Nella Terra Cellars 5005 Sheridan Road • Sunol • CA 94586

Take it from us: If you’re planning a grand fête of any kind—wedding, fundraising gala, corporate celebration, holiday party, or glamorous social affair—you simply must check out this gorgeous venue tucked into the tawny Sunol Hills. It’s only a few minutes from Highway 680 but seemingly worlds away … 

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you crest the gently rising terrain and spot the property’s landmark 20-foot steel-rail barrel. From this vantage point you’ll have an unimpeded and visually sumptuous view of Nella Terra Cellars’ spectacular layout, which includes hillside vineyards, landscaped gardens, water features and walkways, as well as stunning outdoor ceremony and reception sites and a dramatic peak-roofed white tent for entertaining indoors.

You can make your way down to the function areas in a number of ways, but our choice would be the property’s regal 75-step staircase hewn from ancient vineyard stone. It descends in fairytale fashion past Viognier and Pinot Noir plantings. At its foot sits the elegant ceremony site with vine-draped arches at the entrance and a pergola backdropped by an idyllic creek-fed pond, trimmed in native grasses and flowers and stocked with hundreds of silvery fish.

It’s perfect for vows and romantic enough to inspire proposals, but dreamier still is an amble around the pond. The path leads across a bridge and past a small waterfall. Wood-hewn benches and catkins teased by dragonflies punctuate the walkway on the far shore where it meanders to an end at the water’s edge. There, a beautiful big bay tree offers shade and a lush spot for photos. It’s a lovely place to pause, reflect, or reconnect as you listen to the soothing sound of waterfall, fountain, and creek. And what a pleasure to breathe in the forest and floral scents while admiring the magnificent 360-degree vineyard surround!

A row of graceful cypress trees wrapped in twinkle lights separates the ceremony and pond area from the cocktail reception space, a sophisticated stone patio where guests can enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Encircled by bistro lights and set up as a lounge with couches and a fire pit, it invites everyone to relax and mingle. Just steps away is the white tent, which is custom-made for dining and dancing and outfitted with roll-up clear sides, chandeliers, and its own twinkle lights. You’re free to use the vineyard’s antique oak barrels and other props—farmhouse tables, lounge furniture, crossback chairs, mirrors, lacy chandeliers, and more—to transform the tent however you like. And throughout the evening, the stone patio remains available for those who want to step outside for a little fresh air or stargazing.

An enchanting bride’s changing room with hardwood floor, kitchenette, lounge area, bathroom, and private deck is another delightful bonus. The groom and his guys have their own room, too, complete with an area to play bocce ball.

Whatever your style, from rustic to royal, you’ll find just what you need to realize your vision at this one-of-a-kind venue for your once-in-a-lifetime day.