ABOUT ALPINE RANCH
Horses. Vines. Views... A Venue
Discover a place where the charm of Sonoma meets the natural beauty of Alpine Valley, a scenic area in the Mayacamas mountains known for its prized vineyards and ranches. At The Alpine Ranch, you’ll find breathtaking views, rich history, and a venue like no other.
Immerse Yourself in Sonoma’s History
Our historic farmhouse with its original stone foundation was once the centerpiece of a large homestead in Alpine Valley. Now this beautiful ranch in Sonoma County’s wine country is available to you for a relaxing getaway or special event.
Today’s Alpine Ranch: A Blend of Elegance and Functionality
In the 1980s, the homestead evolved into Palo Verde, a premier Arabian horse breeding facility. Designed with care and attention to detail, it features custom-milled cedar wood, horse-themed stained glass windows in the event space. The Alpine Ranch boasts 95 stalls, a lab, an isolation barn for mares, a quarter-mile track, and a formal courtyard.
Still a working working equestrian barn and vineyard, the historic show barn has been transformed into a stunning event space that opens onto a beautifully landscaped courtyard and lawn. The original farmhouse serves as a cozy guest cottage, perfect for an unforgettable stay.
Horses, Vines, and More:
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Equestrian Facilities: Home to approximately 30 horses, Alpine Ranch maintains its legacy as a premier equestrian destination.
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Vineyards: Spanning 15 acres, our vineyards produce Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grapes, embodying the rich flavors of Sonoma’s wine country.
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The Chicken Château: Our charming chicken coop, lovingly designed and named by our late French mother, adds a whimsical touch to the ranch.
Your Perfect Sonoma Venue
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate retreat, or a private celebration, The Alpine Ranch offers an unforgettable setting. With its combination of historic charm, stunning natural surroundings, and top-tier facilities, it’s the ideal location for your next event.
Experience The Alpine Ranch – where history, beauty, and functionality come together in the heart of Sonoma wine country.
A Little Background on Our Family
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Our story begins in Normandy, France, where our parents were born. Their journey brought them to California, where they fell in love with America. They were particularly enchanted by Calistoga, a charming Napa town just 10 miles away, and the fertile farms of Petaluma, where our mother would buy chicken, duck, and turkey eggs.
A Passion for Craft and Cuisine
Our mother turned these eggs into art, selling her beautifully decorated creations at a shop on Sonoma Plaza and the Renaissance Faire. As her helpers, we assisted in the egg preparation process, drilling holes, blowing out the contents, and eating countless omelettes. But it was her quiche that became a family favorite.
The Dream of Owning Land
For years, our parents explored every back road in search of the perfect property. Their dream came true in the late 1980s when they found Palo Verde, an Arabian horse breeding facility. They purchased the ranch, planted a 15-acre vineyard with French varietals—Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc—and began creating a legacy.
A Celebration of Life and Heritage
The ranch became a lively homestead, complete with a chicken coop where happy chickens roamed the vineyard. They cherished the land, the flowing Mark West and Alpine creeks, and the majesty of the cedar barns. Recognizing its potential, they obtained a special events permit from Sonoma County and hosted memorable Bastille Day celebrations for the Bay Area French community, as well as family weddings, including those of their daughter Caroline and a family friend whose father had helped build the stables.
Preserving and Sharing a Legacy
After our parents passed away, my siblings and I chose to honor their legacy by keeping this beloved property in the family. We renovated the historic farmhouse for short-term rentals and planted an orchard celebrating Sonoma County’s rich agricultural heritage. The orchard now features about 25 heirloom fruit varieties, including Luther Burbank’s famed Santa Rosa and Elephant Heart plums, alongside other treasures from a local heirloom organic orchard.
A Special Place for Cherished Occasions
We know how unique and beautiful this corner of Sonoma is, and we’re committed to sharing its matchless charm. Whether it’s for a wedding, a family gathering, or another special occasion, Alpine Ranch offers a magical setting steeped in history, beauty, and family heritage.