If you’ve seen the movie classic, The Wizard of Oz, you’ll recall the scene where Dorothy arrives in Oz, looks around, and says to her little dog, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto.”
Well, you won’t think you’re in California anymore when you see Clos LaChance Winery. This majestic facility, with its white stucco and fieldstone walls, red-tile roof and exquisitely landscaped gardens, will have you wondering if you’ve been magically transported to the hills of Provence. But the only magic involved here was the unique vision of owners Bill and Brenda Murphy, brought to reality by talented designers and architects.
Located adjacent to the sixth hole of the exclusive CordeValle Golf Course, and overlooking acres of vineyards and open land, Clos LaChance surrounds you with beauty and elegance the minute you enter the grounds. A petite courtyard, graced by a bubbling fountain and abloom with fragrant herbs and flowers, welcomes you to the winery. A small ceremony or champagne reception is enchanting in this sunlit space.
After pausing here to savor its delights, continue on into the winery itself and the aptly named Grand Salon. This expansive room has tiled floors, pale taupe walls and ceiling with dark wood moldings, and French doors framed in deep red-and-brown brocade drapes. The room’s focal point is an imposing stone fireplace; above it, a gilded mirror reflects the light cast by the wrought-iron chandelier, embellished with gilt leaves and flowers. A gorgeous tapestry, depicting a Roman scene, adorns one wall. Incidentally, throughout the winery, all of the furnishings and art are genuine antiques—even the books in the bookcase in the Salon’s foyer!
Just off the Grand Salon is the Tasting Library, a cheerful room featuring an unusual zinc-topped tasting bar, a massive wooden back-bar, and little cocktail tables that came from an English pub. For something really unusual, entertain your guests in the Cellar Room. Built entirely of dry-stacked sandstone, and lit by a wrought-iron candle chandelier, this cozy underground space can host intimate dinners, bridal toasts or photos around the antique refectory table.
Outside the Salon and Tasting Library is the Grand Terrace, paved with flagstones and bordered by white rose bushes. Seated dining takes place here, before moving into the Grand Salon for music and dancing. Below the Grand Terrace, a velvety semicircle of grass called the Tapestry Lawn is enclosed by a stone wall and framed by a silhouette of the rolling hills. A wooden arbor laced with climbing roses is the preferred place for couples to tie the knot. Another option is the Mulberry Grove, a pretty spot for sun-dappled ceremonies and social hours.
The outdoor areas are all lavished with horticultural treasures, such as lush chestnut trees and oleanders; colorful Santa Barbara daisies and salvias; aromatic lavender and roses. Even the briefest visit to Clos LaChance reveals a meticulous attention to detail, a quality shared by the topnotch event planning and wedding coordination services offered here. Clos LaChance was named after co-owner Brenda LaChance Murphy, but “chance” is also the French word for “luck,” and we’re sure that you’ll feel extremely fortunate when you discover this outstanding facility.
Capacity
Ceremony
Reception/Special Events
Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 125
Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 Max. Seated Indoors: 100
Max. Seated Outdoors: 200
Max. Standing Indoors: 130
Max. Standing Outdoors: 200 Max. Seated: 200
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The winery accommodates 125 seated indoors or 200 outdoors.
EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The facility holds 100 seated and 130 standing indoors; 200 seated or standing outdoors.
MEETING CAPACITY: Event spaces accommodate 200 seated guests.
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