Monte-Bellaria di California — Local services in Sebastopol

Lavender is okay, but the staff is rude, hostile, unaccommodating, unwelcoming, and offensive (continue to read or see multiple previous posts by others to find out more). If you wish to experience lavender in a calm, relaxed environment, give other farms like Araceli Farm a try.

The total ticketed time is only 75 minutes for $20/ppl. The tour itself took 30 min. At the end of time slot, they expect you make it back to parking lot as soon as they ring a bell. One of my group had a foot injury recently, so we needed longer time to make it back. In the middle of our way back, the tour guide from Monte-Bellaria ambushed us, questioned us why we were not back yet. After hearing one of our group had a foot injury, instead of trying to accommodate the situation and apologizing for his previous rude behavior, he criticized us for “not planning earlier”. When we told him no need to be so rude, his answer was “Oh I am not mad, you haven’t seen me mad yet”, which is hostile and unprofessional. Then the tour guide spent the next few minute following the member in our group with the foot injury to slowly walk back, even after we explicitly told him that he didn’t need to do so. After spending a few minutes uninvitedly “guarding” his customers, the tour guide finally realized that this is not the best use of everyone’s time and ran back to the parking lot.

We expect better treatment visiting a lavender field. Monte-Bellaria di California, you will not get any return business from us or hopefully anyone who reads...

In short, this business thinks they have license to be mean to you if you break their rules, even if by accident.

My wife picked this to be her first outing outside after having fractured her foot 1.5 months ago. She had just taken off her orthopedic boot 1 week ago. So yeah, she's not in a boot. But no, she does not scream "I am disabled" upon first glance.

We found ourselves at the wrong place at the wrong time when their "return to the parking lot" bell was rung. We made our way back slowly - and yes, we were rather slow. About 1-2 mph, or thereabouts.

We were about 75% of the way back when we were accosted by an employee (or the proprietor himself? I don't know). I don't remember anyone's exact words, but I do remember that the employee was argumentative and accusational in turns, even after I explained to him he was basically being angry at a cripple. Did he think I was lying?

I was only able to get him to stop arguing with us after apologizing 3 times, and he insisted on "escorting" us - like some sort of prison guard - at 2 mph, back toward the entrance. Pretty humiliating for everyone involved.

FYI, if the proprietor is reading this: a professional way to deal with stragglers would be along the lines of, "excuse me sir, we rang the bell 10 minutes ago, and we'd appreciate it if you could make your way to the exit".

If they're already walking towards the exit, like we were, what more is...

Simply amazing! Beautiful lavender fields and very well maintained property. There are a lot of opportunities to take good pictures even if they prohibit you from walking in the rows. Pro tip: go to the store and buy fresh cut lavender to use as a prop. Also make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen since it gets pretty hot under the sun. They sell a variety of products in the gift shop. We purchased the body butter, moisturizing cream, and honey. We are satisfied with our purchase. Bill, the shop attendant, was a friendly person and very knowledgable. We will be coming back next year. This was an experience we cannot forget.

Note: they are very strict with the times, but 90 minutes is plenty to see the property and walk around. You really don't need any more, just make sure to...