Summer 2021

42 Apr21122 Best CaliforniaWine Country WeddingVenue 2021 Located in the El Pomar region of Paso Robles wine country, Rava Wines is the perfect retreat to celebrate your special event or wedding weekend. Whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony by the lake, celebrations in the olive grove and old-world courtyard, or sizeable corporate gatherings in the indoor ballroom, Rava Wines & Events can encompass all your needs. Chad and Lauren Rava had a shared dream to be the first Paso Robles winery to specialise in estate grown, sparkling wines crafted in the time-honoured, méthode champenoise style. The hand-crafted nature of these wines is reminiscent of the old-world traditions found in the smaller grower champagne houses. Chad and Lauren’s farmer grown and made in California sparkling wines bring together Chad’s experience in winegrape growing and Lauren’s focus for the tradition of this unique style of sparkling wine. Their shared vision became a reality in 2017, with the opening of Rava Wines & Events on Rancho Fortunato, Rava’s Estate in Paso Robles. The Ravas are a third-generation farming family, with roots spanning throughout California. Chad’s grandfather, Gerolamo Rava, immigrated to California from Lake Como, Italy in 1924. Gerolamo was active in the local farming community and immersed himself in the dairy, beef cattle and vegetable industries. Chad follows in his father and grandfathers’ footsteps and with a natural affinity for the land from an early age. Chad now manages more than 1,200 acres of vineyards in two locations: the foothills of the Santa Lucia Range in Monterey County, and the Rava Estate in Paso Robles. After purchasing the estate, originally an Arabian horse ranch, the couple spent their honeymoon working on the property and creating plans for their place of celebrations. Now the intimate state-of-the-art multipurpose event centre offers a unique blend of modern hospitality, fine wines and estate sparkling wines. Rava Wines & Events is Paso Robles Wine County’s place for celebrations. This special site accommodates a variety of occasions for guests. From an intimate ceremony by the lake, to a celebration in the olive grove and old-world courtyard, or a larger professional gathering in the event centre, guests will find the perfect place at Rava for their celebrations. Villa Giada, the estate 3-bedroom home, is a great addition and provides onsite luxury accommodations. While the venue sees great popularity and success, it was unfortunately unable to host weddings and events up until a few months ago due to state restrictions relating to COVID-19. However, one of the benefits of the venue with regards to reopening guidelines is its large guest capacity indoors. It is currently able to host 300 people indoors/outdoors, following all the requirements. The pandemic didn’t stop the Ravas setting new developments into motion though. This spring, they added a new micro-wedding/elopement venue to the ranch called Fortunato. Set in the vineyards, it offers a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped natural setting complete with lighting and fairy-tale stone bridge. Another development sees the restoration of the historic 1900s farmhouse and barn on the property to host additional celebrations with completion estimated in 2023/2024. Chad and Lauren Rava’s shared dream of Rava Wines & Events has come a long way and is now a full-service destination for happy couples to create memories with family and friends that will last forever. Company: Rava Wines & Events Contact: Lauren Rava Email: [email protected] Website: www.ravawines.com