Beyond the Vine

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Kelly Dorrance on Healdsburg’s allure, far outside the vineyard

Reeve WineS co-owner Kelly Dorrance. Photo courtesy of Reeve Wines.

Vintner Kelly Dorrance didn’t set out to become an unofficial ambassador for Healdsburg, but somewhere between building Reeve’s wine program and turning an old taxi stand into a beloved antiques haunt, she took on that role. Ask her what keeps her here, and she doesn’t hesitate: “It’s a town with an incredible sense of community and connection,” she proclaims. “The locals who live here, raise their kids here and build businesses here are some of the most inspiring people to have in your village.”

From the land to the oak trees, the vineyards, the rivers and the redwoods—Dorrance revels in the abundance of nature that has served as inspiration for her own designs. And then there’s the community—small business owners who, in her experience, are rare in how genuinely they have each other’s backs. “I’ve never lived anywhere where ambitious small business owners are so talented, celebrated and trulyy supportive of one another,” she notes. “That sense of community is a key ingredient in what makes a small town thrive.”

Dorrance designed the Reeve Wines tasting room to feel as if the outside was immersend with the interiors. Photo courtesy of Reeve Wines.

But to those who only see Healdsburg as a weekend trip for wine tasting, locals like Dorrance are cultivating a culture of design, music and much more. “There are so many vibrant aspects of our community, and the people who live here aren’t afraid to try new things,” she says. “We’re crazy enough to throw a small music festival every year called the BloodRoot Ramble during which we raise money to fight gun violence while having a great time doing it, and I honestly don’t think we could pull something like that off anywhere but here. The community shows up for us in such a big way, and that kind of support is pretty special.”

This fall, the third edition of Design Healdsburg (an extension of San Francisco Design Week) will host a series of talks, tours and open studios for design industry professionals. This annual gathering was inspired by the town’s creative renaissance as well as its vibrant shopping scene, including Dorrance’s own antiques and vintage outpost, which is located next to the Bloodroot tasting room she and her partner own. “We had access to a tiny empty space that used to be a taxi stand next to BloodRoot—it’s no more than 200 square feet,” she recalls. “It dawned on me that filling it with interesting found objects would be the perfect fit. I love the hunt, and I love finding pieces that will be appreciated for years to come.”

Inside the Owner’s Loft at The Madrona, designed by Jay Jeffers. Photo by Matthew Millman

When it came to designing the shared spaces at the vineyard she and her winemaker husband, Noah, run for their premium wine brand Reeve, she fully embraced the landscape. “I leaned into the large live oaks, vineyard views and lichen, as I wanted the tasting room to open up and spill out into this gorgeous landscape,” Dorrance says. “All of the furnishings were chosen to blend into their surroundings rather than compete with them, and the artwork by local artist Jessica Martin was the perfect finishing touch. I originally intended to buy just one piece, but I ended up with five.”

When asked where she shops locally for interiors, she notes, “I love going to the French Market Marin on the second Sunday of every month. I also love Rick Petteford Antiques and Antique Society in Sebastopol. In Healdsburg, Modern Antiquarium has a wonderful collection of vendors. Another favorite is Amber at Doram Goods in Healdsburg.” Her favorite hotel, of course, is The Madrona, which offers historic Victorian architectural charm and delightful interior design by Jay Jeffers. “There are so many little surprise-and-delight moments, from the sunlight shining through the fountain outside to the gallery walls and the custom wallpaper, which gives a nod to the time when The Madrona was painted pink,” she remarks. “It’s full of personality, and I love that every corner feels thoughtful yet just a little unexpected.”

Just steps from downtown Healdsburg, The Cottages at Little Saint were designed by Ken Fulk. Photo by Brendan Mainini.

She takes everyone to her favorite restaurant, Little Saint—a vegan restaurant designed by Ken Fulk to double as an event space and music venue. “Little Saint is a love letter to farming, music, art and community, and we couldn’t be luckier to have them in our town,” Dorrance says. “There are portraits of family pets, a sign that lights up when live music is happening upstairs and a stage backdrop made from artistically stitched-together concert tees. It has this magnetic quality that draws you in, and once you’re there, you never want to leave.”

While the close proximity to the Bay Area, the wine and the food temporarily draw people to Healdsburg, it’s clear that the thriving community and culture are convincing many to stay for good. “It’s a town with an incredible sense of community and connection,” Dorrance exclaims. “The locals who live here, raise their kids here and build businesses here are some of the most inspiring people to have in your village.”