Santa Rosa’s Bennett Valley Golf Course Debuts New Iron & Vine Restaurant and Event Venue

When Bennett Valley Golf Course celebrates the opening of its new Iron & Vine Restaurant, Bar & Events on March 7, it will mark an exciting milestone in the City of Santa Rosa-owned golf course’s 54-year history.

To elevate the experience provided to local residents, golfers and the community, the City engaged premiere golf course management firm Touchstone Golf – renowned for turning around challenged municipal golf properties.  As part of its comprehensive revitalization plan, Touchstone worked with City officials to completely reimagine the clubhouse restaurant, which closed in 2020.  The result is a beautiful, full-service restaurant and bar that will serve as a remarkable community amenity for both golfers and non-golfers alike.

Designed to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture while significantly enhancing the aesthetics, the  restaurant features new interior design, furnishings and décor, with sweeping views of the golf course; a lovely outdoor terrace with seating overlooking the course; enhanced dining operations; and a delicious new menu featuring seasonal specialties, casual fare, delectable desserts, and a wide assortment of culturally diverse entrée options.  The bar features a wine list focusing on Sonoma County vintages, along with 14 different beers on tap and a full liquor menu, with a festive happy hour scheduled to launch in March.  Iron & Vine’s array of dining events will include live music on the terrace, trivia nights, themed dinner menus, wine tastings, and a year-long series of community events including Easter and Mother’s Day brunch, holiday celebrations, family dinners and more.

Iron & Vine also features an elegantly appointed event space that offers a memorable setting for all-inclusive events ranging from intimate rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and business meetings to large-scale weddings, golf tournament banquets, fundraising galas, quinceañeras, corporate meetings and events, and holiday gatherings.  Event amenities include in-house audio-visual equipment, a sound system, and fully customizable menus and event packages to suit every taste and budget.

Touchstone Golf has hired longtime Santa Rosa resident and PGA Member Greg Anderson to manage the 125-acre property.  Bennett Valley Golf Course Director of Food & Beverage Christopher Hill will oversee the restaurant and special event facility, while special event and golf tournament sales will be led by Director of Sales and Marketing Jessica Schroeder.

“We are delighted to work with Touchstone Golf to significantly elevate the golf, dining and event experiences at Bennett Valley Golf Course for the enjoyment of the entire community,” said City of Santa Rosa Deputy Director – Parks Jen Santos.  “We look forward to providing exceptional guest service at the elegant new restaurant and golf course which our residents can truly be proud of.”

Opened in 1969 at the base of Bennett Peak in the Sonoma Mountains, Bennett Valley’s par-72, 6500-yard championship golf course is considered among the best maintained in the region – and will benefit from Touchstone Golf’s agronomic expertise and environmental stewardship under the leadership of Golf Course Superintendent Doug Wiggers.  Native oak, redwood and pine trees frame undulating greens, with the Matanzas Creek creating both strategic diversity and a stunning backdrop for golf.  The golf course is complemented by a driving range, a large practice putting green, and a full-service golf shop. The course offers a wide spectrum of player development programs for juniors and adults taught by top professionals including PGA Head Golf Professional CJ Snyder.

Bennett Valley Golf Course is located at 3330 Yulupa Avenue in Santa Rosa.  For restaurant information, call (707) 852-1171 or visit www.ironandvinebennettvalley.com.  To plan your next golf tournament or special event, call Jessica Schroeder at (707) 852-1162.  Visit www.bennettvalleygolf.com for tee time reservations, golf instruction and general information.