Wedding Venue: Thomas Fogarty Playing at The Vineyard

Posted Oct 17, 2011 by Gabrielle

About the Venue

There are few wedding venues that share the luxury of wine country ambiance coupled with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. The Thomas Fogarty Winery is definitely one of the best kept secrets in the wedding industry. The facility is perfectly structured with three distinct areas for your guests to enjoy, and it is such a seamless transition that your event moves effortlessly all day. At Thomas Fogarty Winery, your guests will feel like they are on top of the world.

This gorgeous “In The Pink” wedding celebration captured by Sara France does an amazing job of fully utilizing the picturesque and dynamic property. If you have always envisioned a traditional exchange of vows, the garden at Thomas Fogarty is ideal. The natural landscape is striking – so when it comes to decor, keep it simple. Don’t overshadow the million-dollar views with extraneous details.

After the ceremony, allow your guests to wander the gorgeous property and enjoy a glass of bubbly while you and your groom take a few snapshots. Thomas Fogarty’s Blanc de Blanc Sparkling is perfectly paired with a few light nibbles or chocolate dipped strawberries.

As the sun begins to drop behind the hills, your guests can retreat to the outdoor pavilion for dinner service. Thomas Fogarty allows you to choose your dining preferences from a list of accomplished local catering companies. The Pavilion is an open air structure, featuring a one-of-a-kind copper roof that elegantly reflects the warming sun; wonderful architectural vaulted ceilings; and a view of their award-wining Chardonnay vineyards. You can easily host a reception for approximately 200 guests.

When it’s time to change the mood and put on your dancing shoes, the terrace and hill house create a playful environment for lounging and dancing. The terrace has great lighting and shares the same spectacular views as the ceremony. I love the hill house – the paneled windows are so unique, opening fully and folding out of the way during the warm afternoon, but allowing you to close them if the evening fog should roll in. A few comfortable couches and overstuffed chairs will give your guests a grand location to relax and enjoy the after-party.

Ask the Expert

The Thomas Fogarty Winery is so beautiful! I loved the view of the valley, from the ceremony site and the short walk down to the open air reception area. After dinner we went inside to this perfectly sized dance floor so everyone to get down! The vineyards are beautiful and overlook the valley as well. I love the outdoor feel of this venue and the covered, open air reception location.

My favorite thing about this wedding was the couple. I am a San Diego wedding photographer but I flew up to San Francisco to shoot their engagement and their wedding. When the wedding day came around, I already felt like family. This couple has such incredible passion for their families and for each other and the wedding reflected that. I could see the couple in every detail and every choice. They probably had one of the longest toasts that I have ever seen with family members and friends all getting up with incredible toasts to the couple. It was truly a personal and very special celebration. ~ Sara France

I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Sara France Photography, Day of Coordinator – Helen Han of Thomas Fogarty Winery, Florist – Blossoms Flower Shop, Cake – Aria Kasuga, Catering – Schumann’s Four Seasons Catering, All Rentals and Wine – Thomas Fogarty Winery, Invitations – Papeterie.