In a word… stunning! Villa De Nardi, a private estate located outside Winters, CA in Yolo County, sits on a bluff with panoramic views of rolling hills, open skies, vistas and the Berryessa Gap range. Sitting in a comfortable chair, feet up on the stone retaining wall and gazing out at all this beauty, will definitely slow down mind and body to appreciate nature and the Good Life. The architecture of this Mediterranean inspired estate (hand made by the owner and friends in a “straw bale and plaster  style”) is surrounded by terraced natural landscaping of olives trees, native plants, flowering shrubs, Italian Cypress trees and wandering decomposed granite pathways. Bees buzz about the fragrant lavender, birds chirp, and if you’re lucky, a lizard will scamper from under a bush and sunbath on a rock. This is a peaceful venue so very reminiscent of life in the Italian countryside. In the distant hills, the quiet clucking of chickens and the calls of peacock can be heard, and if you’re listening, in the evening, the serenade of coyotes could happen!

Holding a sophisticated dinner party, an elopement or sweet intimate wedding ceremony is what Villa De Nardi is designed for and embraces. There are two spots to hold a ceremony… either on the stairs of the terraced hillside or on the bluff looking out over the terrain. A dinner would be fantastic on the Loggia under roughhewn timbers, eating family style at one long wood table. Enjoy the lovely views or pull the canvas curtains to block sun or breezes or to give that feeling of closeness.

Wonderful amenities offered are the market lights strung about the open terrace, and the fantastic fire pit with seating (roasted marshmallows and Port?), even a terra cotta bubbling fountain. We especially love that the owners of Villa De Nardi bottle their own wine for the guests’ enjoyment as well as having planted olive orchards and process and bottle fantastic olive oil (check out www.oliodenardi.com to learn more of their endeavors). Something to add to the event could be an olive oil tasting, or create cute bottles to become great favors! Another perk of this paradise is the wood fired pizza oven…can it get more Italian than that? And one of the best features of this property is the Villetta, with 2 bedrooms, sitting area, and small kitchenette; the cottage is perfect for changing and a getting-ready bridal suite as well as a romantic hideaway for your wedding night. Awww, magnifico!

Villa De Nardi will assist in all aspects of your event or wedding… they have all-inclusive packages to make planning super easy. A seasoned team of professionals is at your fingertips in creating your vision. This venue is truly a slice of Italy… a country villa in Tuscany is not a bad way to start your married life, and take note, just over the ridge is the Gateway to Napa… what says honeymoon trip better?

Photo Credit: Nick Graham Photography, Xsight, and our own snapshots

~ Vixen Lora