Victorian Luxury : Grape Leaf Inn

Bed and breakfast offers modern comforts alongside century old style

by Marcy Joyce
Wine County Lifestyle / Spring 2016

As you make your way toward the grounds of the Grape Leaf Inn, thoughts of everyday life fade away. Its Victorian elegance and lush evergreens beckon through the white picket fence. Set in an historic Healdsburg neighborhood that maintains its original street lamps, the integrity of the inn’s Queen Anne style has been preserved through every loving restoration it has undergone over the years.

A step through the door into the cherry-warm, wood-floored parlor with its colored-glass front bay window gives the sense that the building has enchanting stories to tell of yesteryear. The transitional modern décor gently pulls attention to the present as wine country getaway plans unfold in this home away from home.

Grape Leaf Inn prides itself on its attentive service and has been recognized for this as an award-winning bed and breakfast. Ask concierge Jessica Anderson, who has plenty of suggestions for those who visit without a set itinerary.

“We get out and build community with wineries, restaurants and spas,” Anderson said. “It’s a lot of fun getting to know everybody and then the things we recommend, we have experienced. We like to try everything in order to give the best information on what visitors should do,” noting that advice from the staff depends on what the guest hopes to experience while visiting.

The bed and breakfast is located just four block from the Healdsburg Plaza, and minutes from more than 100 wineries, the Russian River, Lake Sonoma, Armstrong Woods Redwood Reserve, and the rugged Sonoma Coast.

Ask about the hidden door behind the antique check-in desk that opens to a downward staircase leading to a Prohibition Era speakeasy and wine cellar.

“Taste preferences play a big part in where we send people,” said Anderson.

Built in 1900 by a local contractor, what is now Grape Leaf Inn represents a typical turn-of-thecentury middle class home in Healdsburg. The home was originally built for blacksmith August Lund, a Swedish immigrant who purchased the property in 1894. After the home was built, Lund subdivided the remainder of the lot and in 1903 contracted for the building of three identical Queen Anne cottages to the south. By 1907, Lund sold these, as well as his original home and the blacksmith business.

It was 1981 when the home became Grape Leaf Inn and under the ownership of Terry and Karen Sweet, the attic space was converted into four more bedrooms and bathrooms that now feature imported European skylight windows.

Today, Grape Leaf Inn has 12 romantic rooms named after grape varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and the Chardonnay Suite. Most rooms have king-size beds dressed in fine pressed linens, and are furnished with timeless antiques blended with updated casual contemporary pieces.

A Victorian addition was seamlessly added in 2001 and holds a state-of-the-art kitchen, dining room, lobby, and five new guest rooms. The property continues to undergo a gradual interior design makeover, incorporating more modern yet classic transitional styles coupled with refinished antiques.

Permits have been pulled to add a swimming pool in the back, which is festooned with Japanese maple and climbing jasmine. Plans for the summer include a new separate cottage with private entrance and an indoor/outdoor shower. A new self-serve coffee bar is being added in the dining area.

During the warmer months, guests can enjoy their breakfast outside on the porch, also a perfect place to unwind after a day of wine touring.

Guest rooms are appointed with modern conveniences such as TV, DVD and wireless internet service. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of Sonoma County wine in room upon arrival. Several suites have fireplaces, and most of the marble-counter bathrooms offer two person spa tubs and showers. One room has a two-person steam shower and Japanese-style soaking tub.

To welcome newly checked-in guests, Wilson wines are served during a reception that takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. The cookies served in the parlor are a Grape Leaf Inn specialty and secret recipe.

Ask about the hidden door behind the antique check-in desk that opens to a downward staircase leading to a Prohibition Era speakeasy and wine cellar. This fun feature was added in the 1990s by retired attorney Richard Rosenberg and his wife Kae who owned Grape Leaf Inn prior to Wilson Artisan Wineries’ acquisition of the property in 2013.

Cocktails crafted by an in-house mixologist are served in the speakeasy from 4 to 6 p.m. But guests are always welcome to go down at any time to enjoy the space.

Anderson said, “We have a true mixologist who belongs in some bar in the city. Everything is a piece of art in a glass and she has created a lot of her own recipes.”

These recipes include celebratory concoctions for various occasions like weddings. Oftentimes during peak wedding season, the whole place is rented out to the family of the bride or groom.

“We get a lot of people who stay here for business as well,” says Anderson.

Whatever brings you to Grape Leaf Inn, a two-course gourmet “traditional and homey” breakfast awaits in the morning starting at 9 a.m. The breakfast menu is seasonal and ingredients are sourced locally. One morning the “Healdsburg Joe” Italian sausage sautéed with spinach and served with poached eggs might be served. Or perhaps cinnamon walnut French toast using bread from Costeaux bakery around the corner. Other offerings include vegan scrambles and seasonal frittatas. Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated and catered to. Breakfast in bed is an option for those staying in the Pinot Noir suite and the cottage.

“We really tailor to everyone’s needs,” Anderson said. “If they need to go early we can prepare a breakfast that they can take to go.”

Not only is the food sourced locally, but also the soap, shampoo and conditioner. Grape Leaf Inn makes every effort to do everything that can be done to make staying there a unique-to-Healdsburg experience.

Wine country events that take place throughout the year keep the staff busy. Gift certificates and other special deals become available on occasions like Valentine’s Day. The influx of guests especially picks up in March and April but there are wine events year-round such as Passport weekends, Winter WINEland in January and the Healdsburg Jazz Festival in June. How far in advance one needs to make reservations depends on the event taking place.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit
www.grapeleafinn.com