Ask the Expert

AMBER BALSHAW SHARES HER INSIDER KNOWLEDGE ON SOME OF PETALUMA’S MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES AND VENUES. YOUR STORYBOOK WEDDING AWAITS!

Q: When it comes to weddings, what sets Petaluma apart from other places in California?

Amber Balshaw: Petaluma is a darling place with an upscale feel and peaceful energy. The vineyards, redwoods, farmlands, hiking trails, and orchards are stunning—the land is rich with the biodiversity of a classic small town. Petaluma’s a top wine destination as well. Our distinct climate and soil earned the region its own designation as the Petaluma Gap AVA. People also love our beer. Lagunitas Brewing Company has its flagship brewery here!

Historic downtown Petaluma is just as lovely as the surrounding countryside, with one of the most impressive blocks of iron-front architecture west of the Mississippi.

Q: Petaluma is a farm-to-table town. Does Preferred Sonoma Caterers source locally grown foods for events?

A.B.: Yes! One thing I love most about living in Petaluma is the access to locally sourced foods and the community’s commitment to agricultural integrity.

F.E.E.D. is one of the organizations that I love working with on a regular basis. Stewards of the land, they provide us with lists of what’s being grown in the county so we can create delicious menus that support our farms and their seasonal harvests—staying true to our company slogan, “Good food, done well.”

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE VENUES IN PETALUMA?

Flying Cloud: You’ll be amazed by the Tuscan-style vineyard views and fine wines offered at this 33-acre estate. There are horses on-site, and they make for an extra-special experience when incorporated into the couple’s special day.

Chileno Valley Ranch: If you like picking your own apples, you’ve found the place. Hundreds of apple trees cover this 600-acre ranch. There’s also a restored Victorian home, rose gardens, and cows at the cattle ranch.

Hotel Petaluma: Built in 1923, this downtown boutique hotel has a ton of history, which offers a vintage and romantic ambience. There’s plenty of chic spaces and an elegant ballroom. sonomacaterers.com •

Cherry On Top

Planning a summer wedding or looking for something different? Get your favorite scoops from Angela’s Ice Cream’s 1968 VW van, reimagined into a mobile ice cream parlor.

Setting The Scene

WHETHER IT’S A RUSTIC RECEPTION OR A TRADITIONAL CEREMONY, THERE ARE MANY BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO TIE THE KNOT IN PETALUMA.

Flying Cloud flyingcloudfarm.com

Chileno Valley Ranch mikeandsallygale beefranch.com

Rosewood Events rosewoodevent.com

Glenn Ranch G Glenn Ranch

Olympia’s Valley Estate olympiasvalley.com

Petaluma Masonic Hall & Lodge masons180.org

Petaluma Woman’s Club petalumawomans club.com

Hotel Petaluma hotelpetaluma.com

Garden Valley Ranch gardenvalley.com

Reis River Ranch reisranch.com

McEvoy Ranch mcevoyranch.com

Gambonini Family Ranch gamboninifamily ranch.com

Romantic Tables

CHECK OUT THESE SWOON-WORTHY SPOTS TO DINE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER.

Split a plate of pasta Lady and the Tramp style at Cucina Paradiso—make sure you leave room for a cannoli. Share a bistro filet and a bottle of wine at a table for two at Street Social—with only 12 tables, this tiny spot is perfect for a quiet, romantic dinner. Swoon over your boo at Seared with a view of the Petaluma River and a platter of oysters. Wild Goat Bistro’s global fare and small-plates menu will have you dreaming up honeymoon ideas.