Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch 738 Main Street • Saint Helena • CA 94574

Consistently ranked one of the top restaurants in Napa Valley, this nirvana for foodies is also an exceptional wedding locale. Their beautifully planted edible gardens and intriguing mix of indoor and outdoor venues make this downtown St. Helena hotspot the ultimate farm-to-table experience.

The verdant property juxtaposes the old with the new: The original Gothic farmhouse is now a general store and tasting bar for their award-winning wines and olive oils, and the restaurant—once a nursery barn—boasts architectural chandeliers made from repurposed antique tractor parts. Copious trees and vegetation offer shade as well as bursts of color, but, with Long Meadow Ranch's commitment to responsible farming, nearly everything that grows here makes its way onto the menu.

Nature is the backdrop for ceremonies at this charming retreat. For a rustic option, exchange vows in the Apple Meadow, a swath of tall grass bordered by sweet apple trees. If you've got a small party, say "I do" in front of Farmstead's graceful walnut tree.

The expansive Lawn, adorned with white roses, rosemary, and espalier apple trees and surrounded by vineyards, is a wonderful spot for a large sit-down dinner or an intimate gathering of friends and family under strands of festive twinkle lights. It also has a canopy-covered stage at one end (another ceremony option!) and is outfitted with a private covered patio that's ideal for a cocktail reception.

One of the highlights of an al fresco reception can be a Live Fire experience, where the chefs spring into action to cook right in front of the guests. Carnivores in your crowd will be impressed at how they can roast an entire pig or lamb to perfection, but vegans take heart—they also grill the salad. Homemade marshmallows and Scharffen Berger chocolate are provided so your friends and family can make their own s'mores as they sit around a bonfire.

If you'd prefer to move indoors, the Barn is sleek and chic with a minimalist aesthetic that includes a polished concrete floor (excellent for music and dancing till midnight!), high ceiling, and exposed overhead grid with mini spotlights. An entire wall of multi-paned glass overlooks the vineyards, plus access to the covered patio creates a nice indoor/outdoor flow. The smaller Potting Shed can serve as your Bridal Suite or a cozy scene for a rehearsal dinner.

Whichever setting you choose, your dining experience is sure to please. Executive Chef Stephen Barber's extensive background in Southern cooking forms the basis for Farmstead's innovative menu that elevates comfort food to the sublime. Fresh, seasonal, Long Meadow Ranch ingredients combined with a team of culinary experts—including a charcuterie specialist—means that long after the bouquet has been tossed you'll still be reminiscing about that great meal.