SONOMA COUNTY—Appellation Healdsburg has opened in Sonoma County, Calif., marking the debut of a new hospitality brand co-founded by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality executive Christopher Hunsberger. The 108-room property is positioned as the flagship location for Appellation and emphasizes food, wine, and agricultural heritage.
Spanning 8.5 acres, the resort was designed with master architect John Hill and EDG Design.
The resort’s layout is divided into two neighborhoods connected by paths through native trees, culinary gardens, and outdoor gathering spaces. Facilities include two pools, the Terroir Spa, and a fitness studio. The hotel also features more than 15,000 square feet of event space.
“Appellation Healdsburg signifies a major milestone for our brand as the first hotel we’ve conceived and created entirely from the ground up,” said Hunsberger, co-founder and chief operating officer.
The kitchens
The resort introduces two new dining venues from Palmer: Folia Bar & Kitchen and Andys Beeline Rooftop. Folia focuses on open-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients from regional farms and purveyors. The dining room includes live culinary stations and redwood harvest tables. Leading the kitchen is chef de cuisine Reed Palmer, whose background includes work at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Amass in Copenhagen, and SingleThread in Healdsburg.
Andys Beeline Rooftop, located above the main building, offers vineyard views, a shareable menu, and a cocktail program built around ingredients grown on the property. Its design incorporates bee flight path motifs, a curved onyx bar, and indoor-outdoor seating.
The spa
The Terroir Spa draws on the agricultural setting, offering treatments incorporating botanicals from the gardens and internationally sourced products. Amenities include five treatment rooms, a couple’s suite with outdoor space, a steam room, and hot and cold therapy options.
Guest rooms range from 325 to 1,160 square feet and feature balconies or patios. Interiors are designed in natural tones, with such amenities as Wolf coffee, small-batch teas, Matouk linens, and locally sourced wine. Larger suites include separate living areas, kitchens, and expanded balconies.
For events, the property includes 11 venues, highlighted by The Grange, an indoor-outdoor barn-style space with an exhibition kitchen, and The Lawn, which accommodates up to 500 people. Smaller gatherings can take place in Folia’s private dining rooms.
“The debut of Appellation Healdsburg is more than an opening—it’s the beginning of a new standard for hospitality,” said Charlie Palmer, co-founder and chief executive officer.
Located near the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander valleys, the property provides access to outdoor recreation, wineries, and Healdsburg’s downtown. A 12,500-square-foot retail and dining promenade adjacent to the resort extends the guest experience into the surrounding community.
