Best of Food and Drink 2024

November 7, 2024

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Best Coastal Cuvée of Wine & Vibe

For locals who just want a good glass of wine—minus tourist crowds and party vibe—Marine Layer Wines might be the spot. It won this year’s Best Tasting Room category in Healdsburg, and that’s saying something. This isn’t just any tasting room; it’s a place that combines natural light, organic design and a touch of retro charm reminiscent of a ’70s Laurel Canyon rock den.

Marine Layer Wines, a project by Banshee Wines co-founder Baron Ziegler and winemaker Rob Fischer, focuses on Sonoma Coast wines, emphasizing sustainable farming and hand-harvesting. Its name pays homage to the Pacific Ocean fog that cools Sonoma’s inland valleys—a fog that brings unique depth to the wines poured here.

SIP The tasting room experience at Marine Layer Wines is enhanced by excellent design. (Photo by Kary Hess)

Inside the tasting room, which feels more like a hidden haven than a bustling wine bar, a four-wine seasonal tasting is available for $30. But there’s also the option to dive straight into full glasses. The 2023 Carina rosé stands out with notes of hibiscus, white peach and a hint of salty brine—a flavor profile that feels like summer by the sea. The 2021 Lyra pinot noir is another highlight, rich with raspberry and a delicate touch of cardamom.

“Some visitors will add a glass after tasting,” says tasting room manager Tyler Hayes. “But with our license, we can operate more like a wine bar. People can enjoy the wines they love most.”

Or, as in my case, enjoy a glass before, during and after a tasting. Put on a vinyl rerelease of James Taylor’s greatest hits and let the marine layer subsume you.

Marine Layer Wines is located at 308 B Center St., Healdsburg. Call 707.395.0830 or visit marinelayerwines.com for more information.

— Daedalus Howell