A couple from New York are hoping to revive a historic wine country spot in Sonoma County after the previous owner shut their doors a year ago due to the high costs of food and few customers.
The husband-and-wife team Lawerence and Stephanie Bondulich, will soon open Owl and The Vine wine bar and taproom in the former Walter Hansel Wine and Bistro on Guerneville Road in west Santa Rosa, the Press Democrat reported.
The duo already run the successful Bin 71, an Italian restaurant and wine bar on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and The Owl’s tail, which serves craft cocktails and small bites in New York City.
“Their love and experience in the restaurant industry goes back decades and they’re excited to bring the community together in this special place,” a message on the wine bar’s website read.
“Stay tuned to see what they’re cooking up! Hoping to open Owl and the Vine by end of summer ‘26.”
The building — which dates back to the 1940’s — was originally a chicken coop, before the place got upgraded to the famous fried chicken and biscuits shop, the Big Oak Chicken Shack, in the late 1940’s.
Last year, the bistro closed its doors after 11 years in operation, with the owner Stephen Hansel citing the reasons as less foot traffic and the higher costs of food.
“I don’t mind supporting it, but at some point I have to stop and I said to myself a few weeks ago it’s going to hurt whenever I do it, I might as well do it now,” Hansel told the outlet at the time.
“Over the years, we have been honored to serve you exquisite dishes paired with carefully selected wines, creating a community that felt like family,” a message from the bistro read at the time.
“Your shared experiences have made our Bistro a special place for dining. Our dedicated staff remains committed to providing the highest level of service and culinary excellence until our very last day.”
A Facebook page for the Sonoma County Foodies highlighted the opening of the new wine bar noting that the place will offer wine and beer, coffee and some kind of food from the kitchen.
“Personally, I was hoping for a full service restaurant as has been the norm at that location but the times are a changing. Nonetheless, looking forward to seeing what they have to offer,” the post read.
Others commented about all the different venues the location has hosted over time, reminiscing about good times at the former Spaghetti Factory in the 1970’s, the Willowside Bistro in the 90’s, and a farm-to-table restaurant called Zazu Kitchen + Farm in the late 2010’s before Walter Hansel Wine and Bistro took over the space.
As to what kind of food and drinks will be served, that is unclear at this time, as the website includes no other information.