A Small Part of History

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Dinucci's was built in 1908 by Mr. and Mrs. Barboni of Occidental, as the Depot Hotel. It served travelers travelling on the Northwestern Pacific Narrow Gauge Railroad that ran through Valley Ford.

The railroad started at Sausalito, going to towns and resorts along the Russian River as well as to Cazadero. The trains hauled passengers, lumber and farming supplies. It was dismantled in 1929, however some of the old trestle and hillside grades remain today. The Depot Hotel continued to operate as a rooming house and restaurant.

 Henry and Mabel Dinucci’s bought it in 1939, changing the name in the process. The Dinucci’s enlarged the dining room in 1944 and enclosed the wrap around porch in 1945. They continued to rent out rooms upstairs and served family style dinners in the restaurant.

Betty & Gene Wagner bought Dinucci's in 1968, continuing to serve Italian dinners, plus adding some new menu items, including the now famous minestrone soup.

Their daughters Jeanne Wagner & Dolores Hanson ran the front of the house while Gene was cooking his family style dinners in the Kitchen for many years. Jeanne ended up finding her love Enrique in the 80's who was a cook in Tomales. Enrique then began to join in on the fun at Dinucci's. Jeanne & Enrique ended up taking over the Cook line together at Dinucci's, where Enrique was shown all their family recipes.

Enrique is still in the kitchen everyday carrying the legacy of his father-in-law through his recipes. 

Jeanne & Enrique Garcia now own and run Dinucci's for over 35years carrying on the Wagner family legacy with their daughter Geena. 

We are so grateful to have become a staple throughout the years and among one of the longtime family-owned businesses in Sonoma County

Thank you for all your support and we hope to see you soon