REGISTRATION UPDATE

Friends, on-site lodging for the retreat is now full. Thank you for your kind enthusiasm!

If you’d still like to participate in Well Crafted Sonoma 2025, I have TWO OPTIONS to share with you:

  1. You can stay off-site and join us Tuesday through Friday for classes, lunches and our Thursday outing. There’s even the possibility of adding delicious dinners and evening social activities. Email me at robert@robert-mahar.com for pricing and details! (AND, I’m currently working on a list of local lodging recommendations just for you.)
  2. Join the wait list! Sometimes plans change and spaces open up. If you’d like to be altered should an on-site lodging spot for the retreat become available, simply email me at robert@robert-mahar.com with the words “wait list” and I’ll happily keep you posted.

Hello friend!

It’s a joy to invite you to my new hometown for a creative retreat called Well Crafted Sonoma! Join me September 15-19, 2025,  when we’ll gather in the heart of California Wine Country to celebrate handcraft and creative community. Sonoma is located in Northern CA, approximately 1 hour north of San Francisco and 1.5 hours southwest of Sacramento. The setting is a beautiful 1930s ranch surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. This peaceful haven will provide warm hospitality, comfortable lodging, delicious chef-prepared meals, and a series of inspiring handcraft workshops curated just for you.

Our guest instructors for the retreat will be the wonderful Cathe Holden and Rebecca Saylor! I feel fortunate to call both of these talented artists my friends, and the three of us are looking forward to leading you through a series of creative exercises, handcraft skill building and inspiring projects. I’m excited to not only lead workshops, but also be your on-site host encouraging an environment in which we’ll cultivate creativity, foster friendships, and relax & recharge in one of the prettiest places on the West Coast (in my humble opinion)!

Below, please find the highlights of Well Crafted Sonoma, along with our working itinerary, FAQs and pricing! If, after reading through all of this good information, you have additional questions – please don’t hesitate to email me at robert@robert-mahar.com.

Looking forward to seeing you next September!

Warmly, Robert Mahar

P.S. Given that this is a weekday retreat, perhaps you’d like to extend your stay by a weekend to explore Northern California?! See the new Travel & Lodging Resources page – we’re continuing to add to this list local site-seeing, lodging, dining and shopping recommendations just for you.

Use these links to jump directly to the information you’d like to see!

WORKSHOPS
LODGING
DINING
AMENITIES
ITINERARY
RETREAT PRICING, CANCELLATION POLICY & REGISTRATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NEW! TRAVEL & LODGING RESOURCES

WORKSHOPS

The focal point of our time together will center around a series of thoughtfully developed hands-on creative workshops. This year’s focus will be on needlework, botanical dyeing and textile craft with artist-led instruction by your host Robert Mahar and amazing guest instructors Cathe Holden and Rebecca Saylor. Each full day will be structured to include both formal classes and periods for independent crafting. Our red tile roof classroom features barn doors that open onto the ranch pool, providing fresh air and great lighting. You’ll select a workspace that will be yours for the retreat, with comfortable chairs and ample room to spread out. Generous material kits will be compiled and provided for each participant. We’ll reveal some project specifics as we get closer to the retreat dates (in the event you want to bring supplemental tools/materials) and other details we’ll leave as a surprise – because crafty surprises are the best!

 

LODGING

Nestled amongst mature trees and wild gardens are several charming redwood cabins that will serve as our retreat lodging. Each bedroom has its own entrance, bathroom and residence area. These are shared accommodations for two to four people, with most bedrooms having three beds (combinations of single and double beds). There are no options for solo rooms.* Within 24 hours of registering, you’ll receive an email with a questionnaire regarding your lodging preferences – where you can list the names of those with whom you’d like to share a room. If you don’t have a preference, we’ll thoughtfully assign you a room with new friends.

These are sweetly appointed, simple accommodations in a tranquil natural setting. Some feature Dutch doors and porch swings, all have covered decks, comfortable bedding and door screens. Set your expectations to cabins that are well built, well worn and well loved by many guests who return annually to spend time in this beautiful setting. This is not a hotel with daily cleaning, room service or a 24/7 front desk.* However, Robert will at your disposal and along with the ranch staff will work to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

*If you’d prefer not to stay on site, we can provide you with a list of local accommodations. Considering this possibility? Please reach out to robert@robert-mahar.com and we can discuss your options for joining us for the retreat workshops and limited meals with adjusted pricing.

The ranch was constructed in the 1930s and is located on a hillside and as such has very limited access. There are a moderate number of stairs from the main parking lot to the communal areas, paved pathways with a gentle incline up to the cabins and a few more stairs at each entrance. If you have a disability or limited mobility, it is essential that you let us know in advance so that we can do our best to comfortably accommodate you.

 

DINING

Out of all of the many positive attributes of our ranch venue, none are so highly praised as the food. (SO many good reviews!) You’ll be offered three chef prepared meals each day, handmade with fresh local ingredients. Meal service is buffet style and we have the option of sitting in the California mission style dining room or on the outdoor poolside patio surrounded by greenery.

The kitchen is able to accommodate vegan, vegetarian and special diets (gluten or dairy free) with advance notice. Within 24 hours of registration you’ll receive a questionnaire to site your preferences and any food allergies.

There is also a cantina (stocked with sodas, mineral water, beer and wine!) that operates on the honor system. This allows you to start a tab, keep track of your purchases and settle your charges on our final day. Purchases made from the cantina are not included in the price of registration.

As we will be surrounded by vineyards, it’s a given that we’ll provide wine at a few of the retreat events! You’ll also be able to purchase wine or beer anytime you’d like at the above mentioned cantina. Outside beer and wine is charged a corkage fee. The ranch has a beer and wine license only and as such they are adamant that no hard alcohol is permitted on the premises.

AMENITIES

As a guest at the ranch you’ll have full access to the following amenities:

  • A large beautiful pool for sunny afternoons and a hot tub for chilly evenings. Towel service, changing rooms and showers are provided.
  • Complimentary coffee, tea and water are available all day in the cantina.
  • We’ll keep the workshop classroom stocked with complimentary and delicious snacks to fuel your creativity.
  • In addition to the cantina, there is a small store in the ranch office that contains sundry items, snacks and gifts for purchase.
  • While the ranch is surrounded by nature, it does boast very good cell reception and WiFi.
  • If you’d like to indulge yourself with a relaxing and therapeutic massage by one of the ranch’s professional staff, you can arrange this service directly by contacting massage@westranch.com. Massage services are not included in the price of registration.
  • Walking, jogging and hiking trails are available on and adjacent to the ranch property.

ITINERARY

Here’s how we’ll spend our time together!
(Please note that this is a working itinerary, meaning that the schedule may shift slightly as details are finalized.)

MONDAY, September 15, 2025

  • 4pm: Check-in
  • 4:30pm: Ranch Orientation
  • 5-6:30pm: Settle in & Explore
  • 6:30pm: Welcome Dinner
  • 7:30-9pm: Classroom Reveal + Evening Craft Social
  • 10pm: Quiet Time

TUESDAY, September 16, 2025

  • 8am: Breakfast
  • 9am-12pm: Morning Class
  • 12:30pm: Lunch
  • 1:30-3:30pm: Free Time / Open Classroom
  • 3:30-6:30pm: Afternoon Class
  • 6:30pm: Dinner
  • 7:30-9:30 Bonfire & S’mores
  • 10pm: Quiet Time

WEDNESDAY, September 17, 2025

  • 8am: Breakfast
  • 9am-12pm: Morning Class
  • 12:30pm: Lunch
  • 1:30-3:30 Free Time / Open Classroom
  • 3:30-6:30 Afternoon Class
  • 6:30pm: Dinner
  • 7:30-9:30: Well Crafted White Elephant
  • 10pm: Quiet Time

THURSDAY, September 18, 2025

  • 8am: Breakfast
  • 9am-12pm: Morning Class
  • 12:30pm: Lunch
  • 1:30-5:30 Local Wine Tasting & Outing Adventure
  • 6:30pm: Dinner
  • 7:30-9:30: Free Time / Open Classroom
  • 10pm: Quiet Time

FRIDAY, September 19, 2025

  • 8am: Breakfast
  • 10am: Cabin Check-out
  • 10am-12pm: Free Time / Open Classroom
  • 12:30pm: Farewell Lunch
  • 2pm: Departure

RETREAT PRICING

Total price: $1,800.

  • A $600. deposit saves your spot and confirms your registration. Registration opens Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9am PT.
  • You will be invoiced for a second balance payment of $600. to be paid by April 1, 2025
  • You will be invoiced for a final balance payment of $600. to be paid by August 1, 2025

Within 24 hours of registering, you’ll receive an email with additional details and a questionnaire regarding your lodging and dining preferences.

RETREAT PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Four nights lodging in a charming, shared accommodation cabin
  • All (12) meals, chef prepared on-site
  • Daily hands-on, artist-led creative workshops including sessions with Robert Mahar, Cathe Holden and Rebecca Saylor
  • Full access to the beautiful ranch grounds and amenities
  • Local outing adventure on Thursday, including wine tasting and ground transportation
  • All taxes and fees

RETREAT PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Airfare or other travel expenses
  • Ground transportation to/from the airport

We will provide a list of nearby airports and available ground transportation options.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made up to 60 days prior to the start date of the retreat are eligible for a balance payment refund minus a 10% administration fee. There will be no refund of balance payments if you cancel less than sixty days prior to the start date of the retreat. If you are unable to attend Well Crafted Sonoma for any reason, your registration is transferrable to another person. If you would like to transfer your registration, please email Robert Mahar at robert@robert-mahar.com to coordinate.

Please note that you will be required to sign a release and waiver of liability and indemnity agreement for both the venue, host and instructors. If you would like to view these documents prior to registration, please email Robert Mahar at robert@robert-mahar.com.

REGISTRATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to be a professional artist or an accomplished crafter to attend?

A: Absolutely not! You just need to be creatively curious and open to learning. Attendees arrive with a wide range of crafting abilities and all adventurous beginners are welcome.

Q: Do I need to bring specific tools or materials with me?

A: All needed materials and tools will be provided for you. We’ll reveal some project specifics as we get closer to the retreat dates in the event you want to bring supplemental tools/materials.

Q: Do I need to participate in every activity on the itinerary?

A: Your time is your own! We’d love to have you join in as many activities as you’d like. However, if you want to sleep in, read a book by the pool or turn in early – you’re welcome to do so. (We’ve also scheduled free time so everyone has the opportunity for an afternoon nap!) Please note that any class sessions you opt not to attend will not be repeated.

Q: What’s September weather like in Sonoma? What should I wear?

A: Average September temperatures can reach a high of 86° and a low of 51°F. It’s a wide range that typically involves sunny, warm afternoons and cooler temps in the evening once the sun goes down. You’re encouraged to bring layers of comfortable clothing, including a warmer layer (jacket or fleece) for evenings and early mornings.

Q: Do the cabins have air-conditioning or heating?

A: The cabins do not have air-conditioning, but it’s highly unlikely that you’ll miss it. The cabins are shaded by mature trees and there will be little to no humidity. There are space heaters should you need them at night.

Q: Can my spouse or partner join me for Well Crafted Sonoma?

A: Only registered participants can stay on-site and join in meals at the ranch. If your spouse or partner wants to spend the weekend with you before or after the retreat, we’ll have a list of local recommendations for lodging, meals and sightseeing.

Q: I have a question that’s not covered in these FAQs or in the above retreat description. Who can assist me?
A: Please email Robert Mahar at robert@robert-mahar.com and he’ll be happy to assist.