Five Things To Know When Planning a Napa Valley Wedding
With post pandemic life returning to a new normal, we're seeing many couples considering estates or vineyards for their outdoor weddings in Napa Valley. The gorgeous estates of wine country offer plenty of beauty and the outdoor aspect provides plenty of breathing room and connection with the outdoors.
The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are also conveniently located within 1.5 hours of San Francisco. Add Michelin star restaurants, spas for pampering, world-class wine and 3 international airports within 65 miles and you've got a prime location for a bespoke destination wedding. There is plenty to know about getting married in the Napa Valley. Here are 5 things I think you should know when planning a Napa Valley wedding.
1. PREPARE TO BUILD IT FROM THE GROUND UP
What makes planning weddings at Napa and Sonoma Valley estates and vineyards so special is also the thing that makes them challenging to produce. These environments do not come with the creature comforts that a traditional venue offers, so hosting an event at this type of property also means building necessary infrastructure.
From tents to lights to restrooms, bathrooms to tables, chairs and every fork, knife & spoon, be prepared to bring in all the essentials and build your event from the ground up. Proper infrastructure is going to be critical to guest comfort and to pulling off a successful event. Liken it to building a "pop-up" restaurant for one fabulous night of celebration.
Because of the investment. complexity, and logistics dictated by these conditions, most properties require that you hire a wedding planner and a team of professional vendors to ensure a successful outcome. In the same way you'd need a contractor to build a house, you will need a professional planner with expertise in estate or offsite events to create your wedding environment. Producing such events is a skill that takes years of experience; we've spent 20 years transforming raw spaces into magical evenings.
2. CHECK HOTEL & VACATION RENTAL AVAILABILITY
Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country is one of the top spots for destination weddings but it's also a world class destination for food and wine lovers. When many of us were locked down at home, luxury travelers headed to wine country's wide open spaces to shelter. So hotel rooms and vacation rentals are in high demand and they come at a premium. Make sure you have checked lodging availability before you lock down a venue. Some rates will be eye opening but there are affordable options out there. Seeking the help of a local wedding planner to identify best options is recommended.
3. GET INTO THE SPIRITS
Think you're just limited to wine and beer? Wine Country doesn't mean you'll have to forgo spirits. It's true that many wineries are limited to wine and beer due to tasting room permit
requirements, but there are are plenty of amazing spots in the area that allow liquor. All of the hotel venues in Wine Country generally have a full liquor licenses. Among the better known options are the sparkling new Stanly Ranch Resort, the Four Seasons Napa Valley, Solage Calistoga and Auberge du Soleil. If you choose to go with a private estate you must be sure that you've hired a caterer that is licensed and insured to serve hard alcohol. Among one of the more well known private estate options is the beautiful Beaulieu Gardens whose exclusive caterer, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering is one of the premier caterers in Wine Country and provides amazing culinary and beverage options.
4. SEASONS OF LOVE
California may conjure up images of tank tops and flip flops but in Northern California we have winter too. So if you're coming to be married amidst the lush green vineyards plan for May to October because otherwise you might just be exchanging vows next to bare and brown dormant grapevines. Bud break usually happens in late March or April but the vines aren't lush until early May.
Other important weather considerations? Late June, July and August can be very hot but you will be rewarded with warm evenings. If you aren't deep into the summer, the days may be glorious but nights will be chilly. Best times for weddings (in my opinion) are late May, June, September and early October. You are very likely to need heaters or an indoor option early in May or late in October. As at any outdoor wedding, Napa Valley weddings should always have a weather contingency plan for unexpected weather patterns that bring Spring or Fall rain or intense heat.
5. GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN WINE COUNTRY
Napa Valley is the most recognizable region in Wine Country but there are several other areas nearby you may not have thought of that are also great spots for a special event. For something a little more refined and epicurean - the Napa Valley towns of St. Helena, Rutherford, Yountville might indeed be your place. But if a laid back, ranch vibe is more your style, the Valley of the Moon's towns of Sonoma, Glen Ellen and Kenwood could be the perfect fit. Maybe you'd like a bit from both those worlds? Healdsburg is a charming town near the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys that offers upscale restaurants and hotels and the country feel of Sonoma. For those looking for country charm, you may look even further North to the towns of Boonville and Philo in Anderson Valley. There are many, many location options but they aren't easily found online - this is one place where you need someone with relationships to open doors. If your budget allows, consider enlisting the help of a wedding planner and explore beyond the obvious... there are gems at every turn in Wine Country.