Fall colors on Westside Road
Each month in wine country brings something new for the wine country traveler. In November, it is Fall color time in the vineyards. The Fall colors on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County are some of the best. This road begins just outside of the town of Healdsburg. From the Healdsburg Plaza (downtown) drive south along Headsburg Avenue and turn right on to Mills Street. Mills goes under Highway 101 Freeway and becomes Westside Road. The first part of Westside Road is actually in the Dry Creek Valley. Drive just a few miles and you are in the Russian River Valley, the land of cool climate for the growing of Pinot Noir grapes. This area of the Russian River Valley is cooled by the proximity to the Russian River. The Russian River flows down to the town of Jenner where it empties into the ocean. This is one of our favorite drives, especially in November when the colors in the vineyards are dramatic. We always stop and take a photo of the iconic barn on Westside Road. Another favorite of ours is the Hop Kiln Estate Vineyards. Is on the left side of the road. We also like Porter Creek Vineyards a few miles west of Hop Kiln. It is small family-run winery making delicious Pinot Noir wines.