Celebrations

With rugged hillsides, rolling vineyards, and striking architecture providing scenic backdrops at every turn, Wine Country has become a favored destination for important milestone events. Whether it's a raucous girls-only 30th birthday celebration, an elegant wedding in the vineyards, an executive retreat, or holiday festivities, the Wine Country's premier partymakers are ready to serve with decorations, locations and culinary creations to match every budget.

>>2007 Winners in the Celebrations Category

Best Caterer

When 200 guests at a dinner party are waiting expectantly for the main course, having an experienced leader at the helm of the catering kitchen is essential. Wine Country's veteran caterers – Melissa Teaff in Napa, Tony Knickerbocker and Shannon Kelly in St. Helena, and Elaine Bell in Sonoma – have more than 80 years of stellar service among them, and have presided over every kind of event, from wine and cheese pairings to bar mitzvah celebrations to multi-course wedding feasts complete with champagne and cake. Don't resign yourself to assembly-line “chicken or steak” fare: Drawing on the local bounty of organic produce, gourmet cheeses, fresh seafood and free-range poultry and meat, these artisan caterers serve dishes that are worthy of celebration in themselves. So relax, sip a glass of wine, and enjoy the company of those 200 guests – the meal is well in hand.

Best Wedding Site

Your wedding’s location will hold almost as many memories for you as the act of tying the knot itself. Finding the perfect location can be as important as finding the perfect mate: the site needs to combine location, environment, ambiance, size and amenities.

You would think that getting married in the vineyards or at a winery is a slam-dunk in Napa and Sonoma, but the choices are surprisingly limited. There are a few really magical settings, and locals have guided us to the top three, picking the Napa Valley Country Club, Hans Fahden Vineyards in Calistoga, and Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace in south Sonoma. If you need more choices, talk to local wedding coordinators and concierges. They have their pulse on what the wedding world is doing and how local businesses are responding to the needs of brides and grooms.

For your special day – or any special event – don’t overlook the superb event and conference facilities that abound in Napa and Sonoma. Many provide complete services including catering, flowers, luxury accommodations, and spa services. If they can’t supply it themselves, they can make arrangements for just about anything you need.