I do Venues ~ Paradise Ridge Winery ~ Design
Photography By: Andrew Weeks
Overview
Paradise Ridge Winery is a small boutique winery a short drive from downtown San Francisco and lies just outside of downtown Santa Rosa. The classic Italian-style winery incorporates fun artistic and architectural elements from which you can draw inspiration for your over-all theme and design plan. The champagne cellar, decorative arches, and slate Poetry Patio are the perfect classical reflections of the surrounding wine country landscape. The unique four acre sculpture garden gives the winery a uniquely avant garde, bohemian twist, and these amazing works of art sit juxtaposed against the unspoiled country vineyard surroundings. If you are looking for a traditional location that allows you to surprise your guests with a bit of whimsy, this provides the perfect opportunity.
Ceremony
The Poetry Patio is the quintessential wine country location for your ceremony. With sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, the richly hued patio exudes an aura of casual sophistication. The rich terracotta and stucco tones of the building are complimented well by elegant, dark wood chiavari chairs accented with ecru, champagne, or gold-colored cushions. If you are looking to have a more casual feel, then dark wood or classic white folding chairs suit the space beautifully as well. The elevated stage can be adorned with a variety of structures to frame in your ceremony, like large Italian-style urns or a traditional trellis decorated with vines and billowing fabrics. Build an aisle with a stark white runner that will pop against the deep colors of the slate patio. We suggest using a color palette of cranberry, chocolate brown, burnt orange, and mustard for late summer and fall, as bright florals in warm tones work excellently in this space. The use of natural elements like willow branches, twigs, and moss will tie together the unique rustic feel of the winery while keeping an air of elegance. The artisan feel given by the adjacent Marijke's Grove sculpture garden allows a bold bride to have fun and make a statement. Express yourself with exuberant, daring color combinations: teal, plum, vibrant blue, apple green, and hints of gold are show-stoppers!
Reception
The Champagne Cellar with its adjoining courtyard is the perfect place to create an outdoor lounge. Brown rattan lawn furniture with white fabric creates a unique sitting area for your guests to enjoy their cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and a few comfy couches, overstuffed chairs, end tables, and coffee tables topped with small floral accents create a polished look for the setting. When it's time to raise your glass, have your guests return to the Poetry Patio re-set for dinner, or have a more formal meal inside the tasting room.
The rich, dark, hardwood floors and wood moldings that encapsulated the large sliding glass windows add a level of luxury to the understated room, and its built-in bar and craftsman style fireplace add a distinctive artistic signature. The lighting is truly unique - more hanging sculptures than true lighting element. To get the most cohesive feel in this location, incorporate rich, warm earth tones like curry, magenta, and spice. They work as an amazing starting point for your decor, as do metallic colors like bronze, copper, and gold. If you will be basing your palette on a dark color, we suggest using gold chairs to create a bright, gleaming accent against the deep floors and fabrics. Bright florals that bring in the outdoors give you a true wine country feel. This is the perfect location to use medium-height floral arrangements with cascading elements: try dahlia's, roses, and lilies in rich orange hues accented by pops of bright yellow and a smattering of deep blue. Earthy, agrarian elements like artichokes, grape clusters, or pomegranates help add dimension and texture as well as give unexpected flair and visual interest.
If bold and chic is more your style, then side-step convention to create a true artistic statement. A classic Italian color scheme of bright blues, lemony yellows, white, and tangerine can be used to create a dramatic and fun feeling while still incorporating the winery's Italian theme.
Ask the Experts
Using the deck that lies adjacent to the tasting room is a must, as it provides the perfect location to enjoy a glass of bubbly while taking in the sweeping views of the vineyards in the ethereal light of the sun setting through the rolling fog. Small tables with neutral-toned linens are a perfect fit. Elements of candlelight and loose, bright-colored flower arrangements in a variety of colors and styles create a cheery, inviting space.