Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

queenlizard Posted: Nov 06, 2003 05:22 PM

Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Maybe someone out there can hyelp me out... I have gone only on one other chat to find out about some Winery ideas. My guy and I really wanted to do the ceremony and reception at one of the vineyards (we love Laurel Lake) but don't know ANYONE that has done it. Have heard a few ideas for the Vineyard Cateres (I am startingto lean that way) and it seems more worth the $ and less hassle. Anyone want to share? Thanks!

september2004 Posted: Nov 06, 2003 05:39 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

We wanted to do the same thing but after some research decided it was too $$$, and a lot of places could not accommodate the type of indoor(in case of rain)/outdoor setup we wanted.

Our favorite was Rafael.

kptoys Posted: Nov 06, 2003 06:04 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

We were also looking for the 'vineyardy theme' We looked at Raphael for May and it was $3000 site fee THEN $125 per person!!! OMG I nearly fell on the floor. The place is BEAUTIFUL though!!!

I also thought of Pellegrini and renting a tent, caterer and all that goes along with that and it was just too much to worry about!!!

Then we went to the Vineyard Caterers. The place is elegant. The grounds are beautiful!!! And Ive heard the food and service are excellent. I got a pretty good price also. It is during the day. Its a pretty expensive place but so worth it!

Let me know if I can help you in any way.

valentinesbride Posted: Nov 06, 2003 06:26 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

I most definitely wanted to get married at a vineyard but the prime season is September. May and June ....only produce bare stalks, no grapes .....:( Anyway, i absolutely loved Raphael...it completely surpassed all the vineyards. They had a great menu as well. If you want to save money and don't mind the 'fake' flowers Vineyard Caterers was very inexpensive.....they quoted me at 70 a person for a May wedding. Once again. the fall is the vineyard's top season.

RedHead Posted: Nov 06, 2003 06:35 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Pellegrini...check it out. My Fi go to the wineries often and this year we happen to see them setting up for a wedding. It was BEAUTIFUL. GO LOOK AT IT.
Added plus. ..... the wine is fabulous.

Carey Posted: Nov 06, 2003 07:43 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

I am having my reception at Palmer Vineyard. I dont think we are spending any more than we would at a catering hall and we can pick and choose our vendors a little more. It is more work and more payments to keep track of, but if you are organized, I totally think a vineyard wedding is worth all the time and effort. Vineyard caterers is nice if you like the look of a catering hall. I persoanally wanted a more countyish feel, which is why we chose Palmer. If you want specifics about price FM me and Ill tell you.

lesleyw Posted: Nov 06, 2003 08:43 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

There are some girls on this site having vineyard weddings. I was in a wedding at Wolfer vineyard last year. It was beautiful, BUT, it was so expensive!! For what she paid, she got a nice caterer (who didn't have much experience with weddings, so the some tables got cold food) and her wedding had to be over by 11:00 PM (due to noise restrictions in the area). For a Fridaynigt wedding, with a ceremony starting at 7:00, it was a really short wedding. Don't get me wrong -- it was beautiful and unique, but there were alot of glitches, and, I can't imagine it was worth all the $$, but that is just my opinion and I am sure there are girls who have amazing vineyard weddings. FM me if you want any more details!

queenlizard Posted: Nov 07, 2003 02:54 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Oheka Castle? How is tht coming? I've seen it advertised, but don't know too much about it. It sounds kind of expensive.
Did the girl at Wolffer consider a wedding coordinator? I've heard some good things on this chat about some planners that are good.
Palmer lady, let me know how it's going. I now wan to go look at the place, and will also check out Raphael too (it IS gorgeous )

usuk2004 Posted: Nov 07, 2003 03:25 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Here are some pictures I took while at Raphael...it's really beautiful!

usuk2004 Posted: Nov 07, 2003 03:40 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

oops, didn't work...how bout this?

usuk2004 Posted: Nov 07, 2003 03:46 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Arrgghhh...one more time..

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usuk2004 Posted: Nov 07, 2003 03:47 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

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usuk2004 Posted: Nov 07, 2003 03:48 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

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Pickle Posted: Nov 07, 2003 03:51 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

We loved the Vineyard Caterers - beautiful atmosphere and facilities all set up. JMO.

I have heard beautiful things about Rafael as well.

I never looked into prices of having to set up caterers, etc at a typical vineyard, but if the difference isn't that huge & you can deal - it would probably be very well worth the extra work.

But we loved the Vineyard caterers and can't wait for our reception. we have heard nothing but raves about the place.

Good luck!

-Marie

queenlizard Posted: Nov 07, 2003 04:42 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Nice pics, I forgot how rustic and romantic Raphael is,
Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming!

Carey Posted: Nov 07, 2003 04:44 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Queenlizard you have FM.

AMinNYC Posted: Nov 07, 2003 04:55 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

I also started out wanting the vineyard theme for our wedding. After tons of research I discovered that there were very few vineyards that could accomodate an indoor / outdoor wedding. Majority of them did not have:
-Indoor facilities to accomodate more than 80, which meant that I had to rent a tent;
-an on-premises kitchen, which meant you your caterer had to work from a full-service kitchen/truck
-more than one men/women's bathroom, which meant that I had to rent portable bathrooms
-any bridal attendant, suite or changing area

All-in-all, the costs kept going up and unless you have a wedding planner, you are stuck running the ENTIRE SHOW.

I happily opted for a full service reception site instead.

Try Vineyard Caterer (LI) and Renault Winery (NJ) are good alternatives, they are full service banquet halls. GOOD LUCK!

EastCoastGirl31 Posted: Nov 08, 2003 05:23 PM

Re: Wineries/Vineyard Caterers

Vineyard Caterers all the way!! They take care of EVERYTHING. The outside deck is beautiful, but can be covered in case of rain...it's even heated! I'm getting married there next June. John was so nice and the place is amazing. I love it. No worries...they make sure everything runs smooth...that's what I've heard.