What a charming little winery property McConnell Estates is… and very conveniently located in Elk Grove, California!  Located north of the Cosumnes River along Highway 99 in the Lodi Appellation wine region, which is very up and coming in the wine world, this property has over 650 acres of grapes.  We enjoyed the ambiance of the tasting room and the handsome cherry wood bar, which is located inside the 100 year old farm house.  I sampled the Chardonnay which was very  tasty, and McConnell’s 2007 Merlot won a Gold Medal/Best of Class at the 2011 California State Fair… way to go!

If you’re a history buff and enjoy a bit of country at your event, this place is perfect.  Vineyards border the large open lawn area, so it’s easy to step into the rows of grapes for those perfect bride and groom photo ops.  Large free-standing market umbrellas would be a nice addition to the open setting as you enjoy dining outdoors amongst roses and mature trees and a sweet white-washed picket fence lining the lawn.  An elevated wooden deck off the farmhouse overlooks the activities and is a nice area to relax, chat and enjoy those wines.  With family and friends talking, laughing and sounds of the DJ or band music filling the air, the sounds of nearby Highway 99 will be muffled; it’s amazing to think that the highway was once a farming country road.

Inside the farmhouse are several rooms that can be utilized – a sun porch, the original dining room displaying a great collection of the old family photos and bits of history of the Elk Grove area, and also the front parlor that is trimmed in redwood wainscoting with chair rail.  A nicely appointed bridal changing room is also available.

McConnell Estates is very homey… in fact, the folks running this venue are very accommodating and helpful.  You may bring in outside catering (upon approval), enjoying a down-home BBQ or arrange for a beautiful garden party.

Finally, for those fun, funky and ever so popular rustic barn photos… McConnell Estates has some great outbuildings.  Can you picture the cool shots in front of those silos?

~ Vixen Lora

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