There are many wonderful vineyard venues south of Sacramento, in the Lodi-Galt area, and this one is one of the best!  The  primo venue that I want to brag about is Viaggio on the River Estate & Winery. The Italian word Viaggio means “Journey”  -Where the Journey to Forever Begins.

After stepping through the wrought iron gates and walking down the paved, olive tree-lined inner courtyard called “Mainstreet”, greet your guests with cold glasses of estate grown Chardonnay.  Wow…this property beats many in the Napa Valley. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards and the Mokelume River, it is stunning, with beautiful serene views, wonderful architectural elements, lush appointments, nature everywhere… I can go on and on. There are several locations for rehearsal dinner, ceremonies, cocktails and reception. The patio outside the rich, dark wooded tasting room is lovely… the fireplace is a huge focal point! For larger weddings, the gently sloping lawn with the river in the background, or the grassy orchard, lined with walnut trees, are perfect outdoor ceremony spots. La Vita Bella is the gorgeous, multi-tiered ballroom, perfect for dinner and dancing. Wrought iron scroll work, slate tiles, massive wooden doors, columns, and wonderful wall paintings of Italian quotes are displayed throughout. The owners live on the property, but the mansion and terraced pool can be used for photo ops or in front of the estate mansion… what a backdrop!

Viaggio requires that their caterer handle all food needs, so no outside catering is allowed (we can recommend the homemade pizza cooked in the fabulous brick oven just outside the tasting room patio, especially for a late night treat!) There are several options for furnishings available, but you can also bring in custom rentals to create a unique space.  I’ve planned many weddings at this location using several different designs which have all worked really well as the venue has such versatility with its many areas of functional use.  For those wanting transitions between pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail, and dinner, this is perfect!

In addition to the wonderful event spaces, Viaggio also offer a handsome “mancave” with 70″ screen, foosball and pool table, and lots of luxurious leather furniture…very handsome indeed.  And the ladies are treated just as well with a beautiful Bridal Suite for dressing and relaxing…and the bride and groom can stay over night in the suite if they wish!  There is so much more to say about Viaggio, but really you should take a drive out to see it in person. It is a remarkable venue for couples to enjoy Love’ La Vita Comici (Where Life Begins).

~ Vixen Kendra