7 Restaurants for Rehearsal Dinners in Wine Country

The wedding ceremony usually takes the spotlight, but as any engaged couple knows, the rehearsal dinner is where it first begins to shine. Sonoma County restaurants are ready to make that first official gathering of friends and family nearly as remarkable as the big day. Celebrate in these unique, inspired spaces.

Need help planning your Sonoma Wine Country wedding? Check out our wedding guide.

Barndiva, Healdsburg

Housed in a mahogany barn with pitchforks on the walls, a neighboring garden, and an art gallery, Barndiva is a unique Wine Country setting. At Barndiva, your rehearsal dinner can be an elaborate cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by plated seated dinner service and dancing, a smaller party beneath heritage trees in the garden, or your guests can be guided through multiple dining rooms and lounges throughout a dynamic evening. 

Whatever you choose, you can select from sumptuous menus where seasonality shines in the ingredients.  For years, Barndiva has explored the extraordinary foods of Sonoma County, seeking out farmers and artisan producers who believe as they do that truly nourishing foods start in the soil, the vineyard, and the field. 

John Ash, Santa Rosa

At the Vinarosa Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa, guests are welcomed by a stunning 35-foot tall, European-style structure of natural stone, set in a fountain courtyard framed by manicured gardens and flowers. Other beautiful venues on the sprawling property include a vineyard gazebo, the John Ash restaurant, and an intimate courtyard or terrace. All make a memorable rehearsal dinner for groups big and small. 

Custom menus reflect authentic Sonoma County wine country cuisine with ingredients procured from more than 30 Sonoma County farmers and producers and the restaurant’s on-site gardens.

Ca’Bianca, Santa Rosa

Put a grand, Italian twist on the festivities at this delicious restaurant in the historic Marshall House Victorian mansion in old town Santa Rosa. Owners and husband-and-wife Marco Diana and Karin Hoehne use recipes drawing from Milano in the north to Sicily in the south for dishes like seared ahi with home-made ravioli in almond sauce, Sardinian semolina gnocchi with porcini and slowly braised beef, or roasted duck with sautéed spinach and fingerling potatoes. Enjoy al fresco flair on the porch overlooking the fountain garden framed in flowering trees. Larger parties are welcome to take over the entire restaurant space at Ca’Bianca. 

Catelli’s, Geyserville

The gorgeous patio here means parties can be as glamorous as anyone could dream, sparked with elaborate décor like the circular floor done in a swirl of Italian black-and-white-checkerboard marble. The space at Catelli’s includes a garden, an outdoor bar, a separate restroom building, and plenty of room for dancing, live music, and picture-perfect Sonoma Wine Country photos. 

The patio alone spans 3,500 square feet and holds up to 150 people; while the adjacent garden spans another 3,500 square feet of paths, flowers, and trees. There’s delicious history here, too, as the Catelli family has owned the property for nearly 80 years and still draws raves for their luscious, authentic Italian dishes like hearty minestrone, baby beet salad with prosciutto, and wild mushroom lasagna.

Depot Hotel Restaurant, Sonoma

Located in a historic stone building tucked about a block from the Sonoma Plaza, this romantic Italian “country inn” style restaurant features glass-walled dining rooms overlooking an Italian garden with a reflection pool, a Tuscan-style pergola, a dancing terrace, an outdoor stone fireplace, and a private bar. Depot Hotel is a perfect setting for groups of up to 150.

Chef Michael Ghilarducci and his wife, Gia, opened the Depot Hotel Restaurant in 1985. Their son, Chef Antonio Ghilarducci, became executive chef in 2014 after honing his skills at some of Northern California’s best restaurants, including La Folie, The French Laundry, Redd, and El Dorado Kitchen. The seasonal menus feature rustic Italian cuisine prepared with the freshest Sonoma County ingredients. 

Brewsters Beer Garden, Petaluma

Brewsters Beer Garden was built for people who not only want a good meal, but also an experience. Located in the historic district of downtown Petaluma, here you can enjoy a laid back, fun evening with your friends and family. The dishes are influenced by Southern Carolina BBQ and include locally sourced and sustainably raised ingredients. Brewsters also offers over 30 revolving local craft beers on draft, Sonoma and Napa Valley wine, and a full selection of spirits and cocktails.

The open-air dining space complements the food perfectly, as guests are treated to outdoor seating in a historical setting, with the comforts of large heat lamps, a fire pit, a bocce court, a children’s playground, and a live music stage. The garden space is available for a private or semi-private event. 

Sally Tomatoes, Rohnert Park

Sally Tomatoes offers five event spaces, each with its unique character, and all equipped with everything you need for your indoor or outdoor celebration. Meals and libations are expertly and deliciously taken care of with their full-service catering and full bar. The menu is full of delicious options, like fresh Caprese salad, plum chipotle pork tenderloin, and poached salmon with saffron sauce. Choose exactly what you’d like for your gathering — Sally Tomatoes offers family-style, buffet, and plated service to give you flexible options to match the celebration you envision. 

Explore more restaurants and dining options.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet