deLorimier Winery 2001 Highway 128 • Geyserville • CA 95441

A shining example of a boutique winery, deLorimier is also a wonderfully bucolic venue for a romantic garden wedding. Located in the Alexander Valley along the renowned “wine trail,” it’s surrounded by gentle rolling hills planted with Bordeaux varietals.

Neat rows of Cabernet grapevines line the gravel road that leads up to their expansive fountain courtyard where couples often exchange vows. This peaceful locale, enhanced by a sculptural boulder fountain, is nestled between the weathered-wood Barrel Room and the craftsman-style Tasting Room. Seasonal blooms and a graceful red maple add a burst of color to the perimeter. Running the length of the far side, an elaborate arbor covered with lush wisteria stands in front of acres of well-tended vines. In short, it’s a sublime stage for a quintessential Wine Country ceremony.

You may want to linger here for a cocktail hour around the fountain, but most brides invite their guests into the modern Tasting Room. Its polished stone floor, high pitched ceiling and walls of windows provide an open, airy feel. The large center bar acts like a magnet for mingling, while a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and paintings by local artists draw your eye around the entire space. If you’d like to delight the oenophiles in your group, arrange to serve flights of deLorimier’s award-winning Cabs and Meritage.

Your main reception takes place on the back lawn, a wide swath of soft grass that’s bordered by more vineyards and looks out over countryside panoramas. Strings of twinkle lights add sparkle to the festivities, and there’s an ample patio for dancing under the stars. The all-important cake-cutting ceremony becomes even more memorable when presented in the private, glass-enclosed Club Room, which is especially cozy with the fireplace lit on a cool evening.

As the hour gets late and you don’t want the mood to end just yet, you’ll be very happy that you’ve decided to stay for the weekend. (In fact, many couples even stay the night before so they can be relaxed for the big event). deLorimier has two beautifully furnished king suites with pastoral vistas, as well as a three-bedroom farmhouse so you can have out-of-town guests join you … or put them up at nearby inns operated by the winery’s owners. And if you really want to immerse yourselves in the Sonoma Valley vibe, take advantage of the option to host a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch at Soda Rock Winery, The Calderwood Inn, or Grape Leaf Inn.