How about having your wedding at a winery?
By Adrian Cavlan
We are so very fortunate to live in one of the world’s great wine-producing regions! The Wine Institute states that there are at least 107 American Viticultural Areas (federally recognized growing regions) in California, with wine-type grapes growing in 46 of California's 58 counties and covering 522,000 acres.
Of course with wine comes wineries. Some are just working affairs that simply produce wine - wine factories, if you will, but the ones that have all the lore and charm attached to them are the great Chateaus of our region, where wine and winemaking is a lifestyle to be savored and shared, just like the wine itself! These places are usually in beautiful, rustic settings that have a most beautiful sense of peace and harmony with nature, and as such, they are places that lovers of wine and wine culture love to spend special times.
Wineries are one of the best places you can host a wedding! Here is some good insight as to why:
Candace Henne from Regale Winery & Vineyards puts it beautifully: “The best thing about having a wedding at a winery is the unforgettable setting that the vines naturally provide. Vibrant green rows of Pinot Noir are the perfect colorful compliment to any bride in her white gown. There seems to be a similarity in our anticipation to get that first glimpse of the bride as we would anticipate what that year’s harvest will bring. There is an excitement for the future, and wine is celebration in liquid form. “
“Having an intimate spot for your special day is exactly why wineries are a great spot to celebrate your love with friends and family. Being in a beautiful setting that can offer redwoods, mountains, coastal air, vineyards, and privacy is the premise of a perfect day and destination for your wedding. Wineries offer unique options for brides and grooms to make it a special day to remember,” offers Taylor Reeves of Partage Winery in Ben Lomond.
And Neen Martelino, from Testarossa Vineyards in Los Gatos, tends to agree: “When you envision the defining day for you and your partner to embark on the first step in your lives together, key words that come to mind are, elegance, charm, and celebration. The question becomes where to create these memories? Wineries are the perfect setting for breathtaking views and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Let’s take a few minutes now to learn about some of our favorite local options!
Clos La Chance - San Martin, CA
Clos LaChance is a family owned and operated winery located just 30 minutes south of San Jose, CA. Weddings here are a true winery experience—imagine walking down the aisle on a lush green lawn completely surrounded by 100 acres of vineyards and golden rolling hillsides. It is a stunning backdrop for ceremonies of all faiths. Cocktail hour is held in the festive Mulberry Grove, with guests mingling within an arm’s reach of the vines. Dinner and Clos LaChance’s hand-crafted wines are served on the Terrace, surrounded by views and beautiful gardens. Conclude the evening with dancing in the elegant Grand Salon with family and friends.
Clos LaChance is a unique site, elegant yet quietly informal—the perfect place for a memorable event.
Testarossa Vineyards - Los Gatos, CA
Testarossa Winery offers all the elegance, charm, and amenities you are looking for when planning your special day. Our historic setting nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains is ideal for celebrating with family and friends. Our garden patio with its forested backdrop is an unforgettable canvas for guest arrival and wine reception or outdoor ceremony. Just steps from the patio is our impressive wine cave, perfect for an enchanting indoor ceremony. Captivate your guests with our delectable, award-winning wines and cuisine created by our team of culinary artists. Our experienced team provides professional services in all aspects of your event and will assist you throughout the planning process to ensure your dream wedding is executed in perfect detail.
Kirigin Cellars - Gilroy, CA
Professional coordinators. Great vendors. Wonderful staff. These ingredients make Kirigin Cellars the perfect place to celebrate your special day. Whatever you dream up. Kirigin can make your dream come true!
The Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA
Couples looking for an intimate and beautiful venue for their wedding will find that a winery wedding is sure to appeal to their taste. The Mountain Winery, a hidden gem located in Saratoga, overlooks Silicon Valley. Its breathtaking views and elegant atmosphere coupled with the vibrancy of its natural surroundings are sure to fulfill your wedding desires.
The Mountain Winery and its beauty have withstood the test of time since opening in 1958. With years of iconic individuals stepping foot onto its property, the history of this winery makes it that much more appealing for couples wanting to have a venue with its own story to tell. Different areas of the property have their own picturesque personality. Only minutes away, but worlds apart, The Mountain Winery is the picture-perfect venue to have the wedding of your dreams.
Regale Vineyards - Los Gatos, CA
Regale Winery is truly a unique, exclusive wedding venue designed to reflect the old wineries in Italy and France, but located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Imagine saying your “I Dos” in an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by lush greenery, trellised grape vines, stone fountains, and a view of the rolling Santa Cruz mountains. The patio offers a gorgeous outdoor dining space complete with market lights, and a luxurious reclaimed wood barn backdrop. For a romantic and welcoming indoor affair, the second floor dining room features a vaulted travertine ceiling, Italian fresco paintings, Venetian plaster, and ornate fireplaces. Couples can end the evening with dancing in our spacious Cask Room against a backdrop of wine barrels.
Partage Winery - Ben Lomond, CA
Partage Winery is a boutique family owned and operated Santa Cruz, California Wine Label. Partage means "to share" in French, which is the meaning behind our story because our wine is to share with family and friends. Our French Chateau lies within the Santa Cruz Mountains above the quaint village of Ben Lomond. The estate offers a combination of redwoods, sunshine, seclusion without isolation, and a magical spot to host your fairytale wedding.
