Farmhouse Inn
Driving west, towards the Pacific Ocean, an opulent retreat is hidden behind majestic oak trees and rolling hills. Tucked away in the far corner of Sonoma County, the Farmhouse Inn is a testament to the superb blending of history and luxury. For travel enthusiasts and seekers of extraordinary experiences, this destination offers more than just a place to stay—it provides a journey through time and tradition. Creating a legacy like the one Farmhouse Inn has developed over the years takes more than just luck; it’s a narrative woven through five generations of unwavering hard work, commitment, and an enduring vision. This dream originated far from the Californian wine country landscapes, tracing its roots back to the Italian countryside, where the great-grandfather of the current proprietors first sowed the seeds of dedication and excellence over 120 years ago.
To truly understand and appreciate the deep roots of the Farmhouse Inn, we must travel back to a quaint village on the outskirts of Como, Italy. There, a boy named Domenico Giovanetti saw a future grander than the one he was living. His early years were marked by a profound desire for adventure and a vision more expansive than the life his small village could offer. At only thirteen, Domenico possessed a rare combination of tenacity and ambition, setting his sights on a future that was as promising as it was uncertain.
Domenico’s first steps towards realizing his dreams led him to Germany, where he apprenticed as a stonemason. This trade, demanding skill and precision, became the key to unlocking the door to his dreams. The opportunity to come to America presented itself when he joined a project for the World’s Fair in San Francisco in the early 1900s. Domenico worked on constructing the Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning testament to human creativity and craftsmanship.
Then, Domenico’s journey took him north to Santa Rosa. There, he contributed to constructing landmark structures such as the train station and the Hotel La Rose, which proudly stands today. The rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of Sonoma County reminded Domenico of his homeland, filling him with a sense of belonging and a newfound love for this fertile land.
Initially known as Domenico, he decided to Americanize his name as he transitioned to a new chapter of his life in the Russian River Valley. At the time, this area was a premier destination for beer hops cultivation, the post-lumber boom, and the pre-grapes era.
Shifting gears and setting his sights on putting down roots both literally and figuratively, Dominic spent several years sharecropping hops. He even lived in one of the cottages now part of the Farmhouse in a remarkable twist of fate. Leveraging the long shelf-life of hops and his access to storage, this ingenious individual played the commodities market with great success. In a short span, he saved enough money to purchase what has since become the family’s home ranch.
Here, Dominic and his wife, Catherine, built a life filled with family and abundance. They cultivated acres of grapes, primarily Zinfandel, alongside Gravenstein apples, prunes, and pears. Additionally, they acquired the adjacent 100-acre ranch for dairy cattle, creating a pastoral and thriving homestead.
This homestead, affectionately referred to as “the Ranch,” became a haven for friends and family. Every weekend, relatives from all over Northern California gathered there, often numbering around 60. Dominic and Catherine welcomed them with open arms, sharing food, love, and laughter.
The brother and sister owners of the Farmhouse Inn, Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, are Dominic’s great-grandchildren. They spent their weekends at the Ranch with their great-grandmother while their grandmother cooked and fed family and friends. This tradition continues to this day, as Catherine and her family are now the fifth and sixth generations living in their great-grandparent’s home.
Hospitality Visionaries
In 2001, Catherine and Joe transformed their passion for hospitality and gourmet cuisine into a reality by purchasing the Farmhouse. Catherine moved into the quirky upstairs apartment adorned with red shag carpet, marking the beginning of their journey as innkeepers. Each morning, Catherine and Joe personally prepare and serve delectable breakfasts. Alongside a dedicated team, they embarked on a mission to elevate their charming B&B, aspiring to create an experience reminiscent of the Michelin-starred country retreats they loved to visit in the South of France. Their vision was to cultivate a place of exceptional elegance and warmth for their guests, setting a new standard in luxury hospitality.
Catherine Bartolomei shares, “My brother and I are the fifth generation on this beautiful ranch in Forestville (2 miles from Farmhouse- where I live with my husband and two gorgeous kids and three crazy dogs) and always dreamed of doing something in the hospitality sector together that celebrated our family heritage. When we found out Farmhouse was for sale in 2000, we were young and naive enough to scrape the money together and buy it. Over 23 years, we’ve made our dream of bringing our family hospitality to our guests to life! Our goal for the future is to expand on the story we’ve been telling for 23 years with an additional up to 25 rooms. Our fine dining experience is more unique and better than ever. We continue to weave food and drink through everything we do. I absolutely look forward to the next 23 years! Our partnership with the Foley family enriches Farmhouse’s ties into all aspects of Sonoma food, wine, and family. And we are so grateful to have them as part of the ongoing story.”
Catherine is an accomplished veteran of the wine industry. She brings acute marketing sense and savvy business ability to the Farmhouse Inn. Joe is a structural engineer passionate about classic European architecture and interiors. He has worked hard to create a luxurious and elegant retreat that is distinctly modern in Wine Country. Together, they continue the tradition of preserving Sonoma County’s unique way of life. “It’s really the foundation of the hospitable spirit that Catherine and I both have, we love more than anything to meet new people, to entertain, drink and break bread, and to make people smile – it’s in our DNA.” Joe shares.
Opulent Accommodations
Today, the Farmhouse is recognized as one of California’s top luxury hotels. It has been distinguished by national and international media such as Michelin Guide, Travel + Leisure, Town and Country, Conde Nast Traveler, Better Homes and Gardens, Departures, Zagat, The San Francisco Chronicle, and others as a premier wine country destination.
Farmhouse Inn has 25 uniquely designed guest rooms, each with its own character and charm. Every room has a curated wine refrigerator and luxurious amenities that create an atmosphere of comfort and elegance. Guests’ favorite features include the whirlpool bath and the steam shower. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore the enchanting surroundings, your stay will be extraordinary.
Culinary Excellence
The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn is a French-inspired culinary haven that promises an enchanting fine dining affair deeply rooted in the legacy of fifth-generation Sonoma farming. Led by the acclaimed Executive Chef Craig Wilmer and Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Hoang, the restaurant boasts a distinguished reputation for excellence.
Executive Chef Craig Wilmer is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a focus on farm-to-table practices. Craig honed his skills in France, Spain, and Denmark. In the U.S., he worked at renowned restaurants like Petit Crenn and COI, eventually serving as Chef de Cuisine under Erik Anderson. With over a decade in the industry, Craig brings his vision of haute cuisine to life, blending local and luxury ingredients with a thoughtful approach that honors both place and people.
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Executive Pastry Chef Amanda has graced celebrated kitchens such as 20th Century Café, Cyrus, and The French Laundry. She has led the pastry programs at Bird Dog and Viridian, where she was the opening chef. Her culinary creations emphasize local seasonality and classic technique, with a particular focus on showcasing fruit at its finest.
You have not lived until you experience one of the chef’s tasting menus featuring six exquisitely prepared courses, accompanied by additional bites that evolve weekly and seasonally. This carefully orchestrated, delightful, and unexpected menu is complemented by friendly yet sophisticated service and an extensive wine program.
For those who prefer dining alfresco, the casual Farmstand will not disappoint. The Farmstand is the Inn’s all-day dining venue that specializes in small plate offerings. It serves an array of delightful, comforting, and fresh dishes inspired by local farm-driven cuisine. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Craig Wilmer, the Farmstand’s menu leans towards Italian influences, incorporating unique woodfire cooking techniques. Each dish is meticulously crafted to offer a surprising twist on classic dishes.
Authentic Connections
What truly sets Farmhouse Inn apart is its commitment to local artisans, including brewers and winemakers. These relationships enrich the guest experience, offering unique insights and exclusive access to the local culture and craftsmanship of the Russian River Valley. Whether you’re sampling wines curated directly from nearby vineyards or enjoying locally sourced ingredients in your meals, you’ll immerse yourself in the region’s very essence. A daily highlight is the wine-tasting hosted poolside with local vintners. The conversations are always engaging as well as insightful. Along with tasting beautiful wines, you can chat with other guests from around the world.
A Sanctuary of Holistic Luxury
Catherine and Joe understand the importance of relaxation and renewal while traveling, so they created a cozy spa for their guests. The Wellness Barn offers an exquisite array of holistic treatments designed to harmonize with its serene natural surroundings. The 3,000-square-foot sanctuary, with its trio of opulent treatment rooms, is housed within a stunning open-air structure reminiscent of a refined horse stable.
Architectural elegance abounds with grand shutters, soaring ceilings, and stately stable doors, all accentuated by bespoke equestrian art. The Wellness Barn seamlessly brings the outdoors in, featuring private outdoor spaces adjoining each treatment room where you can indulge in open-air showers and unwind in luxurious comfort post-treatment. Each day, you are invited to experience their homemade bath product, which you can indulge in your massive bathtub in your suite.
In each session, we weave together local remedies and healing modalities designed to align, awaken, and restore you to your unique place of balance. Come as you are; we’ll meet you there.
An Unforgettable Experience
Imbued with the Inn’s storied history, opulent accommodations, and authentic connections, your visit to the Farmhouse will always be remembered fondly. From the moment you arrive until your reluctant departure, every aspect of your stay is designed to elevate your overall experience, making it a cherished and enduring memory for years to come.
Farmhouse Inn
7871 River Road, Forestville, CA 95436
Toll Free: 800-464-6642
Telephone: 707-887-3300