Wine Country Weddings: April 2008

A Beautiful Day...

Laura & Matt

: Wedding at Viansa Winery

Getting married in Sonoma County or Napa Valley...

This blog is an extensive guide to locations, caterers, musicians, florists, bakeries, accommodations, etc. An all-in-one guide to planning your wedding in Sonoma /Napa.

How to choose your photographer:

http://www.lizaweddings.com

What time of day is best for photos?

Just before sunset to the first half hour after (called Civil Twilight) are the most ideal times for beautiful photographs. The worst time is actually in the middle of the day with full sun. it might not be the best for a wedding to happen in the rain, but rain makes beautiful photographs!

Where to stay? Where to eat and play while you and your guests are in the area?

Read the Wine Country Wedding blog for suggestions of the best Wineries, Restaurants, Things to see and do, Limos/Transportation, Golf spots, Rental homes, and more.

Calistoga

Sleep:

Solage

Solage is an Auberge property situated just outside of Calistoga's main street on the Silverado Trail. Auberge has an amazing pool and spa and a beautiful bar area with fantastic libations and a swanky outside lounge feel. Heat lamps line the patio as travelers relax on sofas overlooking an infinity fountain divided by a central flame. The burger and the lettuce wraps are the best bet for lighter fair.

Calistoga Ranch

Another Auberge property, the Calistoga Ranch is best known for its indoor/outdoor space, a 46 room luxury resort nestled into a canyon on 157 private acres. Just outside of Calistoga, you can relax in serenity and treat yourself to a day at the Spa, even if you are sleeping elsewhere.

Eat:

Flat Iron Grill - Tasty, casual and comfy. A steak house with a Napa Valley menu; this means the freshest ingredients, seasonal choices and a locals wine list.

Brannan's Grill -

Calistoga, Brannan's offers serious meals for serious wine lovers. Fantastic steaks and fish, locals and tourists both eat hear and enjoy the eclectic sounds of the xylophone on weekends. A good spot for a cocktail too.

Solage - If you are indoors, or out, you are sure to experience the Wine Country lifestyle at its best here at one of the many Auberge resorts. The SolBar is the swankiest spot in town and offers Bocce, a beautiful outdoor patio with sofas and heat lamps, and a view of the wine scene. You can often spot local celebrities dining at the restaurant, and posh guests abound.

Bar Vino - A post-modern decor, this ultra lounge a la wine bar has a tasty menu and a perfect view of the main street.

The Calistoga Inn- A perfect combination of locals and tourists enjoy the outdoor dining on warm summer nights. Live music, and a bar next door. The Calistoga Inn is a quintessential small-town Inn with a regular clientele. Rumor has it that if you are really lucky you might even catch a glimpse of 'ol Bob Redford himself.

Boskos Trattoria- Great Italian food and Pizza, Wine Country casual atmosphere, friendly wait staff; a local favorite for a warm winter night. Everything is freshly made in-house.

Pacifico's- If you want to feel like you have already begun your vacation in Mexico, Pacifico's is the perfect place. The food is fantastic and fills your mouth with all of the flavors of Mexican cuisine. Weekends, you can enjoy a live Mariacci band and a margarita at Happy Hour.

Nightlife:

The Calistoga Inn- live music nightly. mixed locals and tourists

Susie's bar - a local dive equipped with a jute box and everything you need for an after party. open late

Sol Bar at Solage- swanky outdoor/indoor space. great drinks.

Shop:

The Man's Store- Everything you need to create your outdoor life

Wineries:

Calistoga Cellars Tasting Room

on Lincoln Ave, this beautifully decorated spot has a gallery space featuring Napa Valley exhibits, nice wine and a cosy little patio out back. It is a perfect spot to relax with friends for an afternoon.

Castillo de Amorosi
Yes, Calisotga does have a castle. Brought over from Europe in pieces, this remnant of days gone by, with towers and a dungeon, is a fascinating stop in the Valley. Reservations reccommended.

See/do:

Mud Baths

Spas:
www.goldenhaven.com

Solage

Calistoga Ranch

The Calistoga Geyser- Not quite as exciting as Yellowstone, but seeing water spurt out of the ground is still pretty amazing for at least a few minutes. They even have a petting zoo.

Safari West Wildlife Park - A 400 acre wildlife preserve inhabited by giraffes, zebras, and a zillion other creatures from East and South Africa. Great for families. Reservations recommended for the 3 hour Jeep Safari tour. Stay the night in an authentic Safari tent for some added excitement.

Coming Soon:

Hot air balloon rides

Safari West

Healdsburg

Sleep:

Madrona Mannor-one of the most beautiful wedding spots, this former residence brings elegance back to the turn of the century with its classic gables and romantic views.

Eat:

Ravenous - Delicious. This local eatery has everything you need for a night of culinary pleasure. Set in a charming house, Ravenous has come a long way from its modest beginnings with three tables. Always busy, get a seat early and be surprised by how good the food is.

Cyress -Elegant. This two-star Micheline stop is becoming the French Laundry of Sonoma County. Thank goodness you can still get a table, if you call in advance.

Zin -Fun atmosphere. Open kitchen, great for groups. Local favorites with a Wine Country twist

Healdsburg Creamery- the best home-made breads, cakes, and pastries. get them while they are warm.

The Charcuterie - Amazing soups, and gourmet sandwiches. This is a favorite. You will always find a full house in this cosy french kitchen located on the square.

Nightlife:

John and Zeeks - a local favorite. Pool table, air hockey, you get the picture. Try the Racer 5 beer on tap from the local brewery.

The B & B - a dive among dives. Great to get a sense of the real after-hours local scene.

Cyrus - upscale bar with the best Mixologist in the North Bay. he mingles flavors from the East and West in tantalizing flavors from local, seasonal fruits and creates ingenious libations.

Shop:

Clutch - a purse lover's dream. Owned by Carol Mork, Clutch is what every woman dreams of. Sarah Jessica Parker, you might have your shoes, but come visit Clutch.

Wineries:

See/do:

People watch in the Plaza on a bench under a tree.

Canoe down the Russian River. Burke's Canoe Trips leave from Guerneville daily Memorial day to Labor Day.

Sebastopol

Eat:

Mom's Apple Pie- Yes, there really is a Mom, and wow- she knows how to make pie. A local favorite, Mom's has mouthwatering pies by the slice, or in the whole round, and despite its popularity, it still feels like a mom and pop spot.

Kozloski's Farms - the best jams and turn-overs around. Quaint isn't even sufficient. Picnic here, or buy some treats to go.

Nightlife:

Main Street- Another local dive, the Main Street pub offers a fun, lively atmosphere.

Shop:

Wineries:

See/do:

Santa Rosa

Sleep:

Eat:

Zazu- Go on a Tuesday and get the wood oven Pizza special. You will not regret it!

Mary's Pizza- a local family favorite. Warm bread sticks melt into your dreams.

Rosso

Arigonie's

Cafe St. Rose

Italian Affair

Kabob & Curry House

Lepe's Taqueria

Nightlife:

Upper 4th

Wine Spectrum

Shop:

The Santa Rosa Plaza has stores like Macy's, Banana Republic, and Victoria Secret in case you left something behind.

See/do:

The Charles Schultz Museum

The Snoopy Ice Arena

Howarth Park & Spring Lake - picnic, rent boats on Lake Ralphine, play tennis, go for a hike on one of the many trails that connect you to Annadel State Park

Windsor

Sleep:

Eat:

Nightlife:

Shop:

See/do:

St. Helena

Yountville

Petaluma

Cotati

Kenwood

Sonoma