DESTINATION NAPA VALLEY

Good Morning!  Today we travel to wine country for a look at some beautiful locations for your wedding dreams to come true.  My readers are from all over the world, so maybe this is a destination wedding locale, or maybe these serene and lush venues are in your backyard.  Either way, get ready for a look at some of California's best places to wed.

First stop on our virtual tour today is Meadowood Winery.  With its lush lawns and beautiful trees, this could be a magical place to say your vows.  The accommodations are spectacular and the spa services will keep you and your guests pampered the entire time.  Tour the winery, enjoy the grounds and start your happily ever after in this lovely place.

Next stop, Beringer.  This magnificent venue has so much to offer.  From the grandeur of the Rhine House, with its stained glass and beautiful gardens to the Hudson House, the original home on the property, your wedding will be steeped in history and opulence.  You can wed under the walnut tree, explore the wine caves and learn all about this wonderful place that has been around since the 1800's making wine.  The venue holds up to 120 guests.  And, there is no shortage of hotels, from quaint boutique inns to large hotels.  Some within walking distance to this and other wineries.  This is truly a place that will entertain your guests all weekend and wow them at your nuptials.  

Simi Winery is just plain gorgeous!  Surrounded by towering redwoods, flowing waters and lush grounds, this is a fairy tale location for your wedding.  Their concierge can help you with details including hotels. transportation and all the best local vendors.  And, their chef will prepare a fitting feast for you and your guests, paired with your favorite wines.  Balloon rides, horseback rides and winery tours will fill the weekend with memories that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.

I love Chalk Hill Wines.  Since my days of running fine dining restaurants in Philadelphia, I have been in love with these wines and their label.  So, I had to include them in this tour of ours.  Chalk Hill has it all.  Horses, fishing, walks in the surrounding forests and groves, locally sourced culinary delights and, of course the wines.  What more could you want for your wedding weekend to entertain you and your guests.

The views are glorious- mountains to the east and rivers to the west, gardens, trees and vineyards. Everything you could want or need is here.  And, how breathtaking the wedding pictures will be!

Auberge du Soleil is one of the most picturesque of all of our visits today.  Just look at that view that your guests will be eyeing as they watch your I Do's!  Its spectacular.  This place has everything.  Guest accommodations, spa, the vineyards, incredible views and several event spaces for you to choose from.  Their culinary expertise is above reproach and their service is impeccable.  The venue can accommodate up to 120 guests.  You will be treated to the best amenities around at this beautiful venue and your wedding will be remembered as the best day ever!  So, take a look at Auberge du Soleil as a possibility.

Our last stop today is Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.    Here, you will find majestic views, opulent surroundings, all the finest amenities and a magical space to begin your life together.  Locally sourced menus, a spa to keep you relaxed and a staff ready to answer to your every need.  Event spaces include a lush garden, a pavilion that you can transform into whatever your heart desires, a golf club, or, have the concierge help you to plan for an off site wedding in a vineyard, a wine cave or ruin, private estate or a barrel room.  Whatever you dream can happen here.  

Just a few more mentions, here, as there are too many fabulous stops to make on this tour.  St Helena is loaded with possibilities- Sattui Winery, Beaulieu Winery, Tre Posti and Ledson Winery are all just as special as the ones I featured.  Rustic, Tuscan, Royal, Modern or whatever you envision- it can all be yours for the picking in Napa Valley!  There are countless possibilities.  Hope you enjoyed the tour today.  See you tomorrow for another journey- this one half way back, Chicago.