Our Story
About Chateau Sonoma
Chateau Sonoma is a way of life filled with gatherings, meaningful treasures, adventure, self care, growing your own and bringing more beauty into the world.
Meet Sarah
In 2001, I took my first trip to France and discovered the flea markets of Paris and then headed down to Southern France where I felt I had hit the motherload of French antiques dealers in L’isle Sur La Sorgue. After scouring the markets and putting together a container of treasures, there was time left to do some exploring. It was then that I fell in love with the French way of life, objet d’art, the people…and really, all things French!
On the long plane ride home, the drawing of the Chateau was outlined and the name “Chateau Sonoma” was coined. What began as a quest for a new way of life—a slice of French living in Wine Country—has evolved into a highly-edited home decor and accessory collection that celebrates the art of purposeful living and decorating.
We believe that gathering and connecting with friends and family is the key to a happy life.
Designed for women and men, artists and individuals, designers and mothers, chefs and entertainers, gardeners and globally-minded thinkers, we aim to cultivate a place where everyone can celebrate their passions by way of their home, their pantry, and their garden.
Inside our walls, you can expect to find French antiques and vintage pieces with a rich history, carefully sourced from all over the world. You’ll find old pieces, given new life, and found objects that inspire stories and personal connection.
Local
We also carry the work of local Sonoma artisans and jewelers, and cultivated goods and pantry provisions that we’ve developed just for Chateau Sonoma. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind 19th century painting, a half dozen farm eggs, or our signature bath salts, we take pride in sourcing items that bring more beauty, joy, and optimism to the world.
Lifestyle
In addition to our collection, we’re also eager to share the art of a lifestyle that we love. The French way of life is one that celebrates the beauty of the past and present, and always invites connection and celebration. Above all, we’re passionate about creating an environment in Sonoma that feels as personal and unique as each of our customers are—bienvenue à la maison!
The Shop
We are a small woman operated business sharing with you our Sonoma lifestyle and the “joie de vivre” we discover every day.
See Gatherings
Workshops and Events Gathering together in a creative and inspiring environment brings happiness and joy.
The Journal
Life is but a series of moments and we love sharing them with you. Read our journal that includes interview and collection stories.
The Team
Our Chateau Sonoma Family
Founder
Sarah Anderson
Sarah Anderson founded Chateau Sonoma in 2002 and has been the woman behind the business for the past 15 years. She is deeply passionate about encouraging and supporting women entrepreneurs and is proud to say that Chateau Sonoma is run entirely by women!
Chateau Sonoma encompasses everything Sarah is passionate about: travel, antiquing, bringing people together to learn something new, spending time in the garden and sharing the Chateau Sonoma experience with you.
Terry
Terry Wicks is a creative genius and anyone who comes into the store can testify to that. She has been with Chateau Sonoma from the beginning and is very hard working, funny and has an exceptionally keen wit.
Terry loves spending time in the outdoors and finds much of her inspiration in nature. You will always find unusual foliage, intricate nests, dried wasps nests and array of oddities from the natural world. When she is not in the wild, you can find her curled up with a good book as she is a voracious reader and often spends half the night engaged in the written word. Terry lives in Sonoma with husband Keith Wicks and is the mother of 3 smart, beautiful, kind and adventurous children.
Juliana
Juliana Manubens is the newest member of the team and she is taking it all in and willing to do just about anything at the shop and on the farm. We quickly put her in charge of managing the inventory and inputting new arrivals in our Point of Sale system. She is very engaging with customers and loves sharing with them the story behind the products. On another day, you can find her on the farm planting seeds in the greenhouse and she holds the new record in planting seedlings this spring!
Juliana recently moved back to wine country and enjoys exploring the area with a new set of eyes. She loves the art of entertaining and cooking.
Chateau Sonoma Philosophy
We believe that gathering and connecting with friends and family is the key to a happy life.
Quality, function and beauty is our guide as we search the globe for treasures that will bring a unique and soulful feeling into your home.
Surrounding oneself with beauty and meaningful things brings joy.
We believe in and practice sustainability. Whether it be repurposing a vintage piece of furniture or composting in our garden. We are determined to do our part in protecting our planet.
Self care is crucial to maintain health and vitality and have the ability to be there for the people we love. We believe in supporting women entrepreneurs and shining light on their successes and sharing their “how to” spirit with others.
We are dedicated to digging in the dirt and staying close to nature by growing our own vegetables, fruit and flowers right here on the farm and sharing our “how to” with you.