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Paradise Ridge Winery

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Why We Like This Place

So sweeping is the view from the western veranda at the Paradise Ridge Winery that a bride can get an inkling of what it’s like to be an eagle, suspended above hillside vineyards and oak groves, gazing for miles over the Russian River Valley. Yet the winery is just minutes from downtown Santa Rosa in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Its proximity to the city, as well as its spectacular scenery, draws locals who flock here for sunset wine tasting on the veranda. Wedding parties come to the 156-acre family-run estate, too, and not just for the view. Owners Walter Byck and the late Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars combined the European traditions of Marijke’s Dutch homeland with their own artistic tastes to create a unique setting for celebrations.

The centerpiece of the winery is a spacious, newly remodeled two-story building whose stucco walls, loggia, and mahogany veranda echo early California architecture. Built for special events, it houses the Vineroom (the estate’s tasting room), the Champagne Cellar, and a professional caterering kitchen. Guests drive up to the winery through pastures, vineyards, and the unique four-acre “Marijke’s Grove” of artwork set among the oaks (also a potential ceremony site). They then gather on the covered veranda before being seated for the ceremony on the Poetry Terrace, a terracotta patio with two bridal stages—and a spectacular wine country vista.

A separate deluxe changing room is reserved for the bride and her entourage, so they can relax and sip champagne before the big moment. The bride makes her grand entry through the Vineroom’s double doors onto the veranda, and then descends eight steps to the Poetry Terrace, which is shaded by colorful crepe myrtle trees. The groom makes his own entrance from the loggia, because the owners feel it’s his special day, too.

After the ceremony, guests mingle on the Poetry Terrace and enjoy estate-bottled wines, champagne and hors d’oeuvres. As dusk descends, twinkle lights add a romantic touch. When it’s time for the reception, the doors to the Vineroom are thrown open. An oversized wood-burning fireplace and dramatic Italian chandeliers evoke Old World charm, and floor-to-ceiling windows capture magnificent sunsets over a vineyard panorama. At night, ambient lighting casts a honeyed glow over the room. If you’re hosting a large gala, additional tables can be placed on the wraparound veranda, which shares an indoor/outdoor bar with the Vineroom. Wedding parties usually dance on the Vineroom’s oak floor, but you can also set up a band on the Poetry Terrace. With the city lights winking in the distance and the moon cresting over the hillside, it’s absolutely glorious.

While most couples prefer a sunset wedding during the warmer months, winter weddings here are also lovely. The Champagne Cellar is a novel option for an intimate ceremony in front of the grand, wood-burning fireplace. Your caterer, selected from the winery’s preferred list, will help you create delicious pairings from the estate’s vintages.

At the close of the festivities, friends and family gather in the winery’s European-style courtyard for a traditional send-off of the newlyweds, whose marriage has been magnificently launched at this sophisticated venue. 

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 175 Max. Seated Outdoors: 250	Max. Seated Indoors: 250 Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 Max. Standing Indoors: 250 Max. Standing Outdoors: 250	Max. Seated: 250
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Poetry Terrace holds 250 seated; the Champagne Cellar, 175. EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The winery holds 250 seated or 250 standing guests indoors, and 110–250 seated or 250 standing outdoors. MEETING CAPACITY: Several spaces accommodate 40–250 seated guests.

Fees & Deposits

Half of the rental fee is required to confirm your date. The rental balance is due 4 months prior to the event; a beverage deposit and a refundable $500 security deposit are due 30 days prior. The rental fee ranges $3,500–9,500 depending on guest count, day of the week and time of year. Wine, champagne and beer are charged on consumption, with the estimated total payable 30 days in advance. In January, February and March the winery offers 50% off the facility fee. For business meetings or seminars on other days, the rental fee varies depending on guest count, day of week and time of day. Weekday minimums start at $700, call for details.

Availability

Year-round, daily. Special events and business functions, 8am–1am.

Catering Choose From List Alcohol Provided Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/Amenities Catering: select from list Kitchen Facilities: fully equipped Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer and winery Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: wood floor/terrace Bride’s Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: podium, microphone, audio system, screen Parking: ample on site, complimentary Accommodations: no guest rooms Telephone: courtesy phone Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: caterer and facility View: vineyards and Russian River Valley, panoramic west-facing sunset views

Amplified Music Indoors Outdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Fountain/Water Feature Garden Patio/Courtyard Hills Panoramic Valley Vineyards Venue Type Banquet Hall/Events Facility Conference Center Winery Restrictions Alcohol: wine, beer and champagne provided Smoking: designated area outdoors Music: amplified OK with volume limits, outside until 10:30pm Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: additional liability required Other: no confetti, glitter, rice, birdseed, fresh flower petals or bubbles; children must be supervised

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