Paradise Ridge Winery 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive • Santa Rosa • California 95403

This wonderful family-run winery is nestled on a hillside overlooking the majestic Russian River Valley, just minutes from downtown Santa Rosa in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Its proximity to the city, as well as its 155 acres of spectacular scenery, draws locals who flock here for wine flights and elegant picnics. Wedding parties come to the estate, too, and not just for the view. Owners Walter Byck and the late Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars combined European elements from Marijke's Dutch homeland with a modern agrarian style to create a one-of-a-kind setting for celebrations.

The centerpiece of the winery is a sophisticated and spacious two-story building with a bright loggia and airy tile veranda. Built for special events, it houses the Vineroom, the Nagasawa Cellar (the estate's tasting lounge), and a professional catering kitchen. Guests drive up to the winery through pastures, vineyards, and the unique four-acre "Marijke's Grove" of artwork set among the oaks. The highlight of the Grove—and feature that has become beloved and embraced by all of Santa Rosa—is the iconic two-story-high sculpture of the word LOVE that can be seen from the Winery's covered veranda. Here, family and friends get together before being seated for the ceremony on the Poetry Terrace, a terracotta patio with two bridal stages—and a spectacular wine country vista.

A separate suite is reserved for the bride and her entourage, where they can get ready and sip champagne before the big moment. The bride makes her grand entry through the Vineroom's double doors onto the veranda, and then descends the steps to the Poetry Terrace, which is shaded by colorful crepe myrtle trees. The groom can relax in the Gents’ Lounge and enjoy a beer before making his own entrance from the loggia, because the owners feel it's his special day, too.

After the ceremony, guests mingle on the Poetry Terrace and veranda and enjoy estate-bottled wines, champagne and hors d'oeuvres. As dusk descends, twinkle lights provide a romantic touch. When it's time for the reception, the doors to the Vineroom are opened. An oversized faux fireplace and dramatic Dutch chandelier add charm, and floor-to-ceiling windows capture magnificent sunsets over a vineyard panorama. At night, ambient lighting casts a honeyed glow over the room. If you're hosting a large gala, additional tables can be placed on the wraparound veranda, which shares an indoor/outdoor bar with the Vineroom. Wedding parties usually dance on the Vineroom's dark bamboo floor, but you can also set up a band on the Poetry Terrace or bring the party downstairs to the Nagasawa Cellar, with its bohemian lounge furniture. With the city lights winking in the distance and the moon cresting over the hillside, it's absolutely glorious.

While most couples prefer a sunset wedding during the warmer months, winter weddings here are also lovely. The Nagasawa Cellar is a novel option for an intimate ceremony in front of the grand, reclaimed barrel stave doors. Your caterer, selected from the winery's preferred list, will help you create delicious pairings from the estate's vintages.

At the close of the festivities, friends and family gather in the winery's courtyard patio for a traditional send-off of the newlyweds, whose marriage has been magnificently launched at this sophisticated venue.