People are so friendly here. It’s not just the friendliness that comes with a small town. Healdsburg was much smaller than San Francisco yet had a very different feel than Santa Ynez. People wave as you drive by. If you’re walking, strangers say “hi” as you cross paths. The sweet woman who owns my guest house brought me a baked potato. Can’t figure out what made it taste so good. Maybe she uses paprika or some spice. I’ll have to ask her what her secret is.

More from my appellation adventures in this region.