Heavenly Hibiscus Royale cocktail

Part 1: Elegant, chic and reminiscent of 1950’s glamorous affair, champagne (or in this case, sparkling wine via Napa Valley) cocktails instantly makes your Bridal Shower Brunch a special soiree. Tie the venue, cuisine and personality of the bride-to-be with your designated luscious libation.

For example, if the couple is honeymooning in Hawaii the Hibiscus Royale is unique tribute to the getaway. Or if rose colours adorn the upcoming nuptials then that cocktail can showcase the tone of the upcoming festivities. Whatever way you go with your cocktail choosing, one thing is for sure, don’t miss the opportunity to pop a bottle of bubbles and cling your champagne flutes together in celebration of the soon-to-be-bride.

Below are some of my favourite sparkling cocktail recipes provided by Domaine Chandon, a Napa Valley Winery and one of the most romantic wineries featured in my book Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples. Chandon has brilliantly put together beautiful descriptors and charming concoctions that showcase their award-wining sparkling wines.

The Chandon Hibiscus Royale

Throughout history, flowers in winter have always been a luxury. This sparkling cocktail, made with edible hibiscus petals, lends a note of extravagance to any party. Hibiscus has been used to make herb teas for thousands of years, and is safe to mix with foods and beverages. A drop of rose water adds an extra floral note.

Ingredients

1 Hibiscus flower (wild hibiscus flowers in syrup). Made by the Wild Hibiscus Flower Company of Australia; available at Whole Foods.
½ tbsp syrup from the jar of wild hibiscus flowers
1 small drop of rose water
Chandon Blanc de Noirs

Instructions
Combine Hibiscus flower, syrup and rose water in a Champagne flute. Top with Chandon Blanc de Noirs and serve immediately. Suggested glassware: Champagne flute.

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.  Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

La Quinta Resort & Spa: Palm Springs Baby!

Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and one is gold. Remember that song? It’s a popular song that most 8 year old Brownies sang as they held hands in completion of each Girl Scout meeting. As a twenty-something not much has changed. Girlfriends are an important fabric of each woman’s life. They keep our secrets, encourage us and if you’re lucky be our maid of honor. So before you take that walk down the aisle and start your new life, reconnect with your old one and solidify the bonds that will keep you and your best friends tied together as best friends, forever.

Here are my favorite Girlfriend Getaways where pampering, lounging, partying and bonding are mandatory.

Palm Springs

La Quinta Resort & Spa – A desert resort, known as a Hollywood hideaway that has most recently appeared in People Magazine and Life & Style Weekly with Gwen Stefani chilling by the pool, embodies old-world glamour. With dozens of palm tree adorned pools, world-class tennis courts, on-site shopping and a variety of outstanding dining establishments; you will never need the leave the resort. Lounge pool side, take pottery classes or hit the golf range with your best gals for a guaranteed sunshine filled escape. www.laquintaresort.com

Las Vegas

Wynn & Encore – There is no other place I will stay in Las Vegas after being spoiled at these two sister properties. Situated on the strip, across the street from one of the best shopping malls in town, this resort is the cream of the crop in terms of class, style and certain trouble for the more mature crowd. They offer the ultimate party experience at XS Nightclub, boast a topless European pool and house four-star dining restaurants where you can savor to-die-for French fare and still watch an awe-inspiring lightshow set against a giant waterfall. The gambling is pretty cool too. www.encorelasvegas.com

Napa Valley Wine Country

Avia Hotel – This contemporary boutique hotel sits in the center of all the wine tasting and fine-dining action that the area offers. Iron Chef Morimoto (Food Network Star) just opened a new restaurant around the corner and innovative Japanese cuisine. And in downtown Napa there are over 20 tasting rooms so there is no need to hire a driver; just walk (or bike) and sip. Pick up lunch at Oxbow Market Place on the Napa River and savor the true star in town, the wine, in the wine capital of the world. www.aviahotels.com

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here. Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

How to spell out a proposal to your intended...

Daydreaming about your destination wedding but he still hasn’t put a ring on it? Hint: Forward this article to him…

Surprisingly, I hear from nail-biting, nervous men about planning the perfect proposal because of my book, Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, which lists the Top Ten Napa Valley Proposals. Usually, these sweet men just need reassurance and a shot of romantic confidence (usually via a female) to set their fears to rest that – yes, you have planned something your woman will love and get her to accept your request at marriage.

One charming gentleman, who bought my book online, presented his girlfriend with a copy of the book on the plane as he whisked her away for a surprise romantic getaway.  Once in Napa he arranged a mind-blowing proposal that included breath-taking vineyard views, luxurious bubbles and on bended knee offered a bling-bling ring; an enchanting proposal that even the most jaded women couldn’t resist. Now they are planning their vineyard vows, via a destination wedding in wine country.

Au contraire to what some woman may think about men and proposals, I’ve learned that it is one of the most nerve-racking experiences for a man, (worse than walking down the aisle). This is one thing in the relationship that they plan and execute alone and they want to do everything they can to impress you, show you’re their sincere love and get you to say YES! So if you think your man needs a little assistance here are some tips that I’ve perfected along the way in helping the men plan the perfect proposal that will be followed by a loud, often tearful yes.

Do:

Be Creative; Use an inside joke between you two, enlist family and friends or something different like using chocolate sauce to write “Will you Marry Me?” on her dessert plate.

Surprise Her; Make sure that there is a surprise element in your proposal. The surprise element is what makes it so special and memorable. Woman love to be surprised!

Speak from the Heart; No matter when or where if you profess your love in a genuine way the proposal will be perfect.

Don’t:

Not Plan; Thinking and planning ahead will show her that you took the extra care to display your love to her. A lack of planning may show her that little thought was put into this momentous moment, and perhaps your future together.

Make Her Uncomfortable; By now you should know if she is a private or public person. If she is shy and uneasy in front of crowds proposing in the middle of NYC times square may cause her more embarssment then joy.

Propose Without a Ring; Hate to break it to you but – yes – a ring is required. It can be a gumball machine ring but it is a symbol of your commitment and if the woman loves you it doesn’t matter the size, shape or color because she will say I DO!

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here. Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

Summer, here we come! With your destination beach wedding right around the corner this is a fun chance to designate yourself as a modern mixologist and test drive some signature cocktails for your bridal soiree. Below are two of my favorite exotic, mouthwatering cocktail recipes. Cheers!

Charbay Mojito
1 oz. fresh lime
1 oz. fresh simple syrup
15 fresh mint leaves
2.5 oz. Charbay Tahitian Vanilla Bean Rum
2.5 oz. Club soda

In a mixing glass, muddle mint, lime and sugar with vigor; add ice, rum, club soda and stir well.

Charbay Summer Breeze
2 oz. CHARBAY Meyer Lemon Vodka
3 oz. Orange juice
1/2 oz. Pineapple juice

Fill a 12 oz. Collins glass with ice; mix all ingredients and garnish with a lemon wheel

About Autumn Millhouse

Autumn Millhouse is a local travel writer, international trekker and self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic”. Author of the hugely popular Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, she is currently working on two books with similar themes dealing with travel and romance. In Calistoga, her book is available at Copperfield Book Store, Solage Spa, Castello di Amorosa and Sterling Winery. Check out her blog at www.romanticnapavalleybook.com.

Escape to romantic Calistoga.

Calistoga is the ideal setting for a romantic love story:  Enchanting castles, a secluded mountain setting, hand-crafted luscious wines, steaming mineral springs, mouth-watering delicacies and picturesque surroundings. Below is a complete itinerary for a weekend hideaway.

Friday

Romantic Quarters – However you choose to arrive, make sure to check into the Mt. View Hotel & Spa located in heart of Calistoga. Rule number one of seduction is setting the scene and Mt. View Hotel & Spa happily succeeds. This newly renovated art-deco cosmopolitan hotel seduces every guest effortlessly. Set in a historical 1917 building, it boasts a variety of artist cottages, balcony suites and guestrooms and is the backdrop to many loves stories, including the romance between the proprietors, Michael & Stephanie Woods. With amenity-filled rooms, including winery suites which are paired with local romantic wineries, there are numerous packages to choose from, lovingly created by General Manager Andrea Hoogendoorn, giving guests endless reasons to cuddle and kiss. 1457 Lincoln Avenue (800) 816-6877

Vino & Cuisine – BarVino offers an extensive wine list, three-course menu specials and small plates with big bites. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, BarVino is conveniently located next to Mt. View Hotel & Spa with an entrance in the front lobby. The ambience is hip, modern which translates into a city vibe. Either as a local hoping to escape or a tourist wanting to unwind BarVino provides the best of the both, city sprawl, and urban crawl.

Saturday

Morning Jolt – Start your morning off right and increase your personal karma by supporting a local poet who also owns the most popular organic roasting house in town. Coffee at Yo el Rey is the best in town and a great place to meet and converse with locals. Located right off Lincoln avenue, Yo el Rey also features local underground art on its walls. Some examples are large stunning photographs by local travel photographer Liza Gershman, and poems hand written by the eccentric owner, J. Kirk Feiereisen. 1217 Washington Street (707) 942-1180

Quintessential Romantic Wineries – Sterling Vineyards, “one of the more spectacular wineries in Napa Valley,” according to Frank Prial of The New York Times. At this hilltop winery, the reserve tour and tasting at 11 a.m. starts with a tram ride up the hill to the winery, where you will gasp at a nearly 360° aerial view of the valley. These stunning views are sure to set the perfect tone for your romantic day. Your experience at Sterling will also include vintage wine tasting and an escorted winery tour lead by an experienced guide.  1111 Dunaweal Lane (707) 942-3300

Larkmead Vineyards embodies the picture perfect wine country atmosphere; an astonishing 90 plus wines scored by Robert Parker for their 2006 collection, an on-premise wine dog, picturesque vineyard views and a contemporary interior, there is no need to go beyond Calistoga to experience Napa Valley. Make an appointment in advance and allow time to unwind, learn about wine and soak up the wine-country lifestyle. 1100 Larkmead Lane (888) 743-7446

On weekends, every half an hour, there is a tasting tour at an incredible new winery, Castello di Amorosa, the castle of love. Allow yourself to be guided through this Italian-inspired castle to explore the stairway-filled towers, a medieval torture chamber, vast wine cellars, and Italian artisan hand-painted murals,  “where no detail was overlooked,” says The Boston Globe.  If you have never had the pleasure of exploring ancient European castles, this is your chance to tour an accurately replicated version crafted entirely from select materials imported from Italy.  The result has every ounce of character inherent to an authentic Italian castello. 4045 Saint Helena Highway (707) 942-8200

Sunday

Relaxation & Leisure – Center your spirit and bond over the “couples indulgence” package to start your morning off right at Mt. View Spa where they practice the ‘art of relaxation’ daily. Enjoy an array of hydrotherapy baths, personal steam rooms and well-deserved massages in their blissful green-friendly spa that is accessible by appointment to anyone seeking the sublime.

Calistoga is a walking town and it allows you to spend a day without having to drive, which is rarity nowadays. After your treatments, start with walking down to the Calistoga Bike Shop and rent a bike for a self-guided bike tour. 1318 Lincoln Ave (707) 942-9687.  Pick up some picnic supplies at Palisades Deli, also located on Lincoln Avenue, and hit the two hottest wineries within biking distance.

Newly-opened Lava Vine Winery & Tasting Room is the perfect spot to ride your bike up to, park and drink some amazing wine. Syrah is their signature hand-crafted wine however the Viognier is worth noting as well, and my personal favorite. This small production winery has a laid back vibe, an outside seating area and friendly staff making your intimate tasting a delightful experience. The best part is that they hand deliver any wines you’d like purchase to your hotel so you can continue biking without the hassle. 965 Silverado Trail (707) 942-9500

At the foot of Mount St. Helena resides a world-class winery that takes serious winemaking to a revolutionary level — literally.  Notoriously know as the inspiration for the recent movie Bottle Shock, Chateau Montelena remains grounded in a traditional beauty that honors its beginnings.  At the legendary Paris Tasting of 1976, Chateau Montelena’s ’73 Chardonnay defeated the French Meursault-Charmes ’73, history was born and California wine started on the path to its well-deserved fame. Hidden behind the winery under layers of green ivy emerges a classic stone castle carved into the hillside, reminiscent of an old French chateau.  More than a simple tourist attraction, it functions as a unique wine tasting facility; and a serious winery calls for serious tasting, so make sure to experience the Library and Current Release Tasting, which feature some of the rarest and most highly-sought California wines. 1429 Tubbs Lane (707) 942-5105

Keep on Romancing….

About Autumn Millhouse

Autumn Millhouse is a local travel writer, international trekker and self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic”. Author of the hugely popular Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, she is currently working on two books with similar themes dealing with travel and romance. In Calistoga, her book is available at Copperfield Book Store, Solage Spa, Castello di Amorosa and Sterling Winery. Check out her blog at www.romanticnapavalleybook.com.

Hit the road for rustic wine country

Wine country weddings encompass essential details beyond taking your vows in a vineyard setting. It is a wine country state-of-mind. This serves often as the inspiration for the wedding. Whether in wine country or not, attention to these essentials will undoubtedly create a wine country ambiance for any wedding. And hopefully a happily-ever-after.

VINO:  Wine is the soul of a wine country wedding. Dictating the general vibe for the evening choosing the wrong wine for the couple could be a major upset.  Work with a local sommelier to perfectly pair your wine with your food, and don’t forget to consider the right bubbles for your wedding cake. Make sure to have a few different wines on hand, one for novice wine drinkers and one for more experienced wine connoisseur, and one for the everyday wine drinker. That way there will not be an unhappy faces in the reception. Work with a local winery on blending your own wine for this momentous occasion and consider purchasing from them directly to save some extra cash.

RUSTIC ELEGANCE:  After discussing with many wedding planners what the key ingredient is in terms of décor the most important element seems to be bringing the outside landscape inside. Meaning the flowers are simple yet gorgeous. The wedding colors are mute but extremely elegant. And the wedding favors and detailed touches represent sustainability, chic style and are pleasing to the eye. Local honey wrapped in recycled ribbon, organic olive oil used as decorative touch in the main course or pour from a magnum of wine autographed by a local winemaker which all set the tone for the idyllic wine country wedding and make fabulous wedding favors. Even consider using a saber to open your bubbly for your wedding cake toast. This will be an exciting display for guests and cement the wine country ambiance.

ARTISANAL MENU:  A large part of what makes a wine country wedding unique and so appealing beyond the rustic location is the wine and food. Inspired by a simple approach to food by using local, organic and seasonal products wine country cuisine is a beautiful mix of Mediterranean fare typically with California meats, fruits and vegetables. Check out what some of the best wine country chefs, such as Michael Chiarello, Thomas Keller and Bob Hurley, are creating in the kitchens and use that as inspiration for your own menu. Work with your cater to plan a special menu and properly pair each wine for each course and the menu will be talked about for years to come.

About Autumn

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called “Love Vines” published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

Give the gift of the grape, personalized

Do you want to create a wine country wedding? If so, here is a splendid way to do so without having to recite your nuptials amidst sun-kissed vineyards (of course that wouldn’t hurt).

Create unique, memorable, one-of-a-kind customized wine labels for your reception tables, as wedding favors or to drink during the blissful celebration. Comartin Cellars offers customized wine labels packaged with delicious California-grown wines for soon-to-be-brides and grooms. Work directly with their creative director, Katie Comartin, to design a customized label based upon your wedding colors, your invites,  your destination wedding local, or any other fun, creative idea that a couple has as inspiration.

Romantic labels for giving good gift

This is an ideal way to cement your wine country wedding themed event. Cheers!

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

About Autumn

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called “Love Vines” published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

Sip, surf and soar in Santa Cruz at the Pleasure Point Inn

Sip, Soar or Surf! Kick off your own Spring Fling by whisking your beloved away for a romantic getaway. Each getaway evokes romance, sunshine essentials and a sense of adventure – perfect for any couple hoping to switch relationship gears.

San Ynez Valley: Wine Tasting

Take a long weekend and drive the five hours to Santa Barbara’s Wine Country. Rolling green hills, large oak trees and vineyard landscapes are reminiscent of Napa Valley but with an urban cowboy feel. Ranching and wine drinking make this valley unique. Los Olivos is a picturesque three-block town filled with wine tasting rooms, upscale dining establishments and a local general store where you can drink beer out front (if the urge occurred). Stay at the Fess Parker, Wine Country Inn & Spa in the center of town and choose from a variety of wine tasting packages, including my ideal getaway; Ride, Wine & Dine. However, three of my favorite wineries are Foley Wines, Bridelewood Estate Winery and Kaylara Winery. Dine at Petros, the excellent Greek restaurant inside Fess Parker or enjoy a western meal at A.J Spurs, where the best steak and chili beans are served along with live country music. www.fessparker.com

San Diego: Hot-Air Ballooning

Instead of booking a flight to Spain, save the money and feel as if you are in Spain at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. Colorful tiles, majestic fountains and bright bougainvillea add to the hotel’s distinction. It’s a place where many visit and want to return as a newlywed. The romantic atmosphere, ocean views and close proximity to La Jolla Cove makes La Valencia the ideal winter retreat. Forget Southern California traffic, everything you need is within walking distance. Even the hot-air balloon company, Sky Surfer, will pick you up at the hotel for an Ocean View Sunset ride. Afterwards, pick up to-die-for fish tacos from Georges and hang out at their open-air upstairs bar sipping margaritas. Shop, take long walks along the beach and don’t forget to pack your flip-flops. www.lavalencia.com

Santa Cruz: Surfing

Santa Cruz and Capitola, a two hour drive from Napa, is also a bumbling eccentric community. For the more adventuresome couple, take advantage of Pleasure Point Inn’s Room & Board Surf Package. Wetsuits, semi-private surf lessons and surfboards are provided by Club Ed Surf School. Plus, two nights away at the inn are included. After your surfing lessons grab brunch at 515 Kitchen & Cocktails by the fireplace on the upstairs patio. For dinner, rather after dinner at Chocolate, located in the heart of Santa Cruz share the ‘chocolate orgy’ dessert (they have a variety of mind-blowing desserts). If surfing is not in the cards for you, then consider giving kayaking a try. Rent a kayak at Capitola Boat and Bait shop located on the Capitola wharf. www.pleasurepointinn.com

Puckering pink rosé

Summer is the time of the year that I usually switch from drinking reds to whites; or better yet, rosés. Not to be confused with white zinfindeal, rosés are made using a Syrah (or Shiraz) varietal, which is usually made to produce red wine but not in this case.

Syrah is a rising star when it comes to summer wines. It works perfectly because it pairs so well with many summer dishes, such as BBQ and spicy Mexican, and offers a refreshing vino tasting experience.

Recently, I had the pleasure to meet with Chris Phelps, winemaker of Swanson Vineyards, who describes the wine to me as “strawberry, watermelon and raspberry on the nose.” He also says “its pink, its fun and it gives the perception of sweetness without being too syrupy.” Phelps says that this wine “embodies the celebratory spirit” and suggests it as a brilliant wine for any wedding as well. Or just for a warm summer day.

About This Wine

Walking brilliantly between the crisp, aromatic world of white wine and the bold, complex world of red, you’ll find our dry, refreshing rosé. The 2007 Salon rosato offers everything you’d expect from the most celebrated lifestyle wine in the Old World: fresh, bright red fruit with delightful aromas of roses, ripe cherries and raspberries.

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

About Autumn

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called “Love Vines” published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

It's a nice day for a green wedding - nice day to start again....

In honor of Earth Day, I’m sharing a recent article that was originally published in Napa Valley Life Magazine’s April/May 2010 Issue.

Did you know that wedding contribute to pollution? For example one rose has an estimated 127 different pesticides sprayed on it, polluting waterways and causing harmful working conditions during its harvest.  Or that 75% of Brides never wear their wedding dress again; much less even remove it from the closet again. What a waste!

Offset your carbon footprint by being eco-conscious in your wedding planning efforts. There are many ways to accomplish this in order to lessen the effects on the environment and do your part to make this world a little better. Below are ten thought-provoking ideas to consider for your (hopefully green) wedding.

1.    Go paperless. Use the internet to send your Save the Date & Wedding Invitations. Better yet create a free website on The Knot and send the link to your friends & family to keep them updated on the wedding details.
2.    Carpool – Arrange group transportations options for your guests not only your bridal party.  Designate a driver for groups of friends or rent a van and hire a driver for larger groups. Even consider utilizing an electric car.
3.    Pour organic certified wine, sparkling wine or champagne. Ask if the winery belongs to the Napa Green Land Program.
4.    Work with caterers who utilize local and agricultural sustainable food products in their menu. Consider eliminating meat from the menu unless you use grass-feed organic local meat like from Napa Valley’s Long Meadow Ranch.
5.    Use cloth napkins and glass & plate dishware to eliminate unnecessary waste. If you need to use any paper products use Post-Consumer Waste products that are tree-free.
6.    Inquire about the sustainable and eco-friendly approach that your reception site operates under. Are they energy efficient, do they recycle? Are they a certified green building?
7.    Donate any leftover food or beverages to a local shelter or organization in need. Better yet, sponsor a family in need to receive any remanding unused food.
8.    Check with all your vendors about their green-friendly practices they employ. Organic pesticide-free flowers?
9.    Purchase clothing for the wedding that has been produced locally or in your country. Is your makeup cruelty-free?
10.    Make sure that all your wedding and reception décor can be reused or donated to charity.

Green Wedding Experts Weigh In….
“Many people forget that being green is not just about the reduction of waste, but also about social justice. Couples can use their wedding as a mechanism for social change instead of buying wedding favors.”
Katie Martin, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Elegance & Simplicity, Inc.

“Green Weddings are important because of the multiple benefits they produce for us all. Environmentally, they reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse, and prevent pollution through carbon offsets and carpooling to venues; socially, they support green businesses in our community furthering the green economy and a healthy planet; and economically, they can save you money if you purchase local, seasonal, and reused– like one of my brides bought her wedding gown off of Craigslist.”
Corina Ann Beczner, Owner & Green Wedding Consultant, Vibrant Events

“Many people ask how a photographer can go green. Our garden studio, which has been designed for photography is pesticide free.  When families come to have their photography session they can rest assured knowing that their children are safe from pesticides. The same goes for our studio and office. We closed down our own wet lab. We no longer keep chemicals in the house. Digital photography has enabled us to reduce our shipping and transportation costs by close to 70%. We ask our lab to bundle orders rather than ship back jobs”.
Lowell Downey, Green Wedding Photographer & Video Production Owner

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

About Autumn

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called “Love Vines” published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.