Anika Murthy is an interior stylist with an instagram feed that makes you want to move to California immediately. She has an eye for curating beautiful spaces, as well as creating stunning vignettes and tablescapes.
She loves travel, especially to wineries, and recently went to Healdsburg in Sonoma for the Thanksgiving weekend. We caught up with her and asked her a few questions about her trip!
Tell us about your weekend getaway location! Why did you choose to go there?
We went up to Healdsburg in Sonoma, CA for a little family getaway for the Thanksgiving holiday. Wine country is one of our go-to weekend spots. It is absolutely stunning all year round, and a wonderful place to relax and spend time wine tasting with loved ones.
Where did you stay?
We rented an airbnb off of West Dry Creek Road. There are tons of great rental properties around the Healdsburg area, especially if you want to be near the vineyards for a more local feel.
Restaurant Highlights?
One of the best parts of Healdsburg is the town square. There are so many great restaurants, bars and tasting rooms. The ones we visit over and over again are Bravas Tapas, Dry Creek Kitchen and Campo Fina.
Favourite Winery and Wine?
Our hands down favourite winery in Healdsburg is Reeve. We have been members here for years and try to visit every few months. They have such a relaxed, inviting vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. We love their pinots!
Top Packing Essentials?
Whenever we go away with family, especially if we have the whole rental property to ourselves, I pack things that are cozy and comfortable. I want to have easy pieces that I can hang around the house in but also dress up if we decide to venture out for a meal or wine tasting. Gillian's pieces are exactly that - effortless staples that are extremely transitional.
Can you share more about yourself, your background and upbringing - How has discovering new places played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Northern California, and currently live in San Fransisco with my fiancé Graham and puppy Sammy. I was extremely fortunate to go on many local trips around California as a kid. My parents would take us to the mountains, the coast, and through all the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma.
I am so thankful for these experiences while I was young as it has made me really appreciate the beauty that California has to offer and all the wonderful places we love to discover now.
What is a daily ritual or practice that you find important to continue even on vacation?
I wake up fairly early and my favourite ritual, not only at home but also when we go away is to start the coffee and light a candle. There is something about a quiet home with some candles lit, waiting for coffee to brew and just enjoying the stillness of the morning. Yes, I do bring my own candles on vacation... :).
Were there any design elements that you saw and hope to incorporate into your work?
I am always gathering design and styling inspiration from our trips to wine country. There are so many beautiful natural elements in the homes we have stayed in, and even more amazing interior design inspiration at tasting rooms. Healdsburg has a rustic, relaxed feel and the various properties absolutely emanate that.
