Get to know Healdsburg and the River Belle Inn!


ABOUT US

  • Our History
  • Winery Friends
  • About Healdsburg
  • Hiking
Our History

THE HISTORY OF RIVER BELLE INN

The house at 68 Front St. was built by Adna Phelps, who moved to San Francisco shortly after completing it in 1875. The second resident was a young ambitious French winemaker named Georges de Latour, who never quite found his place in Sonoma county. Instead, he soon moved to Napa to found Beaulieu in 1900, which still brands their premium cabernet with his name.

Giuseppe Simi bought the house in 1897. By 1904, when the Simi brothers died, they were among the most successful wine makers in California, producing over half a million gallons of wine from their 400 Healdsburg acres. Four years later, when Isabelle Simi Haigh and her husband took it over, they continued to successfully manage it until Prohibition came in 1920.

While other winemakers were intimidated into pouring their finished wine into the streets, the Simi’s held onto their bottled wines for 14 years — some say they continued making wine — believing that someday the market would return and their holdings would prove valuable.

Simi’s success continued for decades, their tasting room a well-known tourist stop on what became Highway 101 and the wines continued to lead the way in the post-Prohibition resurgence. She became an even-more colorful and outspoken woman, wearing a signature vest decorated with political and other buttons, speaking her mind and sharing the stories of a lifetime in wine. She continued to live in the house at 68 Front St. until she passed, in 1981.

In 2011, Thomas Phillip Bangs, an architect/builder from the Sierra Foothills was searching for a property along the Russian River when he came upon the “faded painted lady”. He was so enchanted at the history and the possibility of the project; he immediately began the process of acquiring the land with the home and developing The River Belle Inn. Keeping Isabelle’s memory and historical footprint was very important to him. He wanted to honor the legacy of such a strong woman and important member of the community and wine industry. 

Cited: Kallen, Christian. “A Grand Old House with a Story to Tell”. Healdsburg Patch. 2011. Online.  


Winery Friends

OUR WINERY FRIENDS

. . . and now the good stuff !

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We proudly present our recommendations for the local winery tasting rooms, vineyards, and tasting experiences. Our team is ready to connect you with the grandest of estates or to the family owned and solo projects. We would love to introduce you to our community of grape growers, winemakers, and viticulturists up here in our beautiful wine country.  

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Healdsburg sits in the middle of the “Wine Trio”, Alexander Valley to our North, Dry Creek Valley to our West, Russian River Valley to our South.

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“ALEXANDER VALLEY” WINERY FRIENDS 

1. “Alexander Valley Vineyards”  www.avvwine.com 707-433-7209 X116 “Denise”

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Alexander Valley Vineyards is proud to be a family owned and operated business. Our legacy began in 1962, every bottle we produce reflects our heritage and each glass of wine shares our story. Our family creates wines of distinction for everyone! RBI guests can enjoy a complimentary tasting of our most limited Reserve wines at our friendly tasting room. Our Cave tour and Barrel tasting is offered daily at 11AM or 2PM, so allow plenty of time to tour and taste in our underground wine cave! 

2. “Zialena Winery”  ;  https://zialena.com/ ;  707.955.5992 ; “Vince”

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Zialena’s 120 acre estate vineyard, owned by the Mazzoni family, surrounds the modern tasting room and offers stunning views of the Mayacama mountains. The family has grown Cabernet Sauvignon on property since 1931, and Zinfandel in Alexander Valley for over 100 years. We invite you to visit us for a tasting 7 days a week, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Cheers!

3.  “Stonestreet Estate Vineyards”  

https://www.stonestreetwines.com/

(707) 473-3310 Call or reserve online here

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“Ranging from 400 to 2,400 feet in elevation and showcasing a dramatic array for mesoclimates on peaks, valleys and ledges, Stonestreet produces a distinctive collection of single vineyard wines – powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, soulful Chardonnay and electric Sauvignon Blanc. Each Stonestreet bottling tells the unique story of the vineyard and the interplay between the land, the elements and the touch of the human hand. Our seated experiences are conducted in a communal, yet intimate setting at one of our spacious patio tables, lounge sets or in our Mountain Tasting Room.” 

4.  “Trione Winery”  ;  https://trionewinery.com/ ; 707-814-8100, “Tina”


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Three Generations, Five Decades, Five Ranches. Our family is deeply rooted in Sonoma County. Visit Trione Winery and enjoy our estate wines out on the veranda or grab a couple bottles and enjoy an afternoon of Bocce Ball in the vineyard.


5. “Robert Young Winery” ; https://www.ryew.com/ ;  707-395-3550, “Robert”

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The story of Robert Young begins with family, and their deeply rooted connection to the land. Family owned, farmed, and operated since 1858, the Robert Young Estate Winery has recently opened the Scion House, their new hospitality and tasting center on their 448-acre ranch, 10 minutes north of Healdsburg in the Alexander Valley. The Scion House honors six generations of the Young family including current family members Fred, Jim, JoAnn and Susan, plus future generations to come. The new building is built on the family’s favorite hilltop overlook with stunning 360-degree vineyard views; the perfect location to enjoy and view their beautiful Chardonnays and Cabernets.



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“DRY CREEK VALLEY” WINERY FRIENDS 

1. “Papapietro Perry”

2. “Dry Creek Vineyards”

3. “Bella Wine Caves & Vineyard”

4.  “Dutcher Crossing Winery” ;  www.DutcherCrossingWinery.com  

                             707-431-2700 “Miranda”

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Our history in Dry Creek Valley dates back to 1904. Our mission: to grow and produce big, distinctive, and balanced wines that celebrate our family’s four generations of grape growing and winemaking in Sonoma and Napa. Come enjoy beautifully crafted single vineyard cabs, delectable zinfandels, and a mesmerizing view of Dry Creek Valley

6.  “Michel- Schlumberger” ;  www.michelschlumberger.com

                          707-433-7427 ; “Mike”

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Michel-Schlumberger was one of the first California wineries to value the best of the new world with old world sensibilities. This thread of French idealism leads us to shoot for excellence in everything we do. Experience a tour of our vineyard and cellar, tasting of future wines from the barrel, sample a flight of limited-production wines at our tasting bar, or indulge in a relaxing, seated tasting in our salon, courtyard or on the terrace overlooking our estate and vineyards.

7.“Passalacqua Winery”  www.passalacquawinery.com 707-433-5550 “Colin”

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Wine is a part of life, to be enjoyed with friends and family. Sharing wine with loved ones brings us together and helps us to slow down, pause, and toast to life’s moments, both big and small. We invite you and your loved ones to join us at Passalacqua Winery, to share wine and take a moment to breathe, tell stories, make memories, and appreciate life.



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“Russian River Valley” Winery Friends

1.  “Thomas George Estates”

2. “Iron Horse Vineyards”  www.ironhorsevineyards.com 707-820-1506 “Lisa”

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Iron Horse is a family owned, working winery offering a genuine experience of wine country. The winery resides in a cluster of rustic, redwood barn-style buildings at the end of a meandering, one-lane road; on a hill overlooking undulating hills of grape vines. Come taste Sparkling Wines that have been served at the White House for over 30 years, and unique Green Valley Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

3.  “Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate”   https://www.kj.com/ 

                                707-571-8100 “Angela”

About Us, The River Belle Inn

Come experience all the beauty that Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens has to offer. Spend an afternoon lounging on our patio or playing a fun game of bocce with your friends, all while sipping on our award-winning, limited-production wines available by the flight, glass, or bottle.Tantalize your taste buds with a gourmet Wine and Food Pairing, Wine and Cheese Pairing, or Wine and Chocolate Pairing expertly created by our team of culinary master chefs. 

 “Rodney Strong” ; https://www.rodneystrong.com ; 707.431.1533 ; “Alex”

About Us, The River Belle Inn

Rodney Strong Vineyards has earned the reputation for critically acclaimed Single Vineyard and Reserve wines, stand out Estate releases and best-in-class Sonoma County varietal wines. Join us in the tasting room or on The Terrace for a variety of wine tasting and culinary experiences, prepared by our winery Chef, Alejandro Garcia . Make a reservation for guided wine tour and tasting at 11AM or 2PM which highlights our estate vineyards, our small-lot artisan cellar and includes barrel sampling.

5.  “Croix Estate” ; www.croixestate.com ; 707 – 595-3803 ; “Travis”

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An intersection of ideologies inspired our name, Croix, the ancient French term meaning “Cross”, representing the convergence of wine growing ideals old and new. Croix wines express the beautiful differences between each hill and valley that separate their unique sources. We are dedicated to producing terroir driven, single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay.

6.  “Merriam Vineyards” ; www.merriamvineyards.com ; 7074334032 ; “Alison”

Nestled in the warmest edge of the Russian River Valley, Merriam Vineyards invite guests to cross cultures while tasting our California-crafted French-style wines in our beautifully appointed tasting room. Designed with the comfort and warmth of a New England-style farmhouse, our winery and tasting room blend the east and west while residing at the hub of three major California appellations; the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys. Come and enjoy Merriam Vineyards wine on our garden terrace overlooking the magnificent valley and Healdsburg’s wine country.



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“CITY OF HEALDSBURG” WINERY FRIENDS

1.  “Sapphire Hill Winery” ;  sapphirehill.com ;  707.431.1888 ; “Lisa”

Sapphire Hill is a small 3,000 case family winery featuring over 20+ wines from the Dry Creek, Alexander Valley and Russian River appellations. Located in the historic Old Roma Station, we’re a short walk to Healdsburg Plaza.  

Stop in and taste hand-crafted wines only available in our tasting room along with our famous salted caramel raspberry jalapeno brownie bite.  RBI guests can also receive a discount on our 5 course food and wine pairing in our barrel room prepared and hosted by owners Lisa and Chris Mulcahy. Offered most weekends, advanced reservations are needed.


Sapphire Hill recently received the Best of 2020/Healdsburg in Winery and Vineyards. We’re consistently in the Top 5 of Tripadvisor’s “Things to Do” in Healdsburg and have been featured in the Top 8 Wineries in Healdsburg for several years from the California Wine Advisory. 

2.  “Williamson Wines”  ; www.williamsonwines.com ; 707-433-1500 ; “JR”

About Us, The River Belle Inn

Williamson Wines focuses on making the finest single vineyard, single varietal wines and blends in small production batches. Our vision is to produce limited lots of iconic wines recognized for their flavor, quality, and consistency and make them available only directly from our tasting rooms. Then to share and enjoy this limited bounty with a group of friends. Come enjoy a complementary wine and food pairing at our 134 Matheson Street, Healdsburg tasting room or treat yourself with the ultimate experience in wine and food pairings from our culinary team and wine educators at our 18 Matheson Street, Healdsburg salon. River Belle Inn guests receive our Preferred Lodgers discount of 50%!

3.  “J Cage Cellars” ;  www.jcage.com ; 707.318.6323 ; “Donna”

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Two Generations… One Passion…Hand-Crafting Authentic & Compelling Sonoma County Wines

A boutique family Sonoma County family winery specializing in award winning single-vineyard Pinot Noir complimented by Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Red Blends. Our tasting experience includes an exploration of our wines paired with local cheese, charcuterie and chocolate…taste with the winery owners, Roger and Donna Beery!

4.  “SIMI Winery” ;  simiwinery.com ;  707-473-3232 “Luke”

Reserve online here

About Us, The River Belle Inn

The door is always open at SIMI, where we welcome you to our Healdsburg home. Drop in for a tour or tasting, or plan an unforgettable event customized to your tastes. Our guests are our family. Great wine brings people together, which is why SIMI crafts every drop with care. From vine to bottle, we craft wines with individuality, meant to be true expressions of their Sonoma County vineyards. Explore our range of wines and discover why a bottle of SIMI is at the core of taking your time and enjoying the journey.

5.  “Longboard Vineyards” ;  https://www.longboardvineyards.com/ 

                        ;  707-433-3473 “Jody”

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Originally, from Israel, Oded established LongBoard Vineyards in 1998 and in 2005, he opened his tasting room, a couple of blocks off the main plaza of Healdsburg California.

As a longtime surfer, his twin loves of surfing and wine has made this area the perfect place to relax in the Sonoma style of hospitality. Oded is a great believer in perspective, saying, “Relax, it’s only wine…enjoy it with food and friends and trust nothing but your own palate”.

6.  “GrapeSeed Wines”  ; https://grapeseedwine.com ; (707) 974-1880 ; “Matt”

About Us, The River Belle Inn

GrapeSeed Wines was founded by industry veterans eager to connect with consumers on a personal level, providing small-lot, artisan wines crafted a single barrel at a time. Head of Winemaking, Matt Smith, crafts extraordinary Italian-inspired wines for his Sassoferrato portfolio. In addition to Sassoferrato, we offer elegant sparkling wines under the Celebrant “Méthode Champenoise” label, and in our limited-edition, Gallery Collection Series, Matt gets to stretch his wings, providing a variety of wines and styles adorned with the outstanding art found in the Gallery tasting room. 

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About Healdsburg

ABOUT HEALDSBURG

Healdsburg, a town renowned for its eclectic offering of all the finest things in life… food, wine, friends and fun. Healdsburg is the belle of the trendy wine country ball who prefers to be out in the vineyards sampling zinfandel on the vine.

Take a stroll around Healdsburg and discover the treasures and treats of small town individuality that make it so special. Healdsburg is surrounded by several of Northern California’s finest regional wine appellations, including Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley. Centrally located to over 100 world class wineries and tasting rooms, Healdsburg is the ideal place to discover all the best that Sonoma County wine country has to offer.

Explore beyond the central downtown Plaza and you’ll find incredible hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, redwoods, rowboats and hot air balloons for aerial views of it all.



Hiking

LOCAL HIKING

1.  Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve ;

https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/332/Healdsburg-Ridge

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2. Armstrong Woods Redwood Grove Hikes

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Armstrong/Armstrong.html

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3. Sonoma Coast State Park

https://www.sonoma-coast-state-park.com/

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4. Jenner Headlands Preserve

https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/jennerheadlands

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Made to Order Breakfast Daily


It's more than just a room. The River Belle Inn provides the wine country experience you're looking for. From hot breakfast made fresh daily with fun options to choose from to our evening happy hour with local wines and cheerful guests, we can't wait to host you!

*experiences included in your nightly rate