Traveling north up Highway 29 through the middle of Napa Valley, you’ll come to the hamlet of Rutherford and very nearby is a gem of a venue called Beaulieu Garden.  It is a private estate, so you’ll not see touristy signs pointing the direction, which is the way this property should remain, quiet and private.   The entrance down the long road toward the Mayacamas Mountains, flanked by tall stately trees and lush vineyards on either side sets the tone of what lies ahead… a shaded, serene and beautiful space for a wedding, anniversary  or birthday party, or corporate dinner.  After parking, or better yet, arriving in style by limo coach, you’ll walk along a lovely creek bed, through manicured formal French designed rose gardens, and trimmed hedges, to arrive to the centralized wedding ceremonial space.  This sunken area is very Old World  inspired with a unique pond with  lily pads, and cherubic fountains.  The terraced staircase is perfect for the bridal party to stand on and great for the guests to better see the ceremony.  Once the ceremony is over, guests are invited to walk along graveled pathways, past the original private homestead of the property owners (great architectural design), to several locations for the post-wedding social hour.  Again, more fountains with bubbling water features anchor the manicured hedged borders.

Strolling, ambling and exploring are operative words for Beaulieu Garden.  The dinner area is a short walk over a quaint footbridge and back down the other side of the creek bed.  Upon arrival you’ll notice the lush lawns surrounding the stylish swimming pool, with water so calm that the reflection of the hedges and distant mountains are evident.  We envisioned tall hurricanes lining the edge of the pool for nighttime reflective candlelight. The best part of this dinner space is the espalier-trained sycamore trees forming a beautiful canopy over the dining area.  Dancing under the moonlight is just to the side of the dinner space.

Finally, the best part of Beaulieu Garden (in addition to the gorgeous grounds) is the operation and catering  / beverage arrangements being handled by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering.  They are knowledgeable as to the needs of this unique property and are outstanding caterers, so your guests will be treated to a magnificent meal and event (and fyi, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering is a Green Certified Business.)

Fun Fact: For the non-French speaking readers, Beaulieu is translated to “beautiful place” – and it is!    Visiting Vixen Allison of Allison Stahl Photography came on this site inspection and provided us with these photos.
~ Vixen Lora