I’m not sure that I have heard a better story on how one of our special properties came into existence. Paradise Ridge in the heart of  Santa  Rosa, California, is a family owned and operated winery that was started in 1994.  The family purchased this land after the father came home one evening exclaiming, “I’ve seen Paradise!”   What a statement and what beauty this man had seen.  The property spans 156 acres with 20 acres planted with various grape varietals today.  The tasting room and event space has been updated in recent years and is one of the most well thought out and intentional event spaces I have seen; a bonus for us in the industry!

Let’s talk about this well thought out space…  The main clubhouse-event building consists of multiple outdoor patio areas, a large mahogany deck overlooking Sonoma valley, and two primary event rooms. The ideal location for a wedding ceremony is the back patio or Poetry Terrace with two options: The wall backdrop or the tree backdrop.  Whatever direction you choose, the space is lined with pretty white crepe myrtle trees and at a certain time of year, the blooms fall from the trees like confetti – perfect for a wedding!  Can you picture this?  The patio space is paved, landscaped and simply beautiful.

The balcony deck is a great outdoor cocktail space or dining spot for your guests with amazing views of the Russian River Valley.  The lights of downtown Santa Rosa twinkle as the perfect backdrop to this setting and the sun sets over the coastal hills.  Shade cloth has been installed to shield from heat or rain if needed, and heat lamps, chairs, and tables are all part of the inclusions with the facility.  One of my favorite attributes of this property is the indoor-outdoor bar; again, smart planning and good use of the space.  Did I mention this is a caterers’ dream? A single bar set-up that serves your guests on the deck during the cocktail hour and then the same bartender rotates 90 degrees to serve your guests inside the dining space known as the Vineroom. Another favorite is the large sliding doors that open from the expansive balcony deck to the same indoor reception space.  This Vineroom is clean, fresh, and has a very open and slightly modern feel.  Two well-appointed artistic chandeliers hang from the ceiling and much accent lighting has been accounted for in this space.

The final indoor secondary space is the Champagne Cellar.  This basement level space also opens onto a great natural landscaped patio by two large wooden doors.  This space reminds you that it was once their barrel room and has simple features that will be remodeled soon to extend the fresh and modern feel of the upstairs main event space.  This room is a great back up rain plan, rehearsal dinner spot, or smaller reception space.

One more dream note for a well-planned site is the fact that catering and rental trucks can pull up to this main level event space and load directly into the full kitchen.  The truck can remain parked there and not be seen by guests.  Though this may not be your first consideration in booking your event space, your vendors will be thrilled and you can be sure your guest’s view of set-up will be non-existent.

Finding a winery venue that can accommodate a large group can be tricky in Sonoma County and this site offers space large enough for up to 250 guests and is very flexible and comfortable for your parties of 150 or so.

This family owner property will offer you the warm and friendly event location you have been looking for.  It is apparent how the family loves art as you notice the unique art statements with the Sculpture Grove and the multiple outdoor galleries on the drive in and out.  This conveniently located Sonoma property will not disappoint!

Thank you to Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas of Flourish who came along this trip as our Visiting Vixen and photographer.

~ Vixen Catrina

Paradise Ridge Winery Wedding Venue