The main building of Santa Rosa’s Bennett Valley Golf Course was closed for two years before Touchstone Golf took management of the property from the City of Santa Rosa last July. Under the new management, the building was restored and reopened with a new restaurant and event space last October, welcoming not only golfers to grab a bite, but also local and out-of-town event attendees.
At its initial opening, the restaurant went under the placeholder name of Bennett Valley Grill, which was later be changed to Iron & Vine Restaurant, Bar & Events during a rebrand that began this past February.
“The goal [of the rebrand] was really to have an environment that is family friendly, not geared just toward golfers—we wanted to be able to encompass our community as a whole [and create] a spot where people can come in and enjoy a good meal,” explains Chris Hill, director of food and beverage at the golf course.
The new restaurant offers classic American fare with a menu of fan favorites including three burger options, a Grilled Sonoma Chicken Sandwich, and tasty appetizers such as chicken wings, refreshing salads, and a tasty chicken quesadilla. Drinks include options from various local vendors, including a wine list with all local Sonoma County vintages, and beers from nearby breweries.
The venue boasts nearly 2,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor event space to host groups from 20 to 180 with capacity flexible for more or less, including the restaurant’s terrace that can host up to 50. “We’re so thrilled to be able to welcome people back into the restaurant,” says Jessica Schroeder, director of sales and marketing for the golf course. “We feel really passionate about [creating an experience] where people expect something good but get something even better.”
The 18-hole golf course itself sits on 125 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Santa Rosa with the Sonoma Mountains and San Francisco to the immediate south. If you’re extending your stay in Santa Rosa after your event, explore Sonoma County’s wine country at any of the area’s several local vineyards and wineries, get outside and active on one of the many nearby hiking trails, or relax and rejuvenate at a local spa.
