As much as we adore all the vineyards and wineries in Sonoma and Napa (which we really, really do), every once in a while we just want to sit outside and enjoy a good selection of beer and listen to some live music. We’re not even that picky about it, but then Hopmonk enters the scene and offers us stout ice cream floats and it’s like everything suddenly makes sense in the world.
For folks looking to have a more casual wine country wedding, Sebastopol’s Hopmonk Tavern could be a pretty rad option. And for those looking for a cool place to hang and welcome guests in the days leading up to a wedding, this big old patio could certainly fit the bill.
Teaming up with floral dynamo Juna Alinea floral & botanicaland photographer Gladys Jem, the creative crew over at Buzzworthy Events SF recently styled this dinner party soiree to show off the outdoor space at Hopmonk.
Just imagine.. A dinner party, a rehearsal dinner, anniversary party, showers... This space is pretty much perfection for any celebratory ocassion.
"I wanted to shed light on a space that would generally be considered more masculine. It was a great medium between something a groom might like and making the space more accessible for an event like a wedding." - Buzzworthy Events SF
Wine Country Tavern and Music Venue
Open 363 days a year, you can trust that this northern California bar and restaurant always has a killer lineup of music, featuring both local and national acts. There’s seating indoors and out, accommodating around 150 guests outside alone. Hopmonk is a small local chain and also has locations in Downtown Sonoma and in Novato.
Highlights of Hopmonk
Hopmonk has all the things that make an outdoor patio complete: firepits, umbrellas, lounge furniture, picnic tables, bistro lights, and a full size stage. Being situated in the heart of Sonoma County, there are tons of wineries and farms nearby and the ability to throw an event with all local, seasonal produce is a major score.
“I really liked the patio: the walls covered in lush vines and plants, the fire pits, and the way the patio is laid out. It is sort of an "L" shape, so you can move your event around without it getting stagnant.” –Buzzworthy Events
"We added in lots of eucalyptus to add to the greenery, but also to for the scent, it's refreshing. We filled the space with lots of lanterns and candles to keep it really ambient as the sun went down."
Inside Scoop
The building Hopmonk is housed in was originally built in the early 1900s as a powerhouse for the Petaluma and Santa Rosa railway. The exterior façade is largely made-up of stones from the Stony Point Quarry. In the mid 1990s, the structure was added to the National Register of Historical Places.
The Design
One of the best elements about designing around a space like Hopmonk, is that there are already a lot of fun existing design elements. Ashley Smith and Juna Alinea floral & botanical turned the ivy lined walls and outdoor wood stage into a movie screen!
"The chef at Hopmonk is fantastic and makes some wonderful local dishes. I paired all three of our wedding cakes to beers, we served fresh local farm grown fare, served beer-floats, and set up a projector and watched movies around a fire pit later in the evening." - Ashley, Buzzworthy Events
Types of Events the Venue is Ideal For
Weddings, Wedding Reception, Birthday Party, Anniversary, Corporate Event, Holiday Party, Family Reunions, Bachelor Party, Engagement Party, Rehearsal Dinner
On The Menu - (some of the other fun fare from Hopmonk that would be great for family style feast)
- French Dip Sliders on Pretzel Buns: Warmed house roasted beef in a stout demi-glace au jus, fresh pretzel buns, horse radish cream and mustard
- Mac & Cheese: Local cheeses including cheddar, parmesan & jack with fresh snow peas and caramelized onions
- Tavern Samosas: Curried onions, black beans, roasted peppers, pumpkin seeds and sweet corn wrapped in a crunchy wonton, served w/ cilantro chutney
Higlights of Hosting at Hopmonk
"The staff were very accommodating, they will do what they can to help source items for you and even bring in wines or things they may not have in stock." - Buzzworthy Events
Inside Tips
Ashley reccommends using the umbrellas they have onsite. They also have a great stage, wood stump stools whic can be utilized as low cocktail tables, a fire pit, picnic tables, bistro lights, and some other rustic decor pieces.
Added Perks
Another fun tip would be to make an entire day or weekend of it! Imagine taking your guests on a tour of the town, there are an abundance of day trips to embark on with food, wine and craft beer adventures! You can then round out your day or weekend with this intimate party at Hopmonk. Your guests can munch on the tasty fare while watching a movie.
Summer Nights
Summer nights call for the great outdoors. This venue is a true tavern, with a stage, and a gorgeous outdoor patio that can easily host about 150 seated outdoors and more indoors. It's in the heart of the town, very easy to find with tons of parking. They often host bands and other events.
The spaces is very well manicured and if set up right, is great for a couple that likes a cozy wine country feel.
Around Town
Sebastopol is just west of Sonoma and right outside Santa Rosa, with easy access to wine country or the coast. There’s no shortage of breweries nearby that you can tour, and of course, don’t forget about the wineries! The adorable river town of Guerneville is close too and it’s a great place for water sports.
Correspondents: Venue: Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol, CA | Styling: Ashley Smith of Buzzworthy Events | Photographer: Gladys Jem | Florist: Juna Alinea
