Some of my very favorite wedding settings can be found at wineries. Other than the beautiful vineyards that provide endless photo opportunities and a serene atmosphere for any ceremony or reception, many wineries have a number of other sites on their properties perfect for hosting such an occasion. Barrel rooms provide an indoor space with a dark lighting, intimate feeling. Outdoor courtyards are often full of lush greenery and character. Many wineries have unique spaces, such as caves and barns, that add a whole new dimension to a wedding and will impress your guests.
That being said, one large turn-off from a winery wedding is the fact that many do not have hard-liquor licenses and, therefore, cannot allow any weddings held on their premises to have anything other than beer or wine served. Quite the predicament! Even if your fiancé and yourself are not big hard liquor drinkers yourselves, many of your guests likely are (have you ever met a grandpa without a scotch in his hand?). If your dream is to get married at a winery, there are some options for cocktails that do not involve any hard liquor and are beer and wine based that will add some variety to your bar while still following the rules.
Black Velvet
As seen on Cosmopolitan
Indredients:
5 oz. champagne or sparkling wine
5 oz. stout beer
Combine all ingredients in a glass and stir.
El Ayudacal
As seen on Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
1 bottle of Pacifico beer
1½ oz. lime juice
½ oz. agave nectar
1 lime zest
Garnish: lime wheel
Combine lime juice, agave nectar, and lime zest in a glass. Add beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel.
El Draque
As seen on Serious Eats
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger
1 teaspoon sugar
6-8 mint leaves
Ice
5 oz. dry white wine
Muddle ginger and sugar in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add mint, ice, and white wine, shake well. Pour into rocks glass unstrained.
Pom-Merlot Fusion
As seen on Sutter Home
Ingredients:
4 oz. Merlot
2 oz. sparkling pomegranate-blueberry juice
Sugar rim
Lime garnish
Take a salad plate and add a small amount of water. Take another plate and add a thin layer of fine sugar. Dip the rim of your glass in the water, then roll the rim of the glass around in the sugar. Add ice, Merlot, sparkling pomegranate-blueberry juice. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Okay- I'm ready for a drink!
