About The Barlow

The Barlow is an open-air “maker marketplace” where Sonoma County’s best chefs, vintners and artisans work side-by-side to create local products and experiences found only here.
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Shop

The Barlow Market District is home to talented artisan producers of local crafts and goods made in Sonoma County.

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Eat + Drink

Take a look at our award winning restaurants, craft breweries, spirits, and wineries located at The Barlow.

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There's always something happening at The Barlow: everything from pop-up shops, artisan workshops, trivia nights, live music and more.

Event Calendar
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The Barlow - From Apple Cannery to Makers Marketplace

We are home to a passionate community of over 30 makers and merchants. Only at The Barlow will you find artisans selling their goods to customers while the production process happens in real-time behind them. This unique interactive transparency brings The Barlow to life and allows guests to see makers in action. The rich industrial architecture, paired with the all organic, edible landscape make The Barlow a unique 12.5-acre community. Enjoy the taste of “homegrown” at farm-to-table restaurants serving locally-sourced dishes. Take a tour to learn more about your favorite spot, or enjoy one of our public events. Boutiques stand ready for your retail therapy needs, and wine tasting room associates smile to greet you. 

History of The Barlow

Historical Roots

  • Late 19th Century: Apple production boomed in Sebastopol and West Sonoma County after Luther Burbank cultivated the Gravenstein variety.
  • Early 20th Century: Apples became a major industry, especially during Prohibition when winemaking was limited.
  • 1939: Thomas Barlow’s sons built an applesauce canning facility, processing fruit from over 11,000 acres of orchards. Many original structures remain in The Barlow today.

Decline of Apple Industry

  • Mid-20th Century: Apple orchards declined as wine-grape production surged.
  • Late 20th Century: The Barlow cannery reduced production and eventually closed, leaving the property in disrepair.
  • By 2000, most buildings were either vacant or in need of significant renovation.

Redevelopment Vision

  • 2005: Barney Aldridge acquired the property with plans to redevelop the old apple cannery into a vibrant community hub.
  • Barney collaborated with local architects and designers to preserve the site’s history while integrating a modern marketplace concept.

The Birth of The Barlow

  • After gathering feedback from the community, Barney curated a roster of local artisans to create a “makers marketplace,” where visitors could watch products being crafted.
  • The goal: to create a space celebrating art, wine, food, and community in a charming, small-town setting.

Construction and Expansion

  • 2012: Construction began on an 18-building campus, blending new and renovated structures and expanding McKinley Street for better downtown connectivity.
  • Within a year, the project neared completion, attracting tenants eager to join the new artisan hub.

Today’s Barlow

  • The Barlow spans 4 city blocks, offering a unique wine country experience with local artisans, brewers, and winemakers.
  • It honors its apple industry roots while serving as a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike.