Walter Hansel Wine Bistro

4.8

1939 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

We are located just 6 minutes from Coddingtown Mall and 10 minutes from Downtown Santa Rosa surrounded by beautiful vineyards with an onsite garden for fresh, farm-to-table vegetables and herbs.

"An impressive new Santa Rosa restaurant that's instantly one of our best"
Jeff Cox, renowned Wine Country food critic.

If you are unable to find the reservation you want, please call us directly at (707) 546-6462. Thank you.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 4:45 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(707) 546-6462
Website
http://www.walterhanselbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Saul Barragan

Location
3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Neighborhood
Santa Rosa
Cross street
Willowside
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Pinot Noir 2020$63.00
Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir 2021$80.00
Occidental Freestone by Kistler Pinot Noir 2020$95.00
Benovia Russian River Valley "Martaella" Pinot Noir 2019$95.00
Dehlinger Russian River Valley Altamont Pinot Noir 2019$100.00
Littorai The Pivot 2018$100.00
Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Santa Rita Hills 2020$110.00
Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018$125.00

Red Burgundy

Wine by the Bottle

Herni Germain Et Fils Beaune Bressandes 2016$90.00
Domaine Michel Gros Clos de Reas 2016$175.00
Gros-Guenaud Clos Des Reas 2019$175.00

Cabernet & Blends

Wine by the Bottle

The Paring Red Blend 2016$45.00
Trione Vineyards Alexander Valley Henry's Red Blend 2018$70.00
Carlisle Sonoma County the Integral 2017$70.00
Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon 2019$80.00
Trione Vineyards Block 21 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019$87.00
Kongsgaard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020$295.00

French Bordeaux

Wine by the Bottle

Chateau Saint Aubin – Medoc Bordeaux 2019$40.00
Château du Moulin de la Grangère St. Émilion Grand Cru 2019$45.00
Carillon de Rouget – Pomerol 2016$85.00

Syrah/Petite Syrah/Rhone

Wine by the Bottle

Trione Vineyards Syrah 2016$45.00
Kongsgaard Napa Valley Syrah 2016$220.00

Zinfandel

Wine by the Bottle

Mauritzen Dry creek Valley Zinfandel 202$45.00
Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel 2021$80.00
Carlisle Russian River Valley Papera Ranch Zinfandel 2016$80.00
Rockpile Jack's Cabin Zinfandel 2021$88.00

On Tap 16oz

Hen House$8.00
Stella Artois$8.00
Pliny the Elder Double IPA$8.00
Guinness$9.50

Bottles

Stella Artois Non-Alcoholic$6.00
Hen House "The Walrus is Paul"$9.50
473mL can

Soda/Waters

Soda$3.50
Ice Tea$3.50
Sparkling Mineral Water$4.00
Flavored San Pellegrino$4.50

What 1,939 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Contemporary American
Wine Country
Best Overall
Wine Country
Best Food
Wine Country
Best Service
Wine Country
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro offers an unforgettable dining experience with "excellent quality food, wine and service." This charming spot blends French and European cuisine with local California flair, delivering "creative, ample, full of flavor" dishes. The attentive staff and exceptional wine pairings, including their renowned Pinot Noir, make it a "must-stop" for both locals and visitors alike. With a cozy ambiance and a varied menu, this hidden gem is perfect for special occasions or casual outings.

1,939 Reviews

K
Kelly
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a great meal with great service in a fun relaxed atmosphere last nite. Only issue I have with Walter Hansel is we are always seated on the long couch area next to talkative people. Last nite we had a table and very much enjoyed our experience.
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B
Blaise
San Francisco
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was fabulous! We had not been to Walter Hanzel Wine & Bistro for awhile, probably during COVID when they had an outside tent back then. The name can be a bit deceiving as its a legit restaurant with bar, not a wine bar that happens to serve food. They do however carry a nice selection of wines including their own wine. We enjoyed it back then, and enjoyed it even more recently. The food was delicious, our server was very nice and attentive. I would say the atmosphere is casual fine dining, where they strike a nice balance between fancy & comfortable. We could hold a conversation over dinner without shouting or straining to hear one another. We'll be back there much sooner than last time! Blaise Lo
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L
Linda
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our favorite restaurant. Always exceptional in every way
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L
Lovestoeatout
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Consistently delicious! As always a great dining experience with friendly service.
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P
Peter
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Honestly this restaurant is a hidden gem, the food is great and the service is even better. This is one of those restaurants that I tell people to go visit when they’re visiting Sonoma County. But I try not to tell too many people so that I could still get a seat. Great overall experience!
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D
Deborah
San Francisco
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We visit regularly for special occasions. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and recognizes us. They also remember what we like and don’t like. The food is always excellent and there is usually an intriguing and tasty special on the menu. My birthday dinner last night was lovely.
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M
Michael
San Francisco
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We sat outside (couldn't get a reservation inside for Saturday night at 7pm). They've redone the outside seating area, and it's a bit more sophisticated than before, with fire and water features. Food terrific as always: Lobster Empanadas, Butternut Squash soup, Osso Bucco for her, Chicken Cordon Bleu for me). Splurged a bit on the Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir, which was well worth the money (usually we opt for the very reasonably priced Walter Hansel Estate Pinot). Apple Crisp for dessert. Departed with leftovers, feeling pleasantly full. If you've never been, you should absolutely try it. A hidden gem.
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p
penny
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience! Delicious food and ambiance! Loved it!
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C
Cecil
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was great. The wines (selected based on recommendation by waitress) was great. Mandy the waitress was great and all the service was good. We will go back again and will recommend to others
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M
Michael
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another amazing meal at Walter Hansel Wine Bistro! From the fresh, warm bread to the Dungeness Crab Curry and Heirloom Garden Tomato and Buratta salad, to the Fresh Mussels and Wild Caught Halibut the meal was delicious. The service was excellent with friendly staff in every encounter. We shared, and highly recommend, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Wine Flights. These wines are impressive. We plan to place an order online, since we live out of town. We highly recommend this establishment for a memorable meal!
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FAQs

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (707) 546-6462.

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro is rated 4.8 stars by 1939 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Walter Hansel Wine Bistro

3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Willowside
Neighborhood
Santa Rosa
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 4:45 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Saul Barragan
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.walterhanselbistro.com/
Phone number
(707) 546-6462

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Caesar Salad

6oz Beef Tenderloin

Steak Tartar

Proprietor White and Rose

Walter Hansel Rose of Pinot Noir 2022$7.00

* Walter Hansel "Estate" Chardonnay 2019$13.00

* Walter Hansel "Cahill Lane" Chardonnay 2019$14.00

* Walter Hansel "Cuvee Alyce" Chardonnay 2020$16.00

* Chardonnay Wine Flight 3 for$33.00

Other Whites

Walter Hansel Sauvignon Blanc 2022$8.00

Trione Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019$12.00

Proprietor Red

* Walter Hansel "Estate" Pinot Noir 2021$15.00

Walter Hansel "Cahill Lane" Pinot Noir 2019$16.00

* Walter Hansel "Cuvee Alyce" Pinot Noir 2019$17.00

* Pinot Noir Wine Flight 3 for$40.00

Other Reds

Château Saint Aubin- Medoc Bordeaux 2019$9.00

Château du Moulin de la Grangère St. Émilion Grand Cru 2019$11.00

Trione Vineyards Syrah 2016$12.00

Trione Vineyards Alexander Valley Henry's Red Blend 2018$16.00

Sparkling Wine

Bisol Family Desiderio Jeio Rosè Cuvèe - Italy N.V.$7.00

Monthuys Père et Fils Brut Champagne – France N.V.$13.00

Domaine Carneros Cuvèe Brut N.V.$13.00

Dessert Wine

Fonseca- Bin 27 Porto$6.00

Château de Rieussec- Carmes de Rieussec- Sauternes 2020$11.00

Château Laribotte Sauternes Semillon - Sauvignon Blanc 2018$11.00

Smith Woodhouse 10 year Tawny Porto$12.00

Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Porto$14.00

Proprietors White Wine

Walter Hansel "Estate" Chardonnay 2019$55.00

Walter Hansel "The Meadows" Chardonnay 2018$55.00

Walter Hansel "Cahill Lane" Chardonnay 2019$65.00

Walter Hansel "North Slope" Chardonnay 2019$65.00

Walter Hansel "Cuvee Alyce" Chardonnay 2020$68.00

Chardonnay

Trione Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2018$60.00

Dutton Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2020$55.00

Martinelli Bella Vigna Chardonnay 2019$75.00

Alex Gambal Saint Aubin –Cru Les Murgers des Dent 2018$125.00

Sauvignon Blanc/Sancerre/Chenin Blanc

Walter Hansel Sauvignon Blanc 2022$31.00

Dutton Estate Kylie's Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc 2022$40.00

Domaine Sylvain Gaudron Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2018$40.00

Rochioli Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022$65.00

Rosé

Walter Hansel Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022$20.00

Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Bisol Family Desiderio Jeio Rose Cuvee - Italy N.V.$35.00

Monthuys Père et Fils Brut Champagne – France N.V.$50.00

Domaine Carneros Cuvee Brut N.V.$60.00

Proprietors Pinot Noirs

Walter Hansel "Estate" Pinot Noir 2021$65.00

Walter Hansel "Cahill Lane" Pinot Noir 2019$75.00

Walter Hansel "North Slope" Pinot Noir 2021$75.00

Walter Hansel "South Slope" Pinot Noir 2021$75.00

Walter Hansel "Cuvee Alyce" Pinot Noir 2019$75.00

Walter Hansel "The Three Rows" Pinot Noir 2019$75.00

Other Pinot Noirs

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Pinot Noir 2020$63.00

Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir 2021$80.00

Occidental Freestone by Kistler Pinot Noir 2020$95.00

Benovia Russian River Valley "Martaella" Pinot Noir 2019$95.00

Dehlinger Russian River Valley Altamont Pinot Noir 2019$100.00

Littorai The Pivot 2018$100.00

Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Santa Rita Hills 2020$110.00

Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018$125.00

Red Burgundy

Herni Germain Et Fils Beaune Bressandes 2016$90.00

Domaine Michel Gros Clos de Reas 2016$175.00

Gros-Guenaud Clos Des Reas 2019$175.00

Cabernet & Blends