Tag Archives: Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards in Livermore

Must-visit Wineries in the Tri-Valley Region

The wineries in Livermore are a “must-experience” item for your list the next time you’re in the Tri-Valley area! Nestled in the heart of wine country, Livermore is home to many wonderful wineries and gorgeous views to enjoy. 

If you’re in town for a wedding, these vineyards will turn your trip for the wedding into a weekend getaway. After all, you might as well stop and smell the vines while you’re here!

Ruby Hill Winery 

Ruby Hill Winery in Livermore

Ruby Hill is family-owned and operated winey that has occupied the Tri-Valley area since 1887. Wine tastings are available from 11-5:30 with the option to elevate your experience with a “portfolio tasting.” Go ahead — try ‘em all! Reservations for your visit are available, so give Ruby Hill a look!

Tenuta Vineyard

With a tagline as bold as “Give us 30 minutes and we’ll be friends for life,” how could we not put this gem on our list? Tenuta Vineyard is all about a phenomenal experience, but fair warning: you have to reserve your spot and it’s a popular destination. So, act fast! You won’t want to miss this one. 

Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards in Livermore

Certified sustainable and family-owned, Wente Vineyard knows what’s most important in this life! Their motto is to “make time for the things that truly matter,” and wineries in Livermore are right at the top of that list for us. Book a tour or reserve a tee time on the property to get the most out of your wedding weekend in Livermore. 

Murrieta’s Well

Murrieta's Well

As one of California’s most historic wineries, Murrieta’s Well has plenty to experience during your time on the estate. Be sure to check out all the tasting and tour options before you go; they have a plethora of varietals to suit everyone’s tastebuds!

Cuda Ridge Wines

Cuda Ridge Wines

Cuda Ridge has events, tours, and tastings to fit everyone’s interests. Larry and Margie Dino own this gorgeous vineyard, and there is a high probability you will get to meet them or their family members during your visit! It’s truly a home-grown experience here.

Garre Vineyard & Winery 

Garre Vineyard & Winery 

Wine tastings, tours, and a full menu, oh my! At Garre Vineyard and Winery, there is plenty to enjoy, but reservations are recommended. Indoor or outdoor seating is available to accommodate any comfort level, so save your spot and have a blast!

So, won’t you stop and stay awhile? With all the wineries in the Tri-Valley area, there is plenty to see,do, and imbibe. Turn your wedding experience into a weekend getaway to celebrate love and soak in some time away. You won’t regret a second of your time in the beautiful Tri-Valley area. 

What Has Ann Ogden of Wente Vineyards Been Doing in Quarantine?

This is a part of our Creative Partner Spotlight: Quarantine Edition series, where we show you what our creative partners from all around the Bay Area have been up to during quarantine. Today, we’re checking in with Ann Ogden of Wente Vineyards! 

What has been your favorite part about quarantine? My favorite part has been getting out in nature more. I was enjoying cooking at first but now I am ready to go out to a restaurant!

What has been your least favorite part about quarantine?My son is a senior and watching him miss out on so many experiences has been heartbreaking.

How have you been spending your time? Well…I have stripped and stained my deck (something I’ll never do again), cooking, taken my dog on more walks and hikes than imaginable, touched up all the walls with paint, and power washed everything possible.

What are your favorite local restaurants to order take out from? We have been ordering from our favorite Japanese restaurant Meiko.

What have you been binge watching? Embarrassing but Love is Blind and Too Hot to Handle

What are you looking forward to most when all of this is over? Seeing friends and family in a normal setting

Have you celebrated a birthday or event during quarantine? How did you do it? Not yet but my husband’s is coming up on the 5th. Don’t think he would be down with the whole parade thing, so I’ll need to come up with something!

Have you learned any new skills during quarantine? Staining a deck and dog grooming 🙂

Photo of the Week

 

Today’s photo of the week is just a cell phone pic, but we just couldn’t resist sharing this transformation of the Tirage Building at Wente Vineyards! We can’t wait to receive the professional images- stay tuned to the blog because we will definitely be sharing them with you!

 

Meet Nadine Goduci of Wente Vineyards!

This is a part of our Creative Collaboration series, where we introduce you to our creative partners from all around the Bay Area. Today, we’re introducing you to Nadine Goduci of Wente Vineyards.

Today, we’re introducing you to Nadine Goduci, the Event Sales Manager at Wente Vineyards. Since 1883, five generations of the Wente family have handcrafted wines that express the very best of the family’s vineyards and winemaking expertise. In addition to wine tasting, blending, and distribution, Wente also hosts special events, summer concerts and is home to a Greg Norman-designed golf course.

For Nadine, hospitality and party planning have always been in her blood. The moment she saw the smiles and happiness that were created by a successful event, she knew she was in the right industry. For her, it’s the special moments that mean the most: the walk down the aisle, the toasts, and the first dance.

She shares a story about the biggest crisis she’s faced as an event planner and how she overcame it:
HA! Hurricane Matthew came on Sunday, 10/16 for us this year and it rained about 4″ and we had to MOVE a wedding of 140 people to another venue 2 hours prior to the wedding. We nailed it with the love and support of our entire front of house and back of house team.

Nadine shares a bit of advice for engaged couples planning their wedding:
One piece of advice on the most important day of your life would be, determine what matters most when your mind is being rational and trust the professionals to do what they do best. It could be the venue, the food, photos — everyone has their “thing”. Let’s see what it is and work details around that. I would also recommend being decisive, the worst is when couples cannot decide for fear of making the wrong decision. Trust the professionals, we do this for a living and care about each and every experience.

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.

Meet Tricia Craig from Wente Vineyards

This is a part of our Creative Collaboration series, where we introduce you to our creative partners from all around the Bay Area. Today, we’re introducing you to Tricia Craig from Wente Vineyards.

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The longest continuously running family owned winery in the United States, Wente Vineyards is a prominent location for weddings, private events and corporate events in Northern California.

Tricia has worked in many aspects of the food and beverage industry, from hostess to waitress to bartender, before working her way into the behind the scenes world of wedding and event planning. She’s seen it all!

Tricia’s passion really shines when working with couples on the overall vision for the day. She loves finding out what’s unique about each couple and making sure that shines through on their wedding day.

The biggest piece of advice she gives to couples is to make sure to budget for some upgraded rentals. These are fairly inexpensive and easy ways to really put your signature on your wedding day! Trust the professionals, let them guide you and work together to create the perfect day!

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.

Meet Georgie Saucedo from Wente Vineyards!

This is a part of our Creative Collaboration series, where we introduce you to our creative partners from all around the Bay Area. Today, we’re introducing you to Georgie Saucedo from Wente Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well!

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Allow us to introduce you to Georgie Saucedo, who shared a bit about Wente Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well:

Wente Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well are two premier wedding venues in beautiful Livermore Valley. Between the two locations, we offer 3 unique full service wedding venues that can accommodate guest counts of 50-500. With over 30 years of hosting successful, beautiful weddings, you are in great hands with Wente Sales Managers, Wedding Coordinators, and Staff. Our award winning wine and cuisine, outstanding wine country experience, and wedding of your dreams will leave a lasting impression on your guests!

Georgie, a planner by nature, has been in the weddings and events industry since a young age and, despite studying a completely different subject, quickly became immersed in the planning business. From helping couples plan the happiest day of their lives to creating relationships to planning wine and food menus, Georgie has truly found a home in the wedding industry. However, her favorite thing is seeing the bride and groom on their wedding day shortly before they walk down the aisle. The love and excitement in their eyes, the gorgeous wedding dress, and the unity of families coming together. Such great energy!

When given the opportunity to take a vacation, Georgie can be found spending the time with family and friends, whether it’s a trip to the beach or camping. “There are so many wonderful places to visit here in Northern California, so seeing some place new is always fun!”

Last but not least, she wanted to share a bit for the couples in the throes of planning their Big Day: “Planning a wedding can be overwhelming at times. Don’t lose sight of it’s really all about…..Your LOVE for one another!”

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.

Melissa and Drew’s Vineyard Wedding

We had so much fun working with Melissa and Drew, so it was quite the enjoyable recap when Events by Satra shared her take of the special wedding! Wente Vineyards played the striking backdrop for their vows and we just loved designing the lighting and creating their solid wedding mix. Oh, and be sure to check out that breathtaking cake! Tune into the full blog post here.

Events by Satra

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.

A Lovely Southwestern Wedding on Napa Valley Linens!

Happy Friday! Today, we’re excited to share an inspirational feature on Napa Valley Linens from a stunning wedding at Wente Vineyards. Can we take a moment to swoon over the lovely colors and florals of this wedding? The outdoor shoot was incredible and we were delighted to provide the sound and lighting for the shoot and the reception. The bride looked absolutely stunning in her boho dress and we were honored to be a part of such a special day!

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Photo credit goes to Clane Gessel Photography for the wedding feature!

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.

Spotlight On: Heather Druba of Wente Vineyards

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We have started a new feature here on the Fantasy Sound blog, and it’s called Spotlight On! We created a short little questionnaire that we sent out to some of the event professionals in the Tri-Valley, and we hope it will give you a little insight in to their lives and personalities. Our first post in this new feature comes from the wonderful Heather Druba of Wente Vineyards. Read on to get an inside look at Heather’s life outside the workplace!

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1. What are three words that describe you?  Adventurous, Funny and Unconventional

2. What is your favorite object in your home and why? I love my Dia de los Muertos Display.

3. Do you have a favorite time of day? I am a mom of 2 boys under 6…so I enjoy my early morning alone time “run”.  OK – it is REALLY a very slow jog.

4. What is one of your most sentimental pieces of clothing or jewelry? I had a pair of earrings that are only made in a small town near my grandparents childhood home in Guanajuato Mexico, it is family tradition for each girl in our family to get a pair at 16.  Tragically…I lost one.  So the one remaining earing is very special for me.

5. What is your favorite tv show obsession and why?  I love Sons of Anarchy, it is a great show that is so different than my life that it intrigues me!

6. What is one restaurant where we will NEVER find you? McDonalds

7. What’s your favorite meal after a long event? Fish Tacos or ceviche!

8. What is your favorite beverage? I love champagne of all sorts.

9. When you entertain, what’s your favorite thing to serve? Fresh Salsa or Guacamole.

10. What is the one thing in life you’d like to accomplish? I want to see Africa and go on safari.

11. What song do you often find in your head? Anything by Blackberry Smoke!

12. If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing instead? Silversmithing! I went to school in Taxco, Mexico where I learned how.

13. What makes you laugh?  Corny Jokes and 80’s fashion.

14. What do you wish you had known in high school that you know now?  Laughing at YOURSELF is very important….if you can’t laugh at yourself you’re not living!

15. What was the most important thing you learned from your parents? Give it your all! Don’t do things ½ way!

16. What movie could you watch on repeat for the rest of your life? Dirty Dancing!  I heart JOHNNY CASTLE!

17. What can we always find in your fridge? Assorted cheese and spreads.

18.What are you reading now? Currently catching up on past editions of both Highlights magazine and National Geographic Kids.  LOL!

19. What irritates you most about modern life? That my parents are not on Facebook!

20. What is your favorite quote? “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet”

Thanks for answering our silly little questionnaire Heather!

Kim and Stephen Get Married at Wente Vineyards!

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Nick recently had the opportunity to DJ Kim and Stephen’s wedding on the beautiful Terrace Lawn at Wente Vineyards on September 7th, 2012. The couple knew that they were going to have a small and intimate wedding, but they also knew that this small group was going to PARTY…and they sure lived up to that reputation!

Check out these GORGEOUS table arrangements! Jinger of The Flower House did an amazing job incorporating Kim and Stephen’s color palette of pale pink, peach, ivory and blush. The wedding was very small and intimate, so each table was able to enjoy a tall arrangement. The mix of roses, dahlias, and hydrangeas is just stunning!

Eli Pitta of Eli Photographer was their photographer for the night, and we are looking forward to getting some images from him. All of these photos were taken by Nick, so we hope you enjoy this sneak peek! Keep your eyes peeled to see some images when we get them from Eli.

Stephen and Kim decided to have both their reception and ceremony outside, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect! It was a delightfully warm night, which kept the party going late into the night. The couple also decided to do a sophisticated sit down 5 course dinner, and as always Wente’s food was DELICIOUS.

We wish all the best to Kim and Stephen in their future together!

Jeff and Jen’s Wedding, Wente Vineyards

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I was the DJ for Jeff and Jen’s wedding at Wente Vineyards in Livermore on May 24, 2009. The ceremony and reception were going to be outside on the Terrace Lawn at Wente Vineyards, but it was a little too cold and windy outside; so, they moved the reception indoors to the Cresta Blanca Event Center. Even with the last minute change, the wedding was gorgeous and went off without a hitch. The wonderful staff at Wente served an outstanding dinner and made a unique, creative cake. The photographer was Karen Bates of Art of Photography by Karen Bates; she was a pleasure to work with. Jeff and Jen choreographed their first dance to the song “Lost In This Moment” by Big & Rich; they did an excellent job. Jeff went out of his way to find a special song to dance with his mom to during the Mother/Son Dance. He found a unique song from T Carter Music called “A Mother’s Song.” Once the dancing started, the guests got out of their chairs, hit the dance floor, and got their groove on. After the garter toss, one of the single males told the groom that he thought that he was taking off the bride’s underwear (not the garter) and everyone got a laugh; it was his very first wedding. I want to congratulate Jeff and Jen on a wonderful wedding and wish them a wonderful future together.

Matthew Bennett

Jeff and Jen