Appellation Healdsburg is set to open September 2025, marking the first newbuild from epicurean hotel brand Appellation, founded by Michelin-starred Chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger.
Located in Sonoma County, the 108-key boutique resort has been envisioned to honour the region’s deep-rooted culture of food, wine and agricultural abundance.
Designed in collaboration with architect John Hill and EDG Design, Appellation Healdsburg is spread across two distinct neighbourhoods, intentionally positioned to heighten exploration and embody a true sense of place. Eight-and-a-half acres of lush landscapes are woven together by winding paths that meander through mature native trees, abundant culinary gardens and inviting open-air gathering spaces.
The culinary experience begins in the residential-inspired lobby, where back-of-house has been brought to the front with chef-led tastings, demonstrations and local pop-ups that encourage interactions between guests, locals and the culinary team. Playful touches such as a front desk reimagined as a kitchen butcher block, set the tone for an immersive, sensory-rich stay.
Ranging from 320-1,160ft2, the agrarian-inspired rooms and suites invite the outdoors in through balconies that overlook vineyards or serene pools. Earthy green and golden hues echo the surrounding hills and landscapes, while open-air spaces create an immersive and comfortable connection to nature.
The Healdsburg and Olive suites feature a separate living area and oversized balconies while the design of the Appellation one- and two-bedroom suites epitomises the bounty and beauty of Healdsburg with a sophisticated living space, generously sized private balconies with panoramic views, kitchenette and spacious bathroom with bathtub.
The resort offers two pools – Foss Pool, complete with day-use cabanas and poolside food and beverage, and the adults-only Serenity Pool. These are complemented by the Terroir Spa, Appellation’s signature wellness experience, and an indoor-outdoor fitness studio. Inspired by the concept of terroir – where soil, climate, craftmanship and nourishment converge – the spa will feature fresh herbs and botanicals grown on-site, along with relaxation lounges and five tranquil treatment rooms.
Spanning 15,500ft2, Appellation Healdsburg will offer the largest event space downtown to-date, with 11 distinctive venues tailored for gatherings of all kinds. At the heart of the property is The Grange, a versatile indoor-outdoor, barn-inspired space with a signature exhibition kitchen designed for interactive culinary experiences. The adjoining al fresco space, The Lawn, expands capacity to 500 guests, offering sweeping vineyard views. For more intimate occasions, the Orchard Table hosts up to 24 guests beneath a canopy of olive trees, featuring a live-edge table and private firepit.
Appellation and Chef Charlie Palmer will also debut two signature dining concepts, both of which reflect the region’s seasonal bounty and spirit of conviviality. The 204-seat Folia Bar & Kitchen offers seafood-forward fare inspired by the nearby coastline with a custom bread cart that wheels fresh-baked sourdoughs and artisanal butters from table to table.
Meanwhile, the 89-seat Andys Beeline Rooftop, inspired by the natural flight paths of bees and the vibrant energy of gathering, will crown the resort with panoramic views of Healdsburg’s sun-drenched hills and vineyard rows.
Appellation Healdsburg’s expansive culinary gardens will be a source of seasonal abundance and a canvas of creativity for the culinary programme, capturing the essence of Sonoma County’s terroir, while inspiring dishes that change with the rhythm of the land.
“Appellation Healdsburg is our vision for hospitality fully realised, where the beauty of wine country, the warmth of community, and the power of food come together,” says Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and COO of Appellation. “As our first newbuild hotel, Appellation Healdsburg is an authentic expression of what we believe modern travellers are looking for: approachable luxury in the form of meaningful experiences, engagement with the surrounding community, and comfort and connection over formality and extravagance.”
Charlie Palmer, co-founder and CEO of Appellation, adds: “Chris and I have spent decades building a community in Healdsburg – the town we call home, and one defined by its farmers, vintners and artisans. Appellation Healdsburg offers guests a window into what it is like to actually live here – whether that means rubbing shoulders with our neighbours over a glass of wine, perusing the downtown farmer’s market or indulging in ingredients harvested just down the road.”
