Posted on Wed, Apr. 23, 2008

A winery can be a beautiful place to celebrate your special day. Here’s what to keep in mind before booking your venue:

Climate: Temperatures in inland wine areas can vary greatly, reaching over 100 degrees on summer days and then becoming chilly in the evenings. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, check out the venue for shade during the daytime, and ask your winery to provide space heaters for the evening. Don’t forget to remind guests to dress appropriately.

Space requirements: Some wineries are large and can accommodate any number of guests, but many are small and have a limited capacity. Have a general idea of how many people will be attending your wedding before you book a venue.

Extra rentals: Many wineries have only one restroom, located in the tasting room, and may require you to rent additional toilets for your event. Most portable toilets these days are very nice and the winery can refer you to a good vendor. Parking may also be an issue. Some wineries ask that you hire a parking service to valet the cars to a specified parking area.

Event timing: Ultimately, a winery’s business is about the tasting room. As a result, some wineries only allow you to marry after their tasting room closes. Others allow you to have your wedding at any time during the day but leave their tasting room open. Have a general idea of what time you would like your wedding to occur. If it is a day event, ask yourself if you mind that visiting wine-tasters that might be looking in on your event.

Special liquor requirements: Most wineries do not have a hard-liquor license, so if you are looking to serve alcohol at your wedding, be prepared for wine and beer only. Generally, you have to buy a certain number of cases from the winery to serve at the event. An exception may be champagne. If the winery does not produce it, they will likely let you bring it in from another source. Many wineries also allow beer, but check on the requirements for bottles versus kegs.

Open flame: Wineries are highly susceptible to fire. If your dream is to have a romantic reception lit only by candles, make sure to ask if the winery allows open flames.