The Story of Sonoma Grove

Over 100 years of hospitality in the heart of Sonoma's wine country

A Journey Through Time at the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort

Welcome to Sonoma Grove Suites, where the legacy of the historic Sonoma Grove Resort lives on. Our name pays homage to the rich history of this special location, once home to one of Sonoma Valley's most renowned resorts and restaurants.

Sonoma Plaza circa 1870, the birthplace of Sonoma Valley tourism
The Sonoma Plaza

The Birth of Sonoma Valley Tourism

In the late 19th century, Sonoma Valley was transforming from a quiet agricultural region into a bustling tourist destination. The historic Sonoma Grove Resort would soon become a part of this exciting transformation.

El Verano train station circa 1890, bringing visitors to Sonoma Valley
Tracks of Progress

The Railroad Arrives

The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s and 1880s marked a turning point for Sonoma Valley tourism, setting the stage for the establishment of resorts like the historic Sonoma Grove.

Bellevue Hotel horse-drawn carriage at El Verano train station, circa 1893
Luxury on Wheels

Welcoming Visitors in Style

As luxurious resorts competed to welcome arriving guests, the historic Sonoma Grove Resort would soon make its mark on the valley's hospitality scene.

The Sonoma Grove Restaurant circa 1908, the building that started it all
A New Era Begins

The Historic Sonoma Grove Resort

Around 1908, the historic Sonoma Grove Resort was established, with this building at its heart. The photo shows one of the resort's early owners standing proudly on the front steps of what would become a local institution for decades to come.

The grounds of the Sonoma Grove Resort stretching to Sonoma Creek, circa 1910
Nature's Embrace

The Grounds of the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort

The historic Sonoma Grove Resort wasn't just a restaurant; it was a complete vacation experience. This 1910 photo reveals the resort's expansive grounds stretching to Sonoma Creek, where guests could fish, picnic, and enjoy the natural beauty of the valley.

Sonoma Grove Resort newspaper advertisement, circa 1909, advertising Italian-French Sunday dinners
Flavors of the Valley

A Culinary Destination at the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort

From its earliest days, the historic Sonoma Grove Resort was renowned for its cuisine. This 1909 advertisement boasts of the resort's "Special Sunday Italian-French Dinner," a testament to the multicultural influences that shaped Sonoma Valley's culinary landscape.

The entrance to the Sonoma Grove Resort dining room, circa 1911
A Grand Entrance

Dining in Style at the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort

The Sonoma Grove experience extended far beyond just the food. This charming 1911 photo of the dining room entrance captures the attention to detail that made the historic resort so special.

The Sonoma Grove dining room, circa 1936, elegant yet welcoming
Elegance Endures

The Sonoma Grove Dining Experience

By the 1930s, the restaurant at the historic Sonoma Grove Resort had become a local landmark. This 1936 photo of the dining room captures the elegant yet comfortable atmosphere that made it a favorite for both tourists and locals alike.

Newspaper announcement of the fire at the Sonoma Grove Resort, circa 1946
Facing Adversity

Resilience and Renewal of the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort

The historic Sonoma Grove Resort faced challenges over the years, including a devastating fire in 1946. But like the valley itself, it proved resilient.

Newspaper announcement of the reopening of the Sonoma Grove, 1947
Rising from the Ashes

A Triumphant Return

Just a year later, in 1947, the historic Sonoma Grove Resort triumphantly reopened, ready to welcome guests once again.

Bay Views Magazine 1978 cover — 1st Annual Adventures in Dining, featuring Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties
Preserving Legacy

Featured in Bay Views Magazine

In 1974, the Sonoma Grove had earned recognition in a Bay Views Magazine feature, the publication's 1st Annual Adventures in Dining guide covering restaurants across Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties. The feature highlighted the property's unique appeal and its place among the many history-rich establishments and attractions in wine country.

The Sonoma Grove restaurant featured in Bay Views Magazine — the family at the restaurant, circa 1978
Our Family

Our Family's Stewardship of the Historic Sonoma Grove Resort

In 1974, our family became part of this rich history when my father purchased the historic Sonoma Grove Restaurant. For 50 years, we've been proud stewards of this historic property, maintaining its legacy of hospitality while adapting to the changing needs of Sonoma Valley visitors.

Today

Today's Sonoma Grove Suites

Now, as Sonoma Grove Suites, we offer modern, comfortable accommodations that honor the welcoming spirit of the historic Sonoma Grove Resort. While the hot springs and sprawling grounds may be memories, the warmth and charm that have defined this location for over a century live on.

We're committed to preserving the historical context of the Sonoma Grove while providing our guests with all the amenities expected in a top-tier vacation rental. When you stay with us, you're not just booking a place to sleep – you're becoming part of a story that stretches back to the earliest days of Sonoma Valley tourism.

At Sonoma Grove Suites, we invite you to relax, explore, and create your own cherished memories in this special corner of wine country, where the legacy of the historic Sonoma Grove Resort continues to inspire our hospitality.

Aerial view of Sonoma Grove Suites
Front view of Sonoma Grove Suites
Patio view at Sonoma Grove Suites

Continue the Legacy

Be part of Sonoma Grove's story. Book your wine country escape today.