Partnership brings together two families with deep roots in Sonoma County focused on preserving and growing the acclaimed boutique luxury resort
FORESTVILLE, Calif., (September 12, 2023) – Foley Entertainment Group (FEG), established by businessman and Sonoma Valley vintner, Bill Foley, announced today the purchase of a majority stake in Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, California. Catherine and Joe Bartolomei, siblings and fifth generation Russian River Valley farmers who have owned Farmhouse Inn since 2001 and transformed the historic property into a top-rated luxury resort, will retain partial ownership of the property. FEG will assume operations of Farmhouse Inn effective immediately, together with the Bartolomei family who will continue to be active in the property’s future. The partnership marks the continued expansion of the FEG’s hospitality portfolio, which boasts the acclaimed Hotel Les Mars in nearby Healdsburg, California and the iconic Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, California, alongside an array of other distinguished resorts, restaurants, and vineyards across the globe.
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, the ultimate portfolio of exceptional properties in the world’s most remarkable destinations, Farmhouse Inn features 25 elegantly-designed country-chic rooms and suites, complemented by impeccable five-star service, Michelin-starred dining within a lovingly-restored farmhouse, one of America’s first true Farm-to-Table spas, and authentic bespoke experiences, such as sommelier-led winery tours. The Bartolomei family purchased the sprawling six-acre property and historic farmhouse more than two decades ago and transformed it into an award-winning culinary and wellness resort that was most recently recognized in the prestigious T+L’s 2023 World’s Best Awards where it was voted Travel + Leisure Readers’ 15 Favorite Resorts in California of 2023.
The organic alignment between FEG and Farmhouse Inn was driven by a deep personal connection to the community, which is also home to several vineyards from the esteemed Foley Family Wines portfolio.
“We are excited for this incredible new synergy between two well-rooted Sonoma County families, joined by a common vision to enhance an award-winning brand synonymous with luxury and authenticity – a testament to Joe and Catherine’s dedication over the past two decades,” commented FEG Founder and Chairman, Bill Foley. “Their local heritage as 5th generation Forestville residents deeply resonates with us. This is more than a business venture; it’s a family partnership founded on shared values and a celebration of the exciting future that lies ahead.”
FEG also announced that day-to-day strategy and operations at Farmhouse Inn will be overseen by industry veteran Warren Nocon, executive vice president of the company’s hotel division. Nocon currently oversees the strategic operations of Hotel Californian, Hotel Les Mars, and Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard in Dundee, Oregon. He previously served as managing director of Hotel Californian.
“Over the last 20 years, Catherine and I have grown Farmhouse Inn into one of America’s most iconic boutique luxury hotels but have always dreamt of doing so much more,” Joe Bartolomei shared. “We have long searched for the ideal partners who share our vision, and we are thrilled that we have found that in the Foley family who, like us, have a deep love and commitment to this region. We look forward to doing amazing things together.”
Located in the heart of the world-famous wine region of Sonoma County, Farmhouse Inn is minutes from the Sonoma County Airport and 90 minutes from San Francisco International Airport, a 30-minute drive to the idyllic beaches of the Sonoma Coast, and near the vibrant downtowns of Healdsburg and Santa Rosa. For more information visit www.farmhouseinn.com.
