Many dread it. Others can’t do it to save their lives. But local
vintners seem to have it down pat. Planning a successful party is
no easy task and that’s why more and more people are paying
professionals.
Many dread it. Others can’t do it to save their lives. But local vintners seem to have it down pat. Planning a successful party is no easy task and that’s why more and more people are paying professionals. While events coordinators named off components like weather, ambiance, cuisine, it became clear that flexibility was the key ingredient to a party that left guests smiling.
Tammi Roberts, an events coordinator at Guglielmo Winery, has manned a forklift when the rains drove wedding guest indoors and cases of wine needed to be moved out of the warehouse, pronto.
“It’s craziness,” she said. “But I’m a weather watcher. You have to be with this job.”
With tight turnaround time, she’s had to throw up a tent last minute and move the bar into the garage when storm clouds reared their ugly head.
Other essentials: a good caterer, an on-site coordinator – like herself – and a decent DJ or master of ceremonies.
“If one of those things goes wrong, it can ruin the whole day,” she said.
Angela Russo at Leal Vineyards mentioned a few other considerations.
“Timing is everything and location is key,” she said. “Also, our winery is not pretentious at all. We have a young owner who’s fun and down to earth. There’s no pressure and the fun becomes infectious.”
And at Hecker Pass Winery, the-one man show that is Carlo Fortino says it all. A genuine people person, his parties evolve out of his love for welcoming people into his home. He lives right on the property and never misses the chance to socialize with his guests.
“We’ve been entertaining the public for 40 years,” he said. “This place is created around wine and food. We’re just happy to welcome people into the family.”
The best part of hosting an event at his winery? “You never run out of wine!” he laughed.
