Toad Hollow Tasting Room in Healdsburg
409 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Website: http://www.toadhollow.com/
The tasting room for Toad Hollow is right in the center of downtown Healdsburg. Toad Hollow does not have a public visitor’s center on its own property. Although I typically find it more enjoyable to visit a winery’s estate, there are some good reasons to make a stop in downtown Healdsburg. First, there are more than 26 tasting rooms within a very short distance of each other, many within walking distance. Second, there is a lot more to do in Healdsburg besides taste wine. There are lots of small boutique shops and restaurants. It would be easy to spend an entire afternoon or evening there. The biggest challenge may be finding a parking spot. There could also be a wait when trying to get into the restaurants during typical busy times (weekends, tourist season, etc.).
Toad Hollow’s website is very playful and tells a story about how the winery was started by two retired companions named Dr. Toad and Mr. Badger. “Dr. Toad” is actually Todd Williams, older brother of the famous comedian and actor Robin Williams. Todd founded the winery in 1993 with his wife Francine. Todd Williams grew up in Kentucky and went on to own bars and restaurants all around the world. This led him into the wine business. His good friend Rodney Strong helped him to start his own wine business. His knack for storytelling and fun loving spirit helped him to create affordable wines that anyone can enjoy. After Todd passed away in 2007, his wife took over operation of the winery.
The famous Toad at Toad Hollow tasting room
The Toad Hollow tasting room is clean and simple. Some of the Toad Hollow wines are widely distributed and have a recognizable label with the iconic, dapper toad holding a wine class or dancing. At the tasting room visitors are able to sample wines that they may not find at home. Their wines consist of an unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and “Erik the Red” blend. In addition they produce a couple of sparkling wines. I fell in love with the Risqué sparkling wine. I brought a couple of bottles home with me and stop in whenever I’m in the area to purchase more. It is light, sweet, and refreshing. This wine turned me into a Toad Hollow fan.