160 distiller
n 2016, a very special bar opened in downtown Healdsburg from three Spoonbar (https://
spoonbar.com) alums: Laura Sanfilippo, Tara Heffernon and Steven Maduro. Since its ini-
tial days when Wine Country bartending pioneer Scott Beattie first helmed Spoonbar's bar,
cocktails in a region (still) known first for wine were elevated to city-worthy levels. When
this dynamic three opened Duke's Spirited Cocktail Bar, it immediately became a cocktail
destination and the rare Wine Country bar to compete with the world-class bars of San Francisco —
and thus the best bars anywhere.
oughtful, layered cocktails made with balance and expertise define the menu — as does local
produce and local spirits — while crushable, easy drinking remains crucial for the mix of tourists,
day-trippers and locals that stream through. But it's their exceptional, familial hospitality that makes
Duke's feel like a laid-back party where all are welcome. By day, sun streams through a skylight and big
front windows overlooking Healdsburg's town square. By night, dance parties occur toward the back,
alongside communal conversation and connecting at the bar.
Steven Maduro | Laura Sanfilippo |
Tara Heffernon | Cappy Sorentino
Duke's Duke's
SPIRITED COCKTAILS
I
by Virginia
Miller
Duke's Spirited Cocktails Co-Founders
(left to right) —
Steven Maduro, Laura Sanfilippo,
Tara Heffernon & Cappy Sorentino
