Walter Hansel Wine Bistro

4.9 (2042)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

After 11 years we announce the closure of our beloved restaurant on August 24th. Over the years, we have been honored to serve you exquisite dishes paired with carefully selected wines, creating a community that felt like family. 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.
We invite you to join us for the remaining days, to savor your favorite dishes and toast to the beautiful moments we’ve shared.
August 24th will be the last day of our Restaurant.
Please make reservations as tables are filling up

Thank you for being a part of our journey
Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro

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.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of Operation
Bar Sun 16:45–21:00
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
Area
Santa Rosa
Cross street
Willowside
Parking Details
Private Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Bread & ButterUSD 4.00
Cheese BoardUSD 28.00
Delice de Bourgogne, Petite Basque, Humboldt Fog, Fig & Orange Spread, Marcona Almonds, Honey, Crostini
- Three CheesesUSD 28.00
- Single CheeseUSD 16.00
- Prosciutto di ParmaUSD 6.00
Beef TartareUSD 21.00
Whole Grain Mustard Mayo, Cornichons, Scallions, Capers, Quail Egg Yolk, Fleur de Sel, Crostini
Escargot a la BourguignonneUSD 18.00
Garlic-Herb Butter, Pernod
- Side of BreadUSD 2.00
Grilled Dry Creek PeachesUSD 22.00
Burrata di Stefano, Balsamic Glaze, Agave Nectar, Basil Oil, Fresh Basil
- Add Prosciutto di ParmaUSD 3.00
- Add CrostiniUSD 2.00
Royal Sweet ScallopsUSD 24.00
Pan Seared Scallops, Charred Vegetable Succotash, Micro Arugula, Passion Fruit Coulis
Taco of the WeekUSD 0.00
3 each, Yellow Corn Tortillas, House Made Salsa, Micro Cilantro
- M.P.USD 0.00

Soup ~ Salad

Soup of the DayUSD 14.00
Chef's Seasonal Creation
Garden Heirloom TomatoUSD 16.00
Balsamic Glace, Basil Oil, E.V.O.O, Micro Cilantro, Fleur de Sel, Red Onions, Warm Garlic Toast
- Add Burrata CheeseUSD 7.00
Caesar SaladUSD 15.00
Hearts of Romaine, House Made Garlic Croutons, Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Tender Bocarones, House Made Caesar Dressing
Green Goddess Little Gem Wedge SaladUSD 18.00
Garden Cherry Tomato, Charred Corn, Queso Fresco, Herb & Creamy Avocado Dressing

Entrees

Grilled Steak Au Poivre - Choice of Ribeye or Beef TenderloinUSD 49.00
C.A.B. Beef Marinated in Garlic and Herbs, Garden Grilled Zucchini, Brandy Green Peppercorn Sauce
Roasted Bone in Pork ChopUSD 44.00
Pasture Raised Mountain View Pork, Charred Vegetable Succotash, Kale, Pickled Beets & Gravenstein Apple Salad, Apple Cider Reduction
Akaushi Beef HamburgerUSD 22.00
Compressed Onion & Cucumbers, Tomato, Lettuce, Local White Pepper Jack Cheese, French Fries
Chicken Cordon BleuUSD 36.00
Free Range Chicken Stuffed with Prosciutto di Parma, Gruyere Cheese and Breaded in Panko, Garlic French Green Beans, Marble Potato, Savory Dijon Cream Sauce
Wild Alaskan HalibutUSD 47.00
Potato Gratin, Spinach, Micro Arugula, Chimichurri Coulis, Classic Butter Sauce
Wild Mushroom PastaUSD 30.00
Fresh Tomato Fettuccine, Seasonal Wild Mushrooms, Charred Zucchini, Pea Shoots, Queso Fresco, Cream of Corn Sauce

Sides

SidesUSD 9.00
French Fries, Potato Gratin, Sautéed Spinach , Charred Garden Zucchini, Garlic Green Beans

Desserts

Gravenstein Apple CrumbleUSD 13.00
Pecan Sable Crumbs, Tahitian Vanilla Gelato
Coconut Milk Panna CottaUSD 13.00
Dry Creek Peaches, Toasted Almonds, Raspberry Puree
ProfiterolesUSD 13.00
Pistachio Gelato, Valrhona Chocolate Sauce
Fiorello's Artisan Sorbet or GelatoUSD 10.00
(pick two flavors) Apricot Chardonay, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Strawberry Gelato, Pistachio Gelato, Tahitian Vanilla Gelato

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Walter Hansel Wine Bistro.

4.9

(2042)

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

2,000 Reviews

s
scott Gold
San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience as always and as tonight (8/24) is the last night they are open, the staff and chef will be missed.
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P
Pamela
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love this restaurant and are very sad to see it closing within a few days. One of our favorites and will be missed.
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L
Luis
San Francisco Bay Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It's always a pleasure to eat at Walter Hansel Wine Bistro. Food is excellent as usual, no matter what you order. he service is very friendly and professional. It makes me sad that this place is closing for good.
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R
Richard E
New Jersey4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, service and estate wine. Memorable meal and experience. We live in NJ and each time we visit Sonoma County we make it a point to make a reservation. Unfortunately the restaurant is closing for good so our experience was bittersweet as we really will miss this gem of a one of a kind experience but mostly we feel for the staff who although provided top notch service and attentiveness are obviously sad and concerned about their loss.
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L
Linda Gold
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love this restaurant for its amazing food and fantastic service. Pork chops and sides are perfectly paired and the chicken cordon bleu amazing. I will miss this place!!
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D
David
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on 14 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
hansell is about to close...a huge loss....sorry to see them go...sign of the times....sad...
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H
Heather Gold
San Francisco Bay Area28 reviews
5.0
Dined on 11 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We sat outta d I was very comfortable. The service and food was fantastic, we are so sad to see them close but glad we got to say Thank you and best wishes on their next adventure.
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D
Donna Gold
San Francisco Bay Area63 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food Sad that the rack of lamb was not on the special menu. We both had Chicken Cordon Bleu and it was delicious. Both of are desserts were great. Nice bottle of wine was enjoyable, .We’re saddened to hear that this Sonoma County treasure will be closing at the end of this month. Please stay open through the next few months until the new year 🤗
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J
James Gold
San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Exceptional example of the bygone Roadhouse Diners that were a part of the early California motoring landscape. Absolutely tragic that they announced closure to be effective August 24th.
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M
Matthew
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 August 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another wonderful dining experience! It’s a fantastic restaurant and I always feel special when I dine there.
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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of Operation
Bar Sun 16:45–21:00
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
Area
Santa Rosa
Cross street
Willowside
Parking Details
Private Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Dining areas

Additional information

HAPPY HOUR OFFERINGS

Soup of the DayUSD 8.00

Tacos of WeekUSD 10.00

Salted Marcona AlmondsUSD 5.00

Peaches & BurrataUSD 10.00

Cheese PlateUSD 9.00

Regular FriesUSD 7.00

Garlic FriesUSD 8.00

HAPPY HOUR WINES

Walter Hansel PinotUSD 10.00

Walter Hansel ChardonnayUSD 10.00

Walter Hansel Rose Pinot NoirUSD 7.00

Walter Hansel Sauvignon BlancUSD 8.00

Bisol Rose ProseccoUSD 7.00

Appetizers

Bread & ButterUSD 4.00

Cheese BoardUSD 28.00

Beef TartareUSD 21.00

Escargot a la BourguignonneUSD 18.00

Grilled Dry Creek PeachesUSD 22.00

Royal Sweet ScallopsUSD 24.00

Taco of the WeekUSD 0.00

Soup ~ Salad

Soup of the DayUSD 14.00

Garden Heirloom TomatoUSD 16.00

Caesar SaladUSD 15.00

Green Goddess Little Gem Wedge SaladUSD 18.00

Entrees

Grilled Steak Au Poivre - Choice of Ribeye or Beef TenderloinUSD 49.00

Roasted Bone in Pork ChopUSD 44.00

Akaushi Beef HamburgerUSD 22.00

Chicken Cordon BleuUSD 36.00

Wild Alaskan HalibutUSD 47.00

Wild Mushroom PastaUSD 30.00

Sides

SidesUSD 9.00

Desserts

Gravenstein Apple CrumbleUSD 13.00

Coconut Milk Panna CottaUSD 13.00

ProfiterolesUSD 13.00

Fiorello's Artisan Sorbet or GelatoUSD 10.00

Dining areas

Additional information

Permanently Closed