When you host your wedding or event at Spring Hill Estate it helps us fulfill our mission to connect communities to the rich history of this ‘gold rush’ wonderland.
We are excited to share this beautiful country side property with your family and friends, giving you a backdrop to the memories that matter in your life.
Spring Hill Estate enjoys a rich history. Our property sits atop a vast hilltop with panoramic views of rolling hills and towering eucalyptus trees, with the town of Tomales, California and Mt. St. Helena in the distance. Built in 1991, the Victorian-style Estate House and surrounding 300 acres of land were once known as ”Elk Ranch" for the herds of Tule Elk that roamed the area.
The Estate has been a featured location for more than 15 Hollywood films and commercials over the years. Roaming across the property are our prized herd of Jersey cows. Jersey cows are a heritage breed, originally from the Channel Islands in England. They are gentler, more curious and smaller than their more popular black and white cousin; the Holstein. While they give less milk, it’s higher in protein and butterfat giving Spring Hill Jersey Cheese its award-winning status in dairy competitions across the nation.
A Family Legacy of Farming
Owner Larry Peter grew up in nearby Sebastopol, California. His father, Virgil, worked in the lumber industry and his mother, Georgia, grew heirloom potatoes. Georgia became known as the Potato Queen and was one of the founders of the Santa Rosa Farmer’s Market. Virgil and Georgia always dreamt of raising their children on a dairy farm.
As a young man, Larry worked in agriculture picking prunes and raspberries. He washed milk bottles, bottle fed calves and drove a forklift while he learned the business. In 1986, he bought a run-down dairy farm in Two Rock and brought it back to life as the Certified Organic Spring Hill Dairy. By 1998, he was producing 500 pounds of Spring Hill Jersey Cheese that initially he sold himself at farmer’s markets. Today, the family label has grown exponentially and includes several thriving, marquee Sonoma and Marin County brands.
Larry Peter supports local business organizations, as well as youth agricultural clubs like FFA and 4H to ensure that the strong farming traditions of Northern California are passed on to the next generation.
Our family legacy is one of true community support and passion for showcasing all that our beautiful area offers. We invite guests to come visit us, celebrate life's milestones, retreat, relax, and enjoy the most beautiful place in California!
Community Investment & Preservation
Over the past 20 years, we have held The Great Peter Pumpkin Patch at the farm. More than 6,000 children try the Creamery's pumpkin ice cream, dig potatoes, milk a cow, go for hay rides, pet baby animals and choose the perfect pumpkin while their parents enjoy live music and free cheese tastings. It’s a wonderful event that builds community and teaches kids where their food comes from.
In 2004, Larry saved the century-old landmark, Petaluma Creamery from the wrecking ball and transformed it into the thriving, multi-block facility where we proudly make Spring Hill Jersey Cheese Company butter, cheese and ice cream daily. An avid supporter of his community and preservation, Larry recently purchased the Washoe House Restaurant & Bar in Petaluma.
