Charlie Palmer commands serious respect in Sonoma. The James Beard Award-winning chef shaped the region’s culinary identity when he opened Dry Creek Kitchen more than two decades ago, long before Healdsburg evolved into the refined destination it is today. So when Palmer joined forces with longtime Four Seasons executive Christopher Hunsberger to launch Appellation Healdsburg, expectations naturally soared.

Within its first month of operation, expectations seem to have been met. The resort embodies the duo’s vision of a “culinary hotel,” a concept that fuses elevated hospitality with genuine local flavor. Set in Healdsburg’s North Village, the 108-room retreat serves up all the essentials of a luxury Wine Country stay: a chef-driven restaurant, inviting outdoor spaces, and a welcoming staff.

A Culinary Welcome

You’ll witness the property’s food-forward focus the moment you arrive. Instead of the standard glass of a proffered glass of wine or bubbles at check-in, the team serves an amuse-bouche straight from the kitchen—perhaps a beet and whipped ricotta tart, as on my visit. The check-in desk resembles a butcher block island, complete with a built-in wine fridge stocked with local varietals and vintages. And yes, you’re also offered a pour of local wine with that tasty tart.

The heart of the resort is Folia Bar & Kitchen, Palmer’s all-day eatery within the Main House. Folia blends restaurant, reception, and living room into one seamless space. Designed for gathering, it’s a place where the air smells of oak and rosemary. An open hearth draws the eye and warms the air with a homey, theatrical glow. Chef de cuisine Reed Palmer, working alongside his father, leads a menu built around live-oak ember cooking, where vegetables, fish, and large-format meats emerge from the wood-fired grill imbued with a subtle smokiness. The kitchen mills its own flour for pastas, bakes daily breads in collaboration with local artisans, and sources seafood and produce from nearby purveyors to keep every dish deeply connected to Sonoma. The dinner menu (a set $85 per person for three courses) features fresh salads, seasonal pastas and mains of roasted duck breast, black cod cioppino, and a flat iron steak, among other options. Three “for two” selections currently include grilled fish of the day, whole Mary’s chicken, and a 28 oz. bone-in New York strip—perhaps the best and most flavorful cut of meat I’ve enjoyed in a very, very long time. The wine list spans the best of Sonoma, naturally, alongside a thoughtful selection from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Italy. 

Outside, a broad terrace extends the dining energy. Raised planter beds burst with herbs and vegetables for Folia Bar and Kitchen’s culinary program, while clusters of fire pits and soft seating invite guests to convene over a glass of Sonoma chardonnay, with conversation that stretches into the night. These convivial gathering spots are perhaps the property’s most notable characteristic. This is clearly a place meant for outdoor living, as evidenced by the sheer number of cozy seating areas. 

The Mood Shifts Upstairs

As evening begins and settles, third-floor lounge Andys Beeline Rooftop offers something moodier. Velvet banquettes, soft light, and a mirrored infinity display of gin bottles create a hypnotic shimmer across the bar. 

Two Pools, Two Vibes

Appellation Healdsburg caters to both serenity-seekers and families with its two distinct pools, each with hot tubs. The adults-only Serenity Pool delivers exactly what its name suggests: peace, privacy, and views of the hills. Across the property, the family-oriented Foss Pool is a bit buzzier. Soon, a taco truck and an ice cream bike will roll in, serving Bay Area favorite It’s-It sandwiches. 

A state-of-the-art fitness center anchors the wellness side of things, offering plenty of space and equipment in an indoor-outdoor layout perfect for morning workouts. And while the spa has yet to open, it promises to carry the same locally inspired sensibility that defines the rest of the property.

The Rooms

The 108 guest rooms, including nine suites, span from 300-square-foot Superior Kings to a 1,500-square-foot Two-Bedroom Appellation Suite. Each is infused with modern farmhouse style: sliding barn doors, natural textures, and warm wood tones. Each features pour-over coffee, a bottle of local wine, and Lather bath products—small amenities that add a welcoming touch.

Note: Rooms near the Serenity Pool offer the quietest setting, while those near Foss Pool are a bit closer to the freeway, and pick up a bit more noise. Still, every space maintains a sense of comfort.

Genuine Hospitality

Appellation Healdsburg shines most brightly in its service. Many of the staff have deep roots in Sonoma’s hospitality world, which speaks to Palmer’s long-standing commitment to community and mentorship. Whether arranging babysitters, booking hard-to-obtain tastings, or anticipating small needs, the team executes everything with sincerity. And the resort's relationships with local wineries such as Knights Bridge and Bricoleur Vineyards allows guests to effortlessly experience some of Sonoma’s loveliest winery properties. 

A Thoughtful Addition to Healdsburg

The phrase “culinary hotel” may sound like a branding phrase, but Appellation Healdsburg backs it up. The food is great, the setting encourages connection, and the service delivers warmth. For a property with a more approachable price point than many of its peers, it delivers.

Photos courtesy of Emma K Creative, unless otherwise noted