OUR STORY

Della Fattoria, nestled in the heart of Petaluma, California, stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders, Kathleen and Ed Weber. From humble beginnings, the Webers transformed a personal passion for bread into a nationally acclaimed bakery and café, leaving an indelible mark on California's culinary landscape and beyond.

Kathleen Weber's journey into bread baking began in the early 1990s on her husband’s family ranch in Petaluma. Inspired by Carol Field's The Italian Baker, she immersed herself in the art of bread-making, experimenting with natural starters and traditional techniques. For her 50th birthday, her family collaborated with renowned oven builder Alan Scott to construct a small wood-fired oven on their ranch, setting the stage for what would become Della Fattoria.

After a few years, the original oven was supplanted by two large wood burning ovens, also designed by Alan Scott. Richard Hart, in his 2025 James Beard Foundation Book Award recalls his first encounter with the ovens: "I got my start as a baker at Della Fattoria...It was a great place to learn the craft. You walked into a wooden barn with two roaring wood-fired ovens and immediate felt the intense power of those beasts. It was an exciting place, a high-volume operation. Having been a chef, I fed off adrenaline, and Della Fattoria was a non-stop adrenaline rush. It was constant, from the moment I got there to the moment I finished." The retained temperatures of the oven's bricks set the tempo of every minute of the bake day as they gradually cooled and bake times got longer and longer

Starting with just 14 weekly customers, Kathleen's breads quickly garnered attention for their quality and authenticity. A pivotal moment came when she introduced her bread to Thomas Keller, Chef of the acclaimed French Laundry in Yountville, California. Impressed by her creations, Keller became one of her first clients, propelling Della Fattoria into the spotlight and leading to collaborations with other top-tier restaurants. She continued to collaborate with Keller developing breads until, eight years later, he opened Bouchon Bakery.

In 2003, the Webers expanded their venture by opening the Della Fattoria Café and Bakery in downtown Petaluma. The café, managed today by their daughter Elisa, has become a community hub, known for its rustic charm and commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Their son, Aaron, who had spent years beside his mother in the bakehouse as the lead baker, brought his culinary expertise to the café's kitchen, further enhancing its offerings.

Della Fattoria's dedication to artisanal bread-making did not go unnoticed. In 2004, Martha Stewart filmed a segment for her television show in which she joined Aaron in the baking process on the Weber ranch. In 2010, Bon Appétit named Della Fattoria one of "America’s 10 Best Bread Bakeries." Kathleen's bread baking book, Della Fattoria Bread, was a finalist in the 2015 James Beard Foundation Book Awards, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in the bread-baking world.

Martha Stewart baking bread with Aaron

Kathleen passed away in January 2020 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence and community engagement. Known affectionately as the "community caretaker and bread mother," she was celebrated for her generosity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to quality.

Martha Stewart baking bread with Aaron

Kathleen's impact extended beyond the bakery. Kathleen mentored numerous aspiring bakers, including Issac and Linda Cermak of Redbird Bakery in Cotati and Sebastopol as well as Richard Hart with bakeries in Copenhagen and Mexico City, who credits Kathleen with influencing his approach to artisan bread and intuitive baking. Richard’s book, Richard Hart Bread won the 2025 James Beard Foundation Book Award.

Today, Della Fattoria continues to thrive under the stewardship of the Weber family, honoring Kathleen's vision and passion. Kathleen’s emphasis on natural fermentation and depth of flavor continues to resonate with many in the bread baking community. The bakery and café remain integral parts of Petaluma's vibrant culinary scene, a destination serving as an enduring symbol of artisanal craftsmanship and community spirit.

Magical SUMMER Events At the Weber Ranch & Gardens