If you’re hosting your wedding day in the heart of Wine Country, you already know what a breathtaking and romantic destination the Napa Valley is. Does it get any better than sunsets across the vineyard, rolling hills and resorts out of a Hollywood movie? We think not.
The only challenge really is deciding on locations for all your wedding’s special events, particularly your wedding rehearsal dinner. And that’s with good reasons. The valley boasts over 400 wineries, not to mention countless resorts, restaurants and event spaces. Here are a few of our favorites; our choices to consider when you’re searching for a picture perfect Napa Valley rehearsal dinner spot that you and your guests can make memories at.
HALL Wines
Atmosphere: Located at historic Bergfeld Vineyard, the St. Helena location features a 33-acre property with options to celebrate outdoors on the great lawn or indoors, which includes the lavish Founder’s Cellar and private gallery. The Rutherford location’s private event space, the Chandelier Room, a wine cellar complete with a jaw-dropping “Chilean Red” grapevine chandelier awash with over 1,500 Swarovski crystals.
What makes it special: The Rutherford location is appointment-only and located at the world-renowned Sacrashe Vineyard.
Address: 401 St. Helena Highway, South St. Helena, CA 94574
Depot Hotel Restaurant Sonoma
Food: Italian/Fresh Seafood. The onsite restaurant offers a wide menu of California riffs on Italian classics.
Atmosphere: Modeled after a Tuscan villa, with gold stucco walls, outdoor fireplace and flowing fountains, the bright and airy garden is a favorite locale for wedding parties.
What makes it special: A popular wedding destination, the hotel features all inclusive packages for as small as 20 guests to up to 150.
Rehearsal dinner details: Multiple indoor and outdoor settings include the Pergola Terrace, Fountain Room and Garden Dining Room. Our favorite is the Pool Terrace for a beautiful cocktail reception.
Address: 241 1st St. West Sonoma, CA 95476
Goose and Gander – St Helena
Food: Rustic American. The location’s private farm garden yield’s the freshest seasonal ingredients featured across their menu and inventive cocktails.
Atmosphere: Outdoor terrace perfect for cocktail reception, indoor dining room great for larger groups.
What makes it special: You don’t need to visit a vineyard for an amazing wine selection in Napa. Here, an award-winning wine list pairs with the seasonally-driven chef’s menu and retro cocktails.
Address: 1245 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
SingleThread – Healdsburg
Food: Three Michelin star rated chef and farmer husband and wife team bring an inventive menu and wine list to guests.
Atmosphere: Rich wood-paneled walls, upholstered seating and an Asian-inspired California flair brings an opulence to the location’s rustic farm motif.
What makes it special: Part of the exclusive international Relais and Chateaux collection of hotels and restaurants. Stay at the on-site inn which features five state-of-the-art guest rooms each with heated floors and soaking tubs.
Rehearsal dinner details: For a small group seeking a luxury dining experience, enjoy a custom curated 11-course tasting menu that includes a champagne toast on the rooftop terrace overlooking Healdsburg Square. Along with full buyout options, the location also offers a semi-private dining room for groups up to 16.
Address: 131 North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Clos Pegase Winery – Calistoga
Food: International fare including African, Mexican, French, Fusion
Atmosphere: Panoramic views of vineyards and forests, classic winery atmosphere with a touch of Old World charm.
What makes it special: You’re dining in a wine cave, in a volcanic knoll… need we say more?
Rehearsal dinner details: Both private and semi-private, indoors and outdoor rehearsal dinner locations, with capacity options for over 200 guests.
Address: 1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
Seven Branches Venue and Inn – Sonoma
Food: American locally-sourced farm-to-table
Atmosphere: Botanical, open, airy treat-like aesthetic
What makes it special: Blocks away from Sonoma’s town square, the space is intentionally designed for rest and relaxation.
Rehearsal dinner details: The indoor ballroom and outdoor courtyard are both private event locations and can hold over 100 people each.
Address: 450 West Spain Street, Sonoma, CA 95476
Inglenook – Rutherford
Food: Fusion of California and Mediterranean farm-to-table
Atmosphere: Historic vineyard with a vivid story of wine-growing tradition and tours that includes ownership by Francis Ford Coppola.
What makes it special: Celebrate in the same space, the Chateau’s Refectory, where Coppola held his 80th birthday party. It features a cozy domed-ceiling awash with the glow of hand-cut crystal chandeliers, creating the atmosphere of a medieval monastery.
Rehearsal dinner details: Choose from a variety of jaw-dropping spaces including the Chateau’s South Barrel Room which provides an intimate dining setting with small tables surrounded by large oak barrels. The Courtyard’s Fountain space includes a gorgeous water feature lined with London Plane trees topped with a natural foliage canopy.
Address:1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
As you can see, there’s a diverse array of options to choose from for your Napa Valley rehearsal dinner. Each will give you the chance to savor special time with your closest friends and family. To enhance the celebration, be sure to sign up for Guestie, create a guest gallery and enjoy the fun and connectedness that comes with bringing all your circles together.
