Celebrities’ Favorite Spots in Sonoma County

From Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow to Justin and Hailey Bieber, you may bump into a few celebrities at Sonoma County’s hotels, restaurants and wineries.

Why? Well, while Los Angeles may be the place to go if you’d like to get a glimpse of a few celebrities, Wine Country also attracts its fair share of stars who, like everyone else, come here for the world-class wine, farm-to-table fare and beautiful landscapes.

The Hollywood Reporter published an article stating that Sonoma County has “more to offer than ever before” and that some in Hollywood have “found solace” here during the pandemic, including singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, actress Elizabeth Olsen and singer Kelly Clarkson. 

Here’s a list of where they’ve been spotted.

Farmhouse Inn, Forestville 

Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow and Keanu Reeves are among the celebrities who have stayed at this luxury inn and spa in Forestville, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Farmhouse Inn, frequently ranked among the best hotels in the world, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021. The inn is owned and operated by siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei. The inn’s cottages are currently being renovated. 

The Matheson, Healdsburg

Actress Kate Hudson and restaurateur Guy Fieri have dined at Chef Dustin Valette’s three-story restaurant, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 

Valette, Healdsburg

During a visit to Healdsburg, Kelly Clarkson dined at Chef Dustin Valette’s Valette restaurant.

Barndiva, Healdsburg

Clarkson has also visited Barndiva. The singer tweeted that the experience was “amazing” and that she loved the restaurant’s “Save Me” cocktail. The owners called her “humble and gracious.” Barndiva earned its first Michelin star in 2021. 

Plank Coffee, Healdsburg

During her visit to Healdsburg, Clarkson was also spotted at Plank Coffee on Dry Creek Road.

Ryme Cellars, Forestville

During the pandemic, Sonoma County became a “breathing space” away from Hollywood for actress Elizabeth Olsen. One of her favorite local spots is Ryme Cellars in Forestville. “Their tasting is this kind of backyard set-up, but with beautiful wines and great people,” Olsen told Conde Nast Traveller.

Ryme Cellars is a small lot wine producer and is run by husband and wife duo Ryan and Meghan Glaab.

SingleThread, Healdsburg

Sonoma County’s only three Michelin star restaurant has attracted actress Candace Cameron Bure, known for her role as D.J. Tanner on Full House, who “brought a treat to drink” – a bottle of Screaming Eagle wine – when she took a friend to dinner at the restaurant. Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk has also visited the Healdsburg restaurant.

Scribe Winery, Sonoma

Ayesha Curry and her sister-in-law Sydel Curry stopped by this Sonoma winery as a kickoff to a girls weekend. Amy Schumer has also been spotted here, pouring wine for friends as she attended a dinner series at the winery with her husband, chef Chris Fischer. Scribe Winery is a popular spot for the hip and chic, with day-trippers found sipping the winery’s Rosé and estate Pinot Noir. 

The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma

Lady Gaga had mussels, beet salad and croque with an egg for lunch at the Girl and the Fig restaurant during a visit to Sonoma County, said former owner Sondra Bernstein, who stepped back from the restaurant in March 2021.

Catelli’s, Geyserville

Gago also dined at this popular Italian restaurant in Geyserville. Catelli’s co-owner Domenica Catelli told The Press Democrat that Gaga stopped at the restaurant to try her signature lasagna dish. 

Lou’s Luncheonette, Sonoma

This fried chicken destination on Fremont Drive has changed names several times over the years — from Fremont Diner, to Boxcar Fried Chicken to Lou’s Luncheonette. What has remained a constant, however, is its celebrity appeal. Actors Jesse Tyler Ferguson, of ABC sitcom Modern Family; Jessica Lowndes of teen drama series 90210; and Tiffani Thiessen of the original Beverly Hills 90210 series have all visited the diner. 

Naked Pig, Santa Rosa

Actress Kate Bosworth visited this Santa Rosa hot spot and then shared a post about the experience on social media. The Naked Pig, a farm-to-table breakfast and lunch restaurant, later relocated to Mendocino Avenue.

Hamel Family Wines, Sonoma

When actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens visited Sonoma’s Hamel Family Wines, she called it a “beautiful place” with “beautiful wines,” according to Galuxsee.

Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood

Comedian and actor Seth Rogen married his wife Lauren Miller at Kunde Family Winery in 2011. The winery is a popular destination for its mountaintop tasting at 1,400 feet and tastings on a lakeside patio. In spring, bright yellow mustard grows between the vines. 

Thomas George Estates, Healdsburg

Actress Anna Faris officiated her “Unqualified” podcast cohost Sim Sarna’s wedding at Thomas George Estates in Healdsburg in December 2017. The winery is a popular destination for its wine cave and “wine safari,” which allows visitors to explore the estate from a safari truck.

Dickinson Glass, The Barlow Market, Sebastopol

Film and television producer Jerry Bruckheimer may like characters that are as tough as steel (his films include Top Gun, Con Air, Armageddon and Black Hawk Down) but he also likes to collect fragile, handblown glasses and glass sculptures by glass maker Michael Dickinson, who recently opened his Dickinson Glass showroom and studio at The Barlow. 

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By Sonoma Magazine Staff