Enjoying a picnic lunch at a winery is one of life’s finer pleasures. We have our list of favorite wineries with great picnic areas and views, and the Armida Winery is one of those that head the list. Armida is located on the edge of the Dry Creek Valley on Westside Road, a couple of miles from the town of Healdsburg. It is small family-run winery producing 10,000 to 12,000 cases a year.
The winery is situated high on a hill affording a spectacular view of the Russian River Valley area. Yes, although the winery is situated in the Dry Creek AVA, the view is of the neighboring Russian River Valley. The winery has a good-sized deck with several tables that afford this wonderful scene. A pond just below the deck adds to the beauty of the vineyards off in the distance. Once people experience this beauty, they return again and again to enjoy this spot. Saturdays are very popular here, especially from Spring to the early Fall months.
Another added feature to the picnic area is a Bocce court. It is just below the deck affording the same view as on the deck. What a place to enjoy a leisurely game of Bocce with your friends.
The tasting room is very unusual in that it is shaped in an octagon. It has a huge picture window, providing the same spectacular view as the picnic deck. For a $10 fee you can taste some delicious wines. Armida’s specialties are Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Many folks come just to purchase the Poizin, “the wine to die for”. It is a good-tasting Zin at an affordable price. Two other wines that we enjoyed on our most recent trip were the dry Gewurztraminer and the Chardonnay Sonoma Coast. Both make great wines to enjoy and pair with a picnic lunch of cheese, salads or deli sandwiches.
If you are interested in visiting other wineries in the area, continue driving along Westside Road. This road leads to the Russian River Valley and to a string of wineries with great tasting rooms and wines to taste. Here is our recommendation for wineries on this beauty of a wine trail in the Russian River Valley.
You can also find lodging, restaurants, and places to buy a picnic lunch on these pages.