Think about it, vineyards are romantic whether you are a oenophile or not. There are many reasons why you should think about a vineyard for your wedding — the rolling hills, the rows of grapes, the lush greenery…all of it makes for a beautiful backdrop to exchange vows. While many consider California to be wine country, we actually have some great wineries not far from us!
VILLA BELLEZZA WINERY
Just an hour and half south of the Twin Cities, Villa Bellezza Winery is a Tuscan-inspired property in Pepin, Wisconsin. “It feels like a romantic Italian village – only closer. You can arrive at Villa Bellezza without getting on an airplane,” shares Julianne Dahlen, Co-Owner of Villa Bellezza Winery. “This is a unique, unforgettable venue for your wedding. Celebrate your love in a romantic place that will continue to be a part of your life. Return throughout your life to the small Italian village and relive your wedding day on anniversaries or just for fun.”
Their unique atmosphere transports you to a Tuscan town with so many unforgettable memories, “To meet in a stone tower for your first look. To share vows in a Roman temple surrounded by vineyards. To enjoy the magical spaces of your private Villa for wine, dinner and dancing. To escape for moments on the piazza and romance under the stars,” Dahlen says.
Amenities at Villa Bellezza include traditional Italian architecture from a piazza with a fountain, stone tours, Roman-columned outdoor ceremony pavilion, and estate vineyards. They also have apartments on-site for both wedding parties, custom floor plans, preferred caterers, complimentary wedding planning meetings, incredible on-site staff, and so much more.
WAREHOUSE WINERY
Located just a few minutes west of Minneapolis, Warehouse Winery is the ideal place for an industrial-chic affair. As stated on their website, “With large open spaces, eclectic décor, and relaxed atmosphere, Warehouse Winery is the perfect place for any event!” The winery has a sound system with wireless microphones, tables, chairs, and lounge furniture. It also includes uplighting, a hospitality suite, and an iPod sound system to help enjoy the reception. The space also has a garage door that opens to an outdoor space creating more options for guests to linger. Having an outdoor area is definitely an added benefit. Especially with Summer and Fall being the most popular times of year to get married at Warehouse Winery.
CHANKASKSA CREEK RANCH WINERY & DISTILLERY
We tour south to discover Southern Minnesota’s premier winery, Chankaska Creek Ranch. This sprawling property sits between Mankato and St. Peter and boasts stunning sunsets and endless views. If you are thinking of choosing a vineyard for your wedding, this location just might be it. According to Cynthia Strauser, their Director of Events, “Chankaska’s atmosphere reflects Italian/European aesthetics while embodying our Minnesota traditions by accents of Kasota Stone around the grounds. There are few Vineyards within the Southern MN Area, so our Winery and Vines really attract couples and amazing photo opportunities,” she describes.
The owners of the winery, Kent and Jane Schwickert, have always had a passion for food and wine and wanted to bring that to Minnesota, so in 2009 they planted their first vines and opened their doors in 2012. Since then, they have expanded to having three ceremony spaces, a spacious and light-filled Events Center, and have since begun distilling spirits as well.
Malwitz Photography 
Shannon St. Clair 
Chankaska Creek
BOLD NORTH CELLARS (FORMERLY CARLOS CREEK WINERY)
Kasey Morris, Director of Events, tells us, “marrying at Bold North Cellars means your guests will be treated to award-winning and locally crafted wine and beer. The prettiest backdrops and dedicated staff will ensure you have nothing but joyful memories of your special day.”
In addition to beautiful scenery, Bold North Cellars also provides florists so you don’t have to hire an outside vendor. “We provide a personal Floral & Design Specialist, that can help you with fresh floral centerpieces to fit any style and fresh floral ceremony decor for your arbor and aisle and so much more,” says Morris. Couples also often choose to incorporate wine barrels throughout the property into their décor.
Flow Event Group 
Tessa June Photography 
Bold North Cellars
To back its “stress-free” motto, Bold North Cellars provides a wedding coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful during this time with ongoing physical distancing concerns. “We have spent extensive hours coming up with COVID mitigation that is in the best interest of our couples and their guests.”
The provided wedding coordinators also help to create timelines and keep photography on schedule. As Morris states, the coordinators, “are going to have details laid out to help you stay within your desired time frame and budget, making sure that you get to enjoy your day, all while ensuring you nail your scheduled highlights. Our wedding coordinators are masters of logistics.”
Bold North Cellars is available all year round, so while most weddings take place May-October, “Our venue is the perfect place to celebrate your winter wonderland or your springtime soiree!” states Morris. She also mentioned that in addition to weddings they can host other celebrations. “From anniversaries, proposals, bridal showers, bachelor & bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, baby showers, celebrations of life, promotions, retirements, and so on… We are the place to celebrate all of life’s moments!”
And in celebrating these moments, should the hosts choose, they can purchase custom labeled wine and give it out as favors. They can also buy custom wine glasses and mini wine bottles, tying in their venue to the celebration seamlessly.
Here are some other wineries where you can have a summer date night. Once you try them out, you’ll see more reasons why you should consider a vineyard for your wedding.
