WEDDING BLOG

For all of you reading in Northern California, or planning (or dreaming about) a wine country wedding, today our illustrious guest blogger is Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events and the Sparkliatti blog. Sasha has years of experience planning spectacular weddings and events in this romantic area of the country, so naturally we turned to her to learn about fabulous new wine country wedding ceremony and wedding reception venues. These venues are simply stunning, and make me want to visit them all! Immediately! Thanks Sasha! Enjoy everyone!

The Calistoga Ranch

A spectacular natural setting, quiet and removed, impeccable service, and a sumptuous mealif these thoughts are becoming a priority as you think about your wedding or special event, then the Calistoga Ranch is the ideal location. Tucked away in a private canyon, Calistoga Ranch combines all the luxuries that Auberge Resorts are known for with the relaxed Napa Valley lifestyle, creating a wonderful theme of food, wine, and romance. A variety of venues are available for ceremonies and receptions, and can be combined together to create the perfect fit for your wedding based on the number of guests, time of day and your vision for your event.

As an Auberge resort, the Calistoga Ranch offers a variety of spaces which lends to its uniqueness. You can be married by the pool, by the lake or in the cave. You can have dinner in the arts and crafts style restaurant or in the cave, and of course you can dance the night away in the cavebasically, the cave is what sells it! While it only hosts up to about 100 people, it makes for a very unique venue for a small number of guests. Lodging here is way above par, boasting amazing rooms with outdoor showers and beautifully appointed wood furnishings. Each room feels like your own home.

In my experience the cave is really unique and is what most people love about the ranch. Aside from that, its a very upscale and exclusive venue which adds to the quality you feel when youre a guest there, and the food is very good and well thought out. The stunning views of the hills, trees and water encompass many of the elements couples are looking for in a ceremony and reception location. What is not to love about such a beautifully appointed venue?

 
Solage

Solage is a one of a kind experience. Its a place where cosmopolitan luxuries take on a comfortable, enlightened attitude. With 89 studio-style accommodations and countless ways to relax, refresh and enjoy, they promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. They’re also able to mix rustic with refined by incorporating organic design with thoughtful service and indulgent amenities.

Solage is also an Auberge Resort, and can accommodate up to 300 guests. There is a large lawn with room for tenting options as well as indoor ballroom spaces which create the indoor/outdoor feeling a lot of couples adore. Solages lodging is fantastic as they offer many small cabana style studios on the property and encourage their guests to ride the provided bicycles into town. Dogs are also welcome at Solage with a special treat and doggie bed during their stay.

I love many things about this property and think the spa is one of the best Ive ever experienced. Their mud bar is great for couples as well as groups. It can even accommodate many bridesmaids all at once. There are not many places in Napa Valley that can accommodate up to 300 guests and have lodging for 180 of them right on site, making it perfect for large destination weddings. I think that the way they incorporate green practices with refined style makes this a one of a kind venue.

 
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

Located in the southern end of the Sonoma Valley, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Winery is a picturesque and elegant place to host a wedding. The Grand Piazza features Italian stonework and five arched windows with a view to the vineyards. The Vineyard Vista overlooks the wetland preserves, other vineyards, distant mountain ranges, and the beautiful Tuscan Road. The Jacuzzi Barrel Room is a chapel-like room that serves as a private event space for up to 150 people and features vaulted ceilings, stunning stained glass windows and three large-scale paintings of St. Teresa.

While many couples dream of having a Wine Country wedding, a lot of wineries are not licensed to host, leaving slim pickings. Jacuzzi Winery is a jewel in the crown of the wine country with its Tuscan inspired style and elegant stonework. Its very close to town and lodging and provides a central location for a destination wedding.

I personally love the Barrel Room. With most wineries offering only outdoor space or a tasting room area for events, Jacuzzi offers the Barrel Room, which is a large and unique environment to host a reception.