Dino

Franco

Liza

Doug Swett, Owner/Proprietor

Doug Swett is the proprietor and general manager of Santi, a nationally acclaimed Italian restaurant in Sonoma County’s Wine Country. Santi has garnered a loyal following for preparing delicious, old world Italian food with a commitment to local, seasonal ingredients.  

Swett has over 20 years experience in the restaurant industry.  He started his career at 16 with jobs as a dishwasher, busser, server, and events manager where he was captured by the excitement of the restaurant world.

He was born in Washington, but raised in Sonoma County since the age of 10.   Doug’s first job in Sonoma County was at  The Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa and followed by the Kenwood Inn and Spa and then as a server/manager for Zino’s Italian Trattoria in Sonoma.   While working he attended and graduated  Sonoma State University with a degree in finance.

After that Doug’s yearning to explore food and culture led him through Africa, Switzerland and Europe and other parts of the US.  In that time Doug climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Whitney and hiked the Swiss Alps.  But it was in Italy that his interest in Italian cuisine and culture began.

Interested in discovering what else was happening in the U.S. restaurant scene Doug moved to Seattle.  There he found an opportunity with Schwarz Brothers Inc., an internationally renowned restaurant company (ultimately bought by Wolfgang Puck). He worked for seven years gaining immeasurable experience as their District GM for four of their Italian restaurants.  After opening an 8th restaurant in LA, he realized his heart was in Sonoma County and headed back home.

In 2001 Doug found a choice role as GM for a newly opened Italian restaurant, Santi.  It had simple, rustic food, unpretentious but world class service.  In a remote countryside location it still had loyal local customers mixed with destination diners from around the country.  Doug knew this was a special place and bought out the original owners in early 2005.   In the five years since Santi opened they are busier than ever. Doug loves his role as restaurateur, thriving on the continuous challenges of running a flourishing business.