Weingarten Vineyard

ion with lodging, food, alcohol, getting ready spaces, and beautiful grounds for photos made wedding planning much easier for us and our wedding party. That said, we experienced several communication and organization issues throughout the planning process and wedding weekend. Early on, our tasting was difficult to schedule, and once we arrived, the chef did not seem aware we were coming or prepared with the menu options we had selected. A few weeks before the wedding, we were also informed there were only two guest suites available despite originally being shown three during our tour, which caused one set of parents to scramble for last minute lodging. When we arrived for the wedding weekend, Joe informed us the entire kitchen staff had quit about a month prior and he was personally trying to manage winery operations, the wedding, and the kitchen. Unfortunately, this seemed to show throughout the weekend. The rehearsal dinner was chaotic. Guests had pre selected entrees ahead of time, but the servers did not have the list and were running around trying to figure out who ordered what. The food came out cold, lacked flavor, and was nothing like the quality we had experienced during normal visits to the winery. It felt very obvious there was a breakdown in communication between management and staff. At the reception, several food items we selected were substituted without our knowledge, and both entrees were missing components discussed beforehand. We also paid extra for a cheesecake toppings bar, but instead were served what appeared to be pre made cheesecake bites with almost no warning. This was especially frustrating because New York cheesecake is already a regular menu item at the winery, so we struggled with feeling a bit bait and switched. I will say though, Joe made incredible breakfast burritos the morning of the wedding and I am still thinking about them. One additional thing worth mentioning is that sound travels very easily between the guest suites on the main level. We could clearly hear conversations and noise from the neighboring suite, which was not ideal with the honeymoon suite directly next to the suite used by the bride’s parents. Adding soundproofing or reconsidering the suite placement would make a huge difference for future couples. Overall, Joe was always kind and clearly working extremely hard, but it honestly seems like he has far too much on his plate trying to manage weddings, restaurant service, and winery operations all at once. The venue desperately needs more delegation and staffing support to avoid the communication breakdowns we experienced. That said, this venue is still very new to hosting weddings and only in its second season, so we expected there might be some growing pains along the way. The venue truly is beautiful and has so much potential, and I do think with more time, staffing, and organization behind the scenes, it could easily become an even better wedding venue than it already is. Thank you to Joe and staff for what was overall a beautiful wedding weekend.

h! He is very responsive and strives to do everything he can to accommodate your requests. His vision for the Bridal and Groom's suites came to life and were such a beautiful addition to our weekend. The food, as always, was delicious. Every time I talk to one of our guests now they bring up just how delicious the food was and how beautiful the venue was! Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping our daughter's dream wedding come to life! (Attached pics are just the sneak peaks...can't wait for the rest!)

atmosphere was perfect and the chef presented us with a remarkable dinner to enjoy. Everyone was so helpful and accommodating for our large group. Such a great venue for celebrating our special event.