Is Sonoma's Ben Flajnik ABC's New Bachelor?

Sonoma's Ben Flajnik made headlines when his marriage proposal was given a public rebuff by Ashley Herbert on the ABC reality show "The Bachlorette."

But Flajnik may have another shot at finding true love and good ratings: Insider sources say Sonoma's heartthrob is set to star in the next season of "The Bachlor," Entertainment Weekly reports.

Flajnik's recent actions appear to corroborate the tabloid claims. After a number of tasting events around Sonoma, Evolve Winery has taken down their website and Flajnik recently pulled out of a Bay Club Marin event citing contractual obligations. (The group "[hopes] to reschedule for next year after The Bachelor airs," reads their website.)

Even more telling: gossip mongers have spotted Flajnik around town filming what appears to be fodder for this year's season, according to an SF Weekly report. 

But it was "Reality Steve" (Steve Carbone), infamous in The Bachelor online community for his spoilers and snarky commentary, who first broke the news that a camera crew was spotted filming a solo Flajnik near Coit Tower and on Divisadero Street. Such establishing shots are used at the beginning of each season to cement the next leading man or woman in our minds as someone who is more ready and open to love than ever before, having run the Bachelor/ette gauntlet the previous season.

Will Flajnik go the way of so many reality stars with his new-found fame?

Fans remain hopeful that his Sonoma charm will bear the burdens of Hollywood: In an Entertainment Weekly poll 54 percent of respondents said they thought a Flajnik season "could be the least annoying season ever!"

Just over 20 percent said they were "indifferent."