Vine Hill House at O'Connell Vineyards 3601 Vine Hill Road • Sebastopol • California 95472

It takes practically no time at all for Vine Hill House to rejuvenate the flagging spirit and lower the blood pressure of anyone beleaguered by city stresses. As you head through the Russian River Valley on a picturesque two-lane, country highway, and up the hill through apple orchards and vineyards, you can't help but wonder what awaits you. By the time you've reached the house and gardens, the fragrant air and country quiet have already begun to smooth your rough edges.

Enter through a small gate to the left of the house and into the garden, and any remaining tenseness melts away. What you see before you is a landscape of uncommon beauty. Set on a slight rise, the garden has an almost 360-degree view of the surrounding hills, covered with apple orchards and row upon perfect row of premium-quality grapevines. You can see distant Mount St. Helena to the north and the coastal mountain range stretching south.

Fortunately for you, this breathtaking setting can be the backdrop for your celebration. You won't need much in the way of decoration, since nature's already done such a great job. And what nature hasn't done, owners Dan and Jan O'Connell have. The handsomely landscaped grounds are tidy and well-groomed: One part of the garden is covered with plush lawns bordered by flowerbeds, densely planted with brightly-hued blooms; another section is planted with a small grove of firs, redwoods, oaks, and madrones.

Weddings in this little bit of heaven are particularly sweet. The bride makes her entrance either from the guest house or through the entry gate, and walks along the garden path to a peaceful ceremonial lawn. Seated guests have the dual pleasure of watching the ceremony and taking in the spectacular view. For receptions, the manicured lawn is turned into an al fresco dining room, filled with linen-clad tables shaded by market umbrellas. No matter where you sit, you're treated to an eyeful of rolling hills, vineyards, and endless sky. Later on, dance under stars and stately oak and redwood trees. And if the weather becomes uncooperative, tents or canopies can be arranged so that you don't have to worry about the elements.

Vine Hill House sits in the center of the gardens, and is a real charmer. Built in the late 1800s, the house was originally a two-story stagecoach stop, located further down the hill. Restored as a classic single-story, 1920s-style cottage around 90 years ago, it was relocated up the hill in 1957 to its present-day setting. The updated, fully furnished house has a large sunny kitchen, living room, a large bedroom suite, a spacious lounge room, and two full bathrooms.
Each sunlit room has windows overlooking gardens, vineyards, or orchards. During events the bridal party has exclusive use of the guest house to get ready, or to just relax. The house and gardens are also great for corporate meetings, picnics, nonprofit events, company seminars, or retreats.

This is a place where you and your guests can slow down, relax and take in the changing landscape: blossoming apple trees and fields of mustard flowers in the spring; warm breezes and the sounds of frogs and crickets in summer; a blaze of color and the excitement of the annual harvest and crush in the fall.