Murrieta's Well 3005 Mines Road • Livermore • California 94550

"Romantic" is the word that is sure to come to mind when you first set eyes on this heavenly wine estate, tucked away in a pastoral fold of picturesque Livermore Valley. Named for the artesian well where Joaquin Murrieta (the notorious Robin Hood of El Dorado) and his band of desperados purportedly watered their horses, this history-rich property is just the place for a memorable event.

Your festivities can begin and/or end on the graceful Vineyard Terrace. A visual delight, it's artistically and fragrantly framed in native California plantings and bright bursts of blooms—red and white tree roses, hanging flowers, and colorful flowerbeds—and by the surrounding vineyard that's the source of the property's handcrafted wines. This sweeping outdoor venue, with broad patios and lawns, is ideal for a wedding ceremony, reception, or almost any event. Here, you can celebrate California style—under a canopy of brilliant blue or a sky full of stars—or tent the space if you desire.

For a show-stopping entrance and tasteful transition, use the mosaic staircase accented with antique Spanish tiles that descends, via an artfully planted hillside, from the upper deck lounge to the Vineyard Terrace. It overlooks Murrieta's fountain—and it's a red-carpet-caliber stop for photos.

The enchanting, centuries-old winery building, with its huge double doors and second-story balcony, provides a striking backdrop, whether you're dining and dancing on the Terrace and lawns … or inside in the appropriately named Barrel Room. This rustic, yet refined, space features heavy wood beams and pillars, a high ceiling, natural stone walls, and ancient wine barrels, all of which create a dramatic ambiance. A series of glittering chandeliers and gilt-framed mirrors lend a bit of glamour, and you can add twinkling lights and vines wrapped around the wooden pillars for a theatrical touch, transporting your guests to another place and time. In fact, even the simplest additions—white-clad tables, glassware and cutlery, elegant arrangements of flowers—look remarkable in this room.

At the back of the Barrel Room, a staircase leads up to the broad tasting room foyer where a wide breezeway gives guests a private place to take a breather from all the excitement. This comfortable, nicely appointed outdoor lounge also makes a great spot for the bride and her entourage to relax before the wedding. Meanwhile, Murrieta's award-winning restaurant and events catering staff (set up out of sight on the second floor) whisk up and down the stairs with their perfect, mouthwatering pairings of fabulous food and estate-produced wines.

Murrieta's Well is carrying on a tradition of growing grapes and making wine that began back in the 1800s. When you host your event at this estate, you'll enjoy a taste of its storied past and an authentic wine country experience.