Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery 410 Vineyard Avenue • Pleasanton • CA 94566

The name Casa Real means "House of Royalty", and we have no doubt that you and your guests will feel to the manor born when you arrive at this dramatic property set in the heart of the Livermore Valley Wine Country.

Acres upon acres of vineyards frame the 20,000-square-foot villa. The beautiful Mediterranean-style fountain surrounded by roses is a paparazzi-pleasing backdrop for red carpet arrivals and departures. Enormous hand-carved mahogany doors with wrought-iron hinges open into the jaw-dropping Entrance Hall with its 32-foot ceiling, Italian tile floor and white limestone trim. Three huge chandeliers, plus clerestory windows and artisan-crafted elements like limestone niches, rosettes and medallions lend the space a classical, yet romantic, feel. At the same time, plush couches and chairs accented by warm wood furnishings make it feel like a sophisticated lounge. While this gallery may be fit for rows of marble statues or shining suits of antique armor, you’ll be perfectly happy with a roomful of celebrants, relaxing and mingling in this ultra-comfortable setting.

From this hall, five additional sets of massive mahogany doors lead in other directions. To the east, the similarly trimmed Amber Room with its honey and cocoa accents embraces you in an atmosphere of luxury and intimacy. Large enough for a sizeable indoor ceremony or sit-down gathering, its focal point is a 12-foot hand-carved limestone fireplace before which vows, performances, and spirited toasts are surely in order. The Entrance Hall’s north doors lead to the 9,000-square-foot Grand Salon, ideal for magnificent fêtes and feasts, with its soaring ceiling, mahogany bar, and expansive windows. Twenty massive half-moon chandeliers, star-like pin lights, and sconces around the room’s perimeter vary the mood; the champagne-colored Italian tile floor invites dancing; and handsome mahogany king’s tables suggest banqueting in grand style.

No detail goes unattended in this regal oasis. In addition to the spacious, elegantly appointed restrooms, a posh chamber the size of a small condo (with couch, credenza, standing mirror, private bathroom, and a granite-topped vanity that seats up to four) serves as a lounge for the bride and attendants, or a peaceful semiprivate retreat.

For outdoor ceremonies, cocktails and other activities, the Sun Garden’s terrace, walkways, limestone fountains, and plants provide an idyllic setting. Views of the vineyards and the rolling East Bay hills abound, and a canopy of blue sky caps its protective walls. Within them Valencia orange trees, lavender, white tree roses, and other beautiful blooms share space with lovely trees that border the garden’s central lawn. And don’t forget the historic Ruby Hill Winery right next door—it’s a great spot for wine-tasting.