them!) Healdsburg’s latest tasting room, which opened quietly last month, lets you taste all different types of honey from around the world, instead of wines. It’s even located inside the old Soda Rock Winery tasting room at 409A Healdsburg Ave., kitty-corner from John & Zeke’s and next-door to Everywhere. The Press Democrat has the story:
La Ruche, which means “the hive” in French, opened just before Christmas, offering dozens of honeys from around the globe, each with their own unique taste and terroir.
The honey tasting room is a passion project for owner Nicole White who started to get really into honey during the pandemic. Living in Florida at the time, she participated in a virtual honey tasting conducted by Candice Koseba of Sonoma County Bee Company.
“I thought ‘Why isn’t anyone doing this in person?’” she said.
White, who grew up in Marin County, returned to Northern California in 2022 and settled in Healdsburg. She set up a hive in a ravine on her property, joined the beekeeping association and began planning the Healdsburg Avenue tasting room.
… Right now, customers can walk in and enjoy a casual tasting of a few honeys White has open. Once she gets a license from the state, she’ll start booking private seated tastings that include several types of honey paired with cheese and charcuterie.
La Ruche owners say that soon, you’ll also be able to taste mead, an alcohol made with honey. Learn more on their Instagram and website!
