Elk Cove Vineyards

Yesterday, we ventured out to Elk Cove Vineyards in Gaston, OR (about an hour from downtown Portland.) It is situated up in the hills, surrounded by nature and, of course, lots and lots of grapes!  The view above is when you are driving into the facility.  The Gazebo at the base is where the ceremony would take place, with guests seated to the right on the lawn.  In the upper left of the picture is the tasting room and banquet room.  The banquet room is on the left with the patio.  The banquet room (or Roosevelt Room) is of decent size (just about perfect for 50-75 people) and has beautiful white light fixtures hanging from the ceiling that would be perfect to decorate.  It has several doors that open onto the patio.  It also has a small bridal room.  

Highlights:

Great view

Secluded location

Cozy facilities (not too large, not too small)

Set price - no extra fees! :-)

Discount on wine

Choice of caterer

They let us taste their wine for free (and it was good.)

Drawbacks:

Renting chairs from a party supplier ($$)

Lots of stairs

One of the caterer's they recommend is Maggie's Buns (www.maggiesbuns.com) which is in Forest Grove (nearby.) They catered the PT Christmas party last year and were very delicious and very, very affordable.  I will definitely be calling them in the next few days and their pricing really could make this our ideal location.

Another option that we like about this location is that our guests could stay at the Grand Lodge (www.mcmenamins.com Hotels > Grand Lodge.) They have very reasonably priced lodging, gorgeous grounds, a salon/spa and multiple restaurants.  

Tomorrow we are going to Vista Hills Vineyards near McMinville, OR.

So, as of now it has been narrowed down to:

Elk Cove Vineyards

Zenith Vineyards

Beckenridge Vineyards

Vista Hills Vineyards