Madrona Manor Wine Country Inn and Restaurant

One of my Healdsburg favorites for dinner or happy hour, it was a truly wonderful place to stay. Fantastic interior design, attentive and friendly staff, it felt as if I had known everyone there for years. Very close to downtown Healdsburg while also feeling like you escape to the remote countryside, Madrona really caters to everything. The availability of the bikes for quick jaunts into town and also the valet vehicle for going out to dinner made getting around without needing to drive an absolute A+. Could not recommend this place more!

The Madrona is uniquely located at the intersection of the Russian River and Dry Creek Valleys AVA - serving as a hidden oasis of 24 rooms amid the very best pinot noirs, chardonnays and zinfandels arguably in the world. A stone's throw from Healdsburg's charming plaza and with easy access to all of Sonoma, The Madrona's countless accolades for design and service leave little room to highlight is absolute perfect positioning.

We stayed for two nights and three days at The Madrone. It’s a beautiful estate with an excellent porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. The hotel staff were exceptionally attentive and kind, and the valet, Michael, was an absolute gem. The rooms were charming and picturesque. Another highlight is the location, two wineries are within easy walking distance, making The Madrone not only convenient with its own in-house bar and restaurant but also a premium choice for wine lovers looking to enjoy tastings without the need to drive. Unfortunately, the biggest drawback was the rock-hard beds. I quite literally left with back pain. Thankfully, Healdsburg has plenty of spas to help remedy that. The Madrone Bar was lovely, with talented bartenders who clearly take pride in their craft. The restaurant, however, was hit or miss. While it offered a beautifully curated wine list sure to please any sommelier, the food itself was inconsistent. The duck dish and halibut crudo were excellent, but the remaining courses fell flat, particularly the “caviar,” which turned out to be little more than roe. Our dining experience was quiet and calm, likely due to the off-season of November, but our waitress seemed on edge and somewhat inattentive, which detracted from what could have been a more polished service experience. My partner, a wagyu enthusiast who has enjoyed authentic wagyu in Japan, found their version over-salted and charred, more reminiscent of a standard steak. For a $400 meal, the experience didn’t live up to expectations. Overall, while The Madrone is undeniably elegant and the service staff generally warm, the comfort and dining experience left much to be desired. The convenient access to nearby wineries adds undeniable appeal, but the overall stay was somewhat a disappointing experience for what was meant to be a special birthday getaway.

We loved this hideaway at the edge of Sonoma County's fabulous wine country. The autumn colors and clear skies created the feeling of "escape from the real world". Elegant job of historic preservation, combined with modern amenities allow for a relaxing getaway. Impeccably clean room and friendly staff. We really enjoyed having a well-crafted cocktail in the fireside bar.

The Madrona is a beautiful, peaceful property. Everything from your check in to the food to the spectacular grounds and awesome staff is a strong 10+.