Weddings have evolved into a weekend experience (as opposed to just the wedding), especially in Wine Country where many guests are traveling from all over for the country. This lends itself to turning a wedding into more of an experience and mini vacation. We wanted to highlight some of our favorite locations for these other wedding related events such as your rehearsal dinner, Sunday brunch or welcome reception. These Top 10 rehearsal and brunch venues will be sure to impress your guests.
Whetstone Wine Cellars (Napa) This romantic, historic Chateau will transport you to another century. The cozy tasting room with wood burning fireplace, the sprawling vines climbing the building, and the stunning event lawn, is the reason this property makes our list, not to mention the absolutely delicious wine! This location is perfect for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and even the main event, the wedding!
Farmstead (St Helena) This casual, garden style venue is perfect for a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or day after brunch. Their delicious menu offers authentic farm to table dining in a fun environment with both indoor and outdoor options. Farmstead is a great option for large groups as well as it can accommodate 150+ people.
Tra Vigne (St Helena) The adorable outside terrace of Tra Vigne is an amazing, romanctic setting for a welcome party or rehearsal dinner. The sweet ambiance created by the bistro lighting, vines climbing the building, and Italian inspired design is one of my all time favorite wine country stops to eat. The made to order Fresh Mozzarella appetizer is reason enough alone to host an event here, let alone the rest of the delicious menu and local wines.
Clif Family Winery (St Helena) Right off the main Hwy 29 in St Helena is the Clif Family Winery. This family run winery is perfect for a casual welcome party or rehearsal dinner. They have their own food truck with delectable bites and not to mention their fabulous wine. Their cute patio is the perfect place for a Welcome Party and to begin guests on their wine country experience.
Brix (Yountville) Awesome food, sweeping Napa Valley views, on site garden, and convenient location are all the reasons Brix made our list. The outdoor garden set amongst the vineyards would be the perfect setting for your guests to truly feel like they are Wine Country. The ability to host welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, brunches, and even weddings, makes this a a must on your wedding weekend.
El Dorado Kitchen (Sonoma) Set on the Sonoma Square and with a little less hustle and bustle than Napa, El Dorado Kitchen is sure to not disappoint. Their fabulous menu provides quintessential California cuisine and is a great location for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, or day after brunches. Not to mention is attached to the El Dorado Hotel so it is a great place for those needing overnight accommodations while in Sonoma.
V Wine Cellar (Yountville) This intimate Wine Cellar located in the V Marketplace in the heart of Yountville is an amazing venue for a welcome cocktail party or rehearsal dinner. The plush lounge seating, friendly wine service staff, and amazing food by Chef Kevin Miller, will be sure to provide your guests with a fabulous wine themed experience.
Groezinger Estate (Yountville) The Groezinger Estate is also run by the Villagio the same as the V Wine Cellar. The same great food and service is available at the Groezinger Estate but this space has the option to hold day after brunches in addition to Welcome parties or rehearsal dinners. This space is also able to accommodate larger groups with it’s historic estate house charm and large event lawn and patio is a wonderful place to get your guests together. Not to mention the two very convenient hotels Villagio Inn and Spa and Vintage Inn, that are both less than a two minute walk from the venue.
Aventine (Glen Ellen) Previously a Mill, this charming restaurant has sprawling patios overlooking the creek along with an inviting, Italian inspired interior. This fabulous Sonoma County restaurant is one of our favorites for a Welcome Party or rehearsal dinner, or even an after wedding party. They are able to host your guests until 2am if you are not ready for the night to end after your wedding!
General’s Daughter (Sonoma) Another charming Sonoma property is General’s Daughter. This historic Victorian home was once General Vallejo’s daughters’ home, hence the name. It is such a comfortable place to host to your guests and makes everyone feel like that they are at a friend’s home. With an adorable interior and inviting patio with a fireplace makes this one of our favorite Sonoma venues for a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, day after brunch, or any other event you can imagine!
*Images photographed by Leila Brewster Photography
