Vine-laden trellises as far as the eye can see, a sun-splashed terrace, and friends and family gathered to uncork their best wishes for your future together&whats more romantic? We went to Wölffer Estate Winery in Sagaponack, New York to see for ourselves. A vineyard wedding is nearly stress-free, says Kim Folks, Wölffers event planner. According to Folks, if an outdoor setting is what youre looking for, vineyards provide a glorious outdoor setting along with the amenities, allowing couples to focus on planning the fun things like food and music, instead of such things as renting tents and booking generators.
Here, champagne flutes, mirroring the precision of the rows of the grapevines, wait to be raised in a toast to the bride and groom. Wölffer Estate Winery in Sagaponack, New York, 631-537-5106, wolffer.com.
A gazebo, swagged in floaty, romantic chiffon, tulle, and organza and hung with silk streamers, rises from among the lush vines, creating a magical setting for the cutting of your cake.
At dusk, candle lanterns are lighted to guide the way up the stairs, where wreaths of yellow roses and hydrangeas frame the entrance. Lanterns, Hampton Party Rentals, 718-822-1930.
If a winery is beyond your geographic or budgetary reach, turn your own backyard or another natural setting into a slice of the Italian countryside: Plant fragrant herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary in big terra-cotta pots (find them at a gardening center); the scents will transport you and your guests to another place (Tuscany, perhaps?).
Treat guests to a wine tasting in addition to the standard chardonnay and merlot offer a varied mix of whites and reds, such as riesling and zinfandel. At a vineyard, you may be limited to using the wines produced there; for a winery-style party elsewhere, youre free to widen your offerings. (Be sure to provide sparkling water for nondrinkers.) Dont forget the champagne for toasting your new life together!
Create reserve vintages to serve at your wedding by blending the wine yourselves; design your own labels, too.
Brilliant idea: If youve got a small guest list, consider renting out a restaurant wine cellar or even a wine shop.
A long serving table sets the scene with sage linens, lemon topiaries, and a huge bouquet all echoes of the lush, ripe setting. All tableware, Hampton Party Rentals, 718-822-1930. Nantucket linens, Just Linens, NYC, 212-688-8808.
Bountiful arrangements that suit the lush life are never too over-the-top. Floral design, Lisa McWilliams, Southampton, NY.
Take your cue from the pros and serve flights of wine during cocktails. Or pair foods with specific wines (sushi and sauvignon blanc, chicken fajitas with pinot noir).
Smoked salmon tartar on hand-cut chips is perfectly complimented by sips of dry rosé. Food, Anna Adams Catering, 631-287-2173.
Farmhouse cheeses and fruit match up with a crisp chardonnay. Use fresh bunches of grapes as accents on cheese plates; nestle them next to flowerpots. Full, colorful blossoms and greenery play off the subtle botanical design of the tablecloth. Isabella Citrus linen, Just Linens, NYC, 212-688-8808.
Duck quesadillas and merlot are just some of the inspired food-wine pairings you can make. Food, Anna Adams Catering, 631-287-2173.
Tie one on with napkin rings au naturel. Foliage, John Wilbanks, NY.
Flickering light refracted through winey hues and clusters of fruit create a rich glow. Votives, Seasons of Cannon Falls.
Beribboned pots of mixed flowers (theyre miniature versions of the table centerpieces) bloom brightly on windowsills in cheery announcement of your happy celebration. Floral design, Lisa McWilliams, 631-745-4045.
Grapes and a trellis (what else?) climb up the lavish four-tiered buttercream confection. Wedding cake, Toni Oppenheimer for Have Your Cake, 631-653-8233, haveyourcakeltd.com.
