Taking cues from the rustic charm of Chamard Vineyards, Courtney and Matt’s wedding was full of rustic elegance and a whole lot of love. We are always excited to have a chance to be a part of events at Chamard Vineyards and absolutely loved incorporating all the personal details into Courtney and Matt’s big day. After a beautiful ceremony set amongst the wine barrels in the barn, the festivities continued on the Crush Pad with a reception following in the Tank Room and Red Barrel Room. With rustic details, such as kraft paper menus, long farm tables and burlap runners mixing with personal details, such as escort cards decorated with parachute men, a vintage typewriter guestbook, and mini banana bread favors, this wedding was full of intimate and elegant touches. As the sun set and the candlelight began to fill the night, Courtney and Matt danced the evening away, surrounded by the love of their friends and family and the serenity of the vineyards.

Collaboration:

Photographer: Geoffrey Roderick Photography

Venue: Chamard Vineyards

Florist: Sarah Higgins

Officiant: Rev. Jim Francek

Caterer: La Cuisine

Cake: Anne Dupuis

Ceremony Music: Jetset 4Tet

Reception DJ: Maia Wojcik

Makeup: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

Hair: Capelli Elegante Salon

Filed under: Chamard Vineyard, Real Weddings, Wedding Wednesday

We always love a good excuse to visit Chamard Vineyards and design a festive event, so we were absolutely thrilled to be a part of Chris and Alyson’s wonderful engagement dinner in February.  Guests were treated to a candlelit dinner in the wine cellar with delicious food by Gourmet Galley and gorgeous floral arrangements by the talented Hana Floral Design. The wine cellar’s intimate space was the perfect environment to toast to the happy couple’s engagement! Congrats to Chris and Alyson on a fabulous party and an even better November 3rd wedding!

Sit back and enjoy the stunning images captured by Ashley Therese Photography!

Congrats again to the happy couple!

Filed under: Chamard Vineyard, Flowers, Showers & Events, Venues, Wedding Wednesday

Courtney & Matt, by Geoffrey Roderick

Matt & Jen, by Kris Rae Photography

We have had an incredible season of events at Chamard Vineyard this year, hosting a number of social events, showers, birthday parties, corporate meetings/retreats, intimate dinner parties and amazingly gorgeous, detailed weddings.  We are super excited about many changes that have taken place at the winery over the past year, including a newly refurbished barn, new slate floor in the red barrel and tank rooms and over the crush pad, new vines have been planted with many interesting varietals and the events calendar with music and entertainment on the weekends continues to grow.  It really has become a destination on the CT shoreline, and we are so excited to partner with such a great group of people in coordinating all of the weddings there.

For my Friday wine tasting I thought I would share with you my latest favorite at the winery, the Chamard Riesling.  It is the perfect white wine as we transition into fall, not too sweet, perfect acidity, and absolutely delicious with sharp cheddar cheese, or apple pie.

Wine of the Week…

Chamard Riesling

$14.99

Filed under: Chamard Vineyard, Friday Wine Tasting

Bring out the barbeques, sunscreen, bikinis, lounge chairs, and cocktails, it is Memorial Day Weekend, one of my favorite weekends of the year!!! Because in my mind it is the start of another fabulous summer!  Today we are onsite at Saltwater Farm Vineyard for Carol and Kevin’s intimate wedding celebration at the winery, but then we are kicking back and enjoying a couple of days off.  I think it is the first Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend I have had off in 5 years, and I am ready to embrace every minute of it.

Some fun plans this weekend: Birthday Cocktails at one of the hottest new Restaurants on the CT shoreline, Fresh Salt, backyard bbq with family and friends, the incredible Nicole Frechette is performing live at Chamard Vineyards on Sunday, and we are packing up our bags for a day at the beach in Old Lyme at Pavillion.  What are your plans this weekend?

Memorial Day Weekend Picks
Wine of the Week
Brass Tacks Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
$14.99

Winemaker’s notes:
Let’s get down to brass tacks. This Cabernet Sauvignon is about the purity of the varietal flavors and California terroir. Brass Tacks Cabernet Sauvignon offers classic rich layers of currant, cherry and blackberry fruit that is framed by nicely integrated oak, which adds a touch of spice. This small lot Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from California’s Central Coast that is influenced by the Pacific Ocean. This maritime influence creates an extended growing season that yields wines with full flavor development and great acid balance.
Food Pairings: Perfect with anything off the grill!

What the Experts Say:
“Very nice for the price. Dry and smooth, with blackberry, cherry, cola and currant flavors that have a scoury mouthfeel, because of the tannins. Lots of class and even some complexity. Editor’s Choice“

88 Points
Wine Enthusiast

Cocktail of the Week
John Daly Light

1 part Firefly Ice Tea Vodka
1 part Light Minute Maid Lemonade
Cup full of Ice
Garnish with a lemon

Filed under: Chamard Vineyard, Friday Wine Tasting