Frequently asked questions
General Information, Hours & Contact
What is the Amara Kitchen & Tasting Room?
The Amara Tasting Kitchen at Roots to River Farm is a unique farm-to-table destination nestled in New Hope, Pennsylvania. This certified organic farm offers fresh, wholesome vegetables alongside artisanal products and prepared foods. Experiences include Tavolata farm-to-table dinners, cooking classes, seasonal menus, brick-oven pizza during Pizza Aperitivo, sourdough bread, local beer, cider, curated local wines, and signature house-made Amara Aperitivo.
Where are you located?
3175 North Sugan Road, New Hope, PA 18938.
What hours are you open to the public?
Wednesday 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Saturday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. If you would like to stop by and see the space outside of these hours, feel free to reach out to set up a meeting.
How can media or press contact you?
For press coverage, interviews, photography requests, publication partnerships, or media visits, contact info@rootstoriverfarm.com. Media may only access designated event areas unless part of scheduled programming.
Events, Capacity, Duration & Booking
What types of events do you host?
Private dinners, Tavolata communal dining, Pizza Aperitivo, corporate team-building, cooking classes, celebrations (showers, birthdays, weddings, etc.), tastings, and curated farm experiences.
- Tavolata Dinner: A long-table, communal, multi-course dinner inspired by Italian farmhouse traditions, served family-style and built around peak-season farm produce.
- Pizza Aperitivo: A casual, open-hours farm event featuring wood-fired pizza, small plates, seasonal offerings, locally produced alcoholic beverages, farm-fresh vegetables, sourdough bread, prepared foods, and value-added products.
Do I need a reservation?
Pizza Aperitivo: No reservation required; guests may arrive anytime during service hours.
All Other Events: Reservations are required via website signup (Tavolata, private dinners, cooking classes, tastings).
How do I book a private event?
Email info@rootstoriverfarm.com or submit an event inquiry form on our website.
Are there blackout dates or advance booking guidelines?
Yes. We are not available for private events on Wednesdays or Saturday afternoons due to our weekly Pizza Aperitivo events. Most events book 4–12 weeks in advance, especially from May through October.
What is your maximum guest capacity?
- Private Events in Dining Room: Up to 50 guests. (Contract limit: Private events may not exceed 50 guests; if the count exceeds 50, the Venue may deny entry or terminate the event without refund).
- Tavolata Dinners: 50 guests.
- Public Cooking Classes: 8 guests.
- Private Cooking Class Events: 8–10 guests is ideal, with a 20 guest maximum.
How long can my event run, and can I arrive early?
Private events may run up to 4 hours. Any event exceeding 4 hours incurs an additional charge of $350 per hour unless previously agreed upon. Early setup is allowed only with prior approval from the Venue.
Can guests remain on the premises after an event ends?
No. Guests may not remain on the premises, inside or outside, after the event concludes.
Cooking Classes
What types of cooking classes do you offer?
Cooking classes include but are not limited to:
- Technique-Based: Pizza making, cheese making, sourdough, knife skills, jam making, and seasonal preservation.
- Cuisine-Based: French, Italian, Greek, and Japanese.
What is the duration of a cooking class?
Cooking classes run for 2.5 to 3 hours in duration.
What is included in a cooking class?
Hands-on instruction, ingredients, equipment, guided tastings, and a shared meal.
I have an idea for a cooking class. Can I submit it?
Yes, all suggestions for cooking classes can be made to info@rootstoriverfarm.com.
Payments, Deposits, Fees & Cancellations
What is the private event deposit?
A $500 deposit is required to secure your date. This deposit is applied directly toward your remaining balance.
What is the private event cancellation and refund policy?
All cancellations for private events must be submitted in writing. Deposit refund requests made more than 14 days before your event are granted at the discretion of the venue. Deposits are strictly non-refundable if the event is canceled within 14 days of the event date.
Are there any additional fees or gratuities?
Beyond the required $500 deposit, there are no mandatory hidden administrative fees. Gratuity is not included and may be added at the client’s discretion.
Do you offer refunds for cooking classes, Tavolata dinners, or ticketed events?
Yes. Refunds (or credits) are granted for cancellations that occur 24 hours before the event.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, ACH transfers, and other standard payment methods.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, gift certificates can be purchased on our website for our Market, Kitchen, classes, and events.
Food, Beverage & Dietary Policies
Do you serve alcohol or allow BYOB?
We offer local beer, cider, wine, specialty cocktails, and our signature Amara Aperitivo for private events and public service. BYOB is permitted for wine only with a $30 corkage fee per bottle. No other outside alcohol is permitted.
Who serves the alcohol and do you check IDs?
All alcohol must be poured and served exclusively by certified Venue staff. We check IDs, and all guests consuming alcohol must present valid identification showing they are 21 or older. Venue staff may refuse service to intoxicated guests.
Is outside food allowed?
If the event is a birthday celebration, you are permitted to bring in a cake. However, all other outside food is strictly prohibited, and all food must be prepared by our culinary team.
How are event menus created and posted?
For private events, menus are crafted with Chef Ian based on your preferences, event style, and seasonal farm availability (specific dishes may be requested depending on seasonality). Menus for Pizza Aperitivo and Tavolata Dinners are posted to our social media accounts the day of the event.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nuts)?
We feature a vegetable-heavy menu and can accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice.
- Gluten-Free: We do NOT offer gluten-free pizza.
- Dairy-Free: We have a limited selection of dairy-free options, and some menu items may be altered to avoid dairy.
- Nuts: While we take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination, there is still a possibility that nuts may come into contact with your food (not a guaranteed nut-free kitchen).
Do you offer protein-centered meals?
No. While we feature dishes with simple proteins, our specialty is showcasing peak-season produce from our fully organic farm.
Can I order takeout or reserve sourdough bread ahead of time?
Takeout orders for Pizza Aperitivo can be placed in person only (no call-in orders). No takeout orders are allowed for Tavolata dinners. Sourdough loaves cannot be reserved ahead of time and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Venue Rules, Décor, Music & Safety
Are candles or open flames allowed?
Open flames and wax candles are not permitted. LED candles are welcome.
Can I bring my own décor or hang items?
Décor is welcome as long as it does not damage the property. However, nothing may be affixed or hung on walls, beams, or structures. All personal décor must be removed at the end of your event.
Is outdoor music allowed?
No. Given the close proximity to our neighbors, we cannot allow outdoor music.
What happens if it rains, and do you provide heaters or fans?
Events proceed as planned in all weather conditions. Covered areas are available depending on layout. Proper footwear is recommended for outdoors. Seasonal climate support (heaters/fans) may be available depending on inventory.
What is the waste management policy during private events?
Our staff manages event cleanup. We provide all necessary waste and recycling containers (guests/hosts do not bring outside waste bins).
Is smoking allowed on property?
No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the property.
What happens if an item is lost or I need first aid?
Items found by staff are held for a limited time; guests may contact the venue to inquire. Basic first aid supplies are available on site, and staff will coordinate with emergency services if needed.
Farm Access, Children, Pets & Liability
Can guests explore the farm?
No. All farm areas are employee-only, and guests must remain within designated event spaces unless participating in a specific event with a guided farm component.
Is the kitchen family-friendly and are children allowed to explore?
Yes, the Kitchen is family-friendly, but children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times, both indoors and outdoors. Children are not permitted to explore non-designated farm areas.
Is there a playground and are there hazards on the property?
Yes, there is a playground. Children may use the playground at their own risk under adult supervision. The property contains natural elements and uneven terrain. The Venue assumes no liability for injuries, falls, or accidents.
Can I bring my dog or pet?
No. We have a strict no-pets policy to maintain food safety and protect farm operations. Registered service animals are permitted.
Who is responsible for guest behavior, injuries, and property damage?
The Client assumes full responsibility for all guests, including alcohol-related incidents, property damage, and personal injury. The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Venue, its owners, employees, and agents from any claims arising from the event.
Parking, Accessibility & Vendors
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, we offer accessible parking spaces, accessible pathways to the event space, ramps leading to the front entrance, and an elevator running from the winery production level to the kitchen / dining room.
Do you have an elevator or ramps?
Yes. We have ramps leading up to the front entrance and an elevator that runs from the winery production level to the kitchen / dining room.
What is the parking setup and can guests park on the grass?
On-site parking includes 16 regular spaces and two handicap spaces. Overflow parking is available in the pick-your-own field with signage directing guests. Under no circumstances should guests park on the grass by the entrance, as it creates a safety hazard.
Can rideshare services drop off at the venue?
Yes, rideshare drop-off is permitted.
Can I bring outside vendors, and do they need insurance or kitchen access?
Outside vendors are welcome with prior venue approval. All vendors must carry liability insurance, provide proof of coverage, and follow venue guidelines. Vendors may not access the farm fields (unless part of programming) or the kitchen, which is reserved for staff only.
Can I bring a photographer or fly a drone?
Photographers are welcome with prior approval. Drones may be permitted with advance approval and must follow safety guidelines.