By Thelma Grimes
Vineyard wedding venues are becoming increasingly popular as couples look to add character and uniqueness to the special day. Vineyards are also as close to a destination wedding as you can get on the local scene.
Rochester MN is home to plenty of vineyards, featuring rolling fields and beautiful scenery. Besides the views, Justine Prieve, of Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery in Spring Valley, said wineries serve as an all-inclusive wedding location.
“Vineyards provide ceremony site, food, alcohol and the groom’s dinner,” she said. “The chefs make a customized menu to create the foods you love. At Four Daughters, you’re not stuck to a pre-made set of menu choices. Vineyards open up so many options for couples.
”Vineyards are also all about the ambiance they create both indoors and outdoors. At Four Daughters, it’s hard to beat the Minnesota oak barrels and vineyard views as the backdrop for the ceremony and reception, which features a six acre vineyard, fitting up to 300 guests.
“The ambiance at Four Daughters is spectacular,” Prieve said. “The vineyard is peaceful and beautiful, our barrel room makes the perfect setting for a reception hall and we have rooms available for a groom’s dinner, bridal shower and gift opening.”Rochester MN is home to a variety of vineyards throughout the region, including locations in Spring Valley, Pepin and Red Wing.
Before planning a vineyard wedding there are a few things to keep in mind. Prieve said it’s important to consider what the vineyard looks like through the seasons.“If a bride wants a spring vineyard wedding, the vines will not be full enough at that time of the year,” she said. “August tends to be the best time for a vineyard wedding as the vines are full and the grapes look their best.”
Other things to keep in mind before choosing a vineyard wedding include:
• Make sure GPS works at the vineyard to help guests navigate their way to the location.
• Make sure the restaurant can accommodate the guest count and prepare the food onsite.
• Make sure you understand the extras. Vineyards might require payment for the use of extras such as micro-phones, cables, speakers, linens and furniture. Make sure to read the fine print and add in anything you will need for the day.
