The Other Wine Country
Filed under Ceremony, Featured, Locations, ReceptionsLivermore and the Tri-Valley
A Little Bit Country: White Crane Winery
Yes, you might actually see a white crane spiraling against the green, vineyard-covered hillsides. That’s how this winery got its name. A symbol of long life in Chinese mythology, the white crane is special, and that’s just how you’ll feel when you plan your event at this vineyard-winery-B&B. From the white clapboard farmhouse winery to the gardens, gazebo, fountain and arbors, this site exudes quiet country charm. And after the event, no need to hurry away. The vintner’s residence is the perfect little roost for the newlyweds and their guests.
Que Syrah, Syrah: Bent Creek Winery
The shiny red ’56 Chevy pickup at the end of Bent Creek’s private drive signals that this is a working vineyard. It’s also a delightfully rustic setting for an outdoor wedding. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the shade of a centuries—old oak, chatting beneath new olive trees, enjoying the mix of music and birdsong on the meadow—like lawn, dining on the winery terrace or admiring the seven-winery view from “the ridge,” you’ll find much to excite you on this handsome spread. Active guests will love strolling through the rows of Syrah grapes. Other folks might prefer a golf cart ride along some of the trails. For a wonderfully relaxed celebration, Bent Creek is a natural.
A Touch of Tuscany: Garré Vineyard & Winery
It’s a little bit like a village—a small one surrounded by grapevines. Although one of the newest wineries in the Livermore Valley, this little gem with its Italian Wine Country style is already drawing a crowd. Maybe it’s because of the restaurant on the premises or the jazz they serve up with the food and the bocce ball. There’s an enormous 6,000-square-foot pavilion for special events and plenty of room outdoors. The Garré Café, modeled after the cafés of old Italy, features tasty Tuscan-style cuisine.
Practically Palatial: Palm Event Center in the Vineyard
You arrive via a graceful, palm-lined approach that leads to an antique-brick winery with a 280-degree vineyard surround highlighted by views of Mt. Hamilton and historic Ruby Hill. Built on a 110-acre California winery estate and fashioned in a size, scale and simplicity that emphasizes the beauty of its vineyard setting, the Palm Event Center is a fabulous place for a party. Its massive redwood doors—constructed of wine barrels aged over 50 years—open onto a Romanesque-style Banquet Hall graced with twenty-foot ceilings, stone colored Italian tile floors and a sleek tan-and-black granite bar. The property also features a magnificent catering kitchen with an all-star staff. An enormous patio and well-manicured lawn are perfect for outdoor ceremonies, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres or after-dinner drinks under the stars.
By Appointment Only: Ruby Hill Golf Club
It all feels so exclusive. This beautiful Clubhouse, sequestered on a hill overlooking a golf course and gated community surrounded by acres of vineyards, might leave you a little awestruck, but you’ll soon find yourself relaxing into its chic ambiance. Much effort has gone into making the clubhouse a showplace: A sweeping staircase leads down to the main dining room with 40-foot ceilings. The lounge features a marble fireplace and granite-topped bar. The expansive arcaded patio overlooks a formal garden, elegant lawns and a stunning oval terrace just right for al fresco ceremonies and receptions.