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Sunday, June 5, 2011

130

Thor Swift / Thor Swift Photography

Erin and Walter Moore exchange vows July 3, 2010, at Campovidafarm and vineyard in Mendocino County.

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WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS

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With dozens of fabulouslocations within easydriving distance of SanFrancisco, options forWine Country weddingsare myriad, from theopulence of BeaulieuGardens to the intimacyof an "elopement package"offered by the popular CalistogaRanch.

Neophytes might be surprised byNapa County's strict regulations against mostvineyard weddings: Winery events must beeducational ­ meaning actually about wine.

However, several wineries in Napa County aregrandfathered in as legal (go toherecomestheguide.com for more info), while Sonomaand Mendocino counties offer sites for every taste andbudget.

Erin and Walter Moore

You could say that the atmosphere at Erin and WalterMoore's Wine Country wedding at Campovida in

Hopland (Mendocino County) was decidedly laid back: Halfway down the aisle, theyoungest flower girl ambled off track into a grove of lavender.

"And several couples disappeared," said Walter Moore, a sommelier and co­founder ofCampo de Encanto Pisco, a brandy made in Peru. "No doubt great things werehappening in the fields."

The 13 acres of lush gardens and vineyards at Campovida provided guests with a perfectopportunity for romantic respite.

Everything went as planned: The event was intimate and organic ­ in many senses of theword. Even the normally hot July afternoon broke to cool by the ceremony's late­afternoon start time.

"Both of us have a deep connection to the earth," said Erin Moore, 43, explaining herchoice of one of Northern California's many wedding locales.

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choice of one of Northern California's many wedding locales.

The pluses here were many. Campovida's natural hills and gardens trimmed thecouple's flower budget to the bare bones, while the landscape provided the 130 guestswith beauty and opportunities for diversion. "The tables were wrapped in the lavender,which was growing everywhere," said Erin Moore. "Everything was very natural."

"And my nephews had a blast playing in the vineyards," said Walter Moore.

After a shaded ceremony under a vaulted cathedral of grapevines, guests dined beneatha nearby wisteria arbor. Dancing was under the star­studded sky. While some intrepidexplorers fell upon a candlelit bar tucked away in the gardens and stocked with thesommelier's favorites, others never knew that the secret station existed. "It was justone special thing in the overall best day of my life," Walter Moore said.

The couple first crossed paths almost four years ago at a work event; both are veteransof the food and wine industry. There was a "feeling," said Erin Moore, a public relationsprofessional, but both were ending other relationships. Eight months later, theyreconnected. From the first date, they were in.

Engaged in 2009, both easily agreed on a Fourth of July Wine Country weddingweekend.

Erin Moore, who had once spent three months living at the Michel­Schlumbergerwinery and working a crush, delved into the many Wine Country options.

Seeking a venue for an entire wedding weekend, the two found Hopland the perfect

pick. Extra wedding events included tubing on the Russian River, a day­after croquetmatch and a pool party at the nearby Jeriko Estate. Some guests even ventured toHealdsburg for the evening's splash of fireworks.

Lori Siegel and Katie Alberts

Fines are levied against vineyard lawbreakers in Napa County who sneak in "faux"ceremonies, and a last­minute change of venue for a much­planned event can be anightmare.

Wine Country wedding planner Jackie Jones Wilson of Enchanted Weddings learnedthat the hard way: Her own wedding had to be moved from an unlicensed venue toGarden Valley Ranch in Petaluma just weeks before the event. "The first venue wastaking bookings as if they were legal," she said. But one day, the county officials werelocking the gates to the property. A number of events were canceled.

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REPLY (2) (0) POPULARITY: 2 | | [Report Abuse]

jahzebel 11:59 AM on June 8, 2011

sounds like only older monied couples can afford this option. well, for everyone else, there'salways the charming VFW :­)

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