Planning a fun-filled, yet sophisticated weekend itinerary for your guests is a no-brainer. Jenne Hohn, local Event Planner and Owner of Jenne Hohn Events says about 90 percent of her weddings are destination weddings and shares that “organizing wine country activities for family and friends is one of the best parts of having a wedding in Napa Valley.”

Exploring one of the oldest hand-dug wine caves on a wine tour at Schrumsberg Winery, lounging poolside amidst the back drop of Mount St. Helena or bicycle riding along the Silverado trail create endless possibilities for fun and romance in the valley.

The best venues in Napa Valley are gorgeous wineries and enchanting resorts, perfect for an elopement or small or large weddings. Get ready to pop the cork and discover Napa Valley as the ideal destination for a wine country wedding.

The Carneros Inn, located in the Carneros appellation, perfectly embodies the true nature of the Napa Valley countryside.  A host of charming cottages and luxury suites make up this unique agric-chic destination, incorporating down-to-earth country views of green apple orchards, lush farmland, and vast vineyards with modern, sophisticated interiors. Voted one of the “Top 25 Romantic Getaways in the World” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, the resort boasts three restaurants, bocce courts, a hilltop pool and spa facilities. This luxe property caters to those seeking the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding.

A family owned winery, founded in 1885, is a popular wine tasting destination. However, after hours the winery host gorgeous weddings surrounded by 35 acres of vineyards, large oak trees and beautiful gardens. Usually weddings take place in the private stone patio courtyard, while the reception is inside the candlelit barrel-filled wine cellar. Reminiscent of an old-world wedding, aging aromas of wine fill the air and winery terraces offer picture perfect settings.

Serenely perched in the hills overlooking Rutherford, this pioneering Mecca of relaxation and romance offers the best panoramic views in the valley to recite your vows. Known as the first luxury inn in Napa Valley, Auberge de Soleil shares a name with its restaurant, a culinary destination in and of itself.  La Maison suites dotted along the hillside, the I. Wolk gallery on the grounds, serene spa facilities and pool area complete the idyllic setting. This world-famous “Inn of the Sun” offers intimate revitalization in a context of natural beauty and tasteful luxury unmatched elsewhere.

Keys to Creating a Dream Wine Country Destination Wedding

Edible, local wedding favors allow guests to take a piece of wine country home with them. Customize wine labels for bottles of vino by Comartin Cellars or give-away gourmet gifts such as organic, naturally flavored Round Pond Meyer Lemon Olive Oil, Parmesan Cheese Spread or Hurley Farms homemade Raspberry Jelly.

Open the bottles of champagne for your toasts by saboring them. It is exciting and will impress your guests. Sabering dates back to Napoleon, who was rumored to have used his swords to open bottles of French Champagne to guarantee their win during battles. Purchase a saber at your local wine store or online but make sure that you practice before the big day to keep from hurting yourself or your guests.

Image courtesy of Auberge du Soleil