vineyard wedding venues near me stanlake park wine estate

Seize your partner in wine and make for the vines. English sparkling wine is having its moment, but nothing quite steals the spotlight like the breathtaking Stanlake Park Wine Estate (apart from the bride, obvs). It’s one of the most stunning wedding venues in Berkshire and your chance to be part of hundreds of years of history in the making as you recite your nuptials with one hell of a backdrop. Aside from the fact your wedding will be blessed with wine by the barrel-load (naturally), here’s why we’re head over heels for this gorgeous vineyard wedding venue.

WHERE

vineyard wedding venues uk stanlake park wine estate

Who needs the rolling hills of the Rhone Valley when you have this beauty right on the doorstep? Nestled amid the bucolic countryside, just outside Twyford, Stanlake Park isn’t just any vineyard with a few decorative rows of vines. They are the real deal, having first begun producing wine on their 130-acre estate back in 1979, from sparkling and rosé to Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc-style Bacchus. One thing’s for sure – they take their award-winning nectar just as seriously as their weddings.

See ya later extortionate taxi fares! The transport links are a hugeee plus point here, with Twyford station being a stop on the zippy Elizabeth Line which can whip guests straight to or from London, and the well-connected transport hub of Reading (less than 7 miles by car). The station is just a 15-minute walk on paved paths, and there’s plenty of guest parking too, with space for 50 cars and coach parking on request.

THE VENUE

Fairytale levels of pretty. Take a nosey around the whimsical estate (that was once part of the Windsor Great Park) and you’ll find everything from lush vineyards to heritage buildings historically frequented by royalty. Their vintage barns are bursting with character, and the grade-II listed, 18th century Coach House is adorned in terracotta tones which provide the perfect blank canvas for your scheme with seating for up to 100 guests. The room is awash in natural light thanks to its floor to ceiling French doors and overlooks the quaint clock tower courtyard. Both can also be used for a dreamy drinks reception.

No scrimping on the mod comforts either. There’s underfloor heating throughout, the design is spectacular, and everywhere you look presents a new opportunity to snap an Insta pic. It strikes the perfect balance between luxury and modernity, and combined with the uniqueness of a working vineyard, is the epitome of rural bliss.

vineyard wedding venue berkshire stanlake park wine estate

There are more than 10,000 established vines to strut your way around here (hello again gorge pictures). On arrival, guests will be guided through an acre of private vineyard, including Stanlake Park’s very own secret walled garden that comes alive throughout the seasons. Think apple blossom archways, wisteria clad walls, and an abundance of colour throughout spring, summer, and autumn. FYI – if you want to get the vines at their most voluptuous, you’ll want to aim for September time.

The whole estate is ridiculously idyllic, and the options for planning your perfect day are sweeping. The Vineyard Lawn is another space that can be used as an additional ceremony or drinks area should you wish – situated with unbeatable views across the vines.

It’s worth noting Stanlake Park can help with practically every aspect of the day and have a trusted roster of suppliers who are the very best in the biz – from photographers and florists to DJs and cake designers. However, there is no obligation to use them, and should you wish, you are free decorate the venue yourself using your own vendors.

When the sun starts to set, you’ll want to make for the stunning 19th century Vineyard Barn which can seat up to 150 guests for the wedding breakfast. Doubling up as a dance floor and bar all in one, it’s a seamless space for stuffing yourself silly with cake before getting your groove on when the real fun starts in the evening. Of course there’s a state-of-the-art speaker system too. For larger weddings, this is another great option for your ceremony.

Then, if the night calls for a bit of fresh air, the Italian-style courtyard outside is the perfect reprieve with ample seating, a wishing well, olive trees, and planters. Just beautiful.

SCOFF & QUAFF

After ‘I dos’ are done and dusted, drinks and canapés are served in the courtyard. Quite frankly, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better catering team. The Michelin-trained executive chef and his squad from Fingers & Forks are unreal, and award-winning for a reason. It’s bespoke, baby. From fine dining to bangers and mash or a treasured family recipe, the menu is down to you. On the day, the professional service team will have everything in hand, with on-site managers present to ensure every dish is served flawlessly. There’s even an outdoor pizza oven too.

As you can imagine, the bar is pretty well stocked. Expect to pick up some of Stanlake Park’s award-winning wines – all grown and bottled just steps away from where you’ll be toasting. Courtesy of expert Italian winemaker, Nico Centonze, you can sample the stunning range of 17 different wines, including white, rosé, red, and English sparkling – all lauded with national acclaim. The bottles themselves are works of art in their own right – a nice extra bit of eye candy for the table.

Expect a range of drinks packages, with a complimentary food and wine tasting evening with Fingers & Forks to select your dream menu ahead of the big day. Pssst! Can’t wait to get your paws on the goods? The Wine Bar is open six days a week with wines by the glass to be enjoyed in a beautifully restored Victorian greenhouse. They only way to kick off the planning process if you ask me.

THE PERKS

Make your vineyard wedding a reality at Stanlake Park, with an array of stunning buildings available for exclusive hire. Yep, a slice of the estate is yours for the day. A ginormous perk is the use of the gorgeous Bow Loft that sits above the Coach House. On the morning of your wedding, it’s at your disposal to get dolled up with the girls and settle the nerves (enter fizz in hand).

Why only make a day of it? You can also host your stag and hen onsite with the option for private vineyard tours, wine & Pilates sessions, cheese and wine tastings, and exclusive events. Private wine tours and tastings can even be arranged for guests on the day of your wedding too – pretty unique in itself.

What I particularly love and puts Stanlake Park a cut above the rest is that on your first anniversary you’ll be invited back to the Wine Bar to reminisce about your special day with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. And if you’re looking to create a new tradition, you can come back year after year for an anniversary toast and a stroll around the grounds to relive it all over again.

ACCOMMODATION

Not far to stumble for your bed. Wedding celebrations only continue in the luxury onsite accommodation in two gorgeously restored vineyard lodges. The North Lodge is the honeymoon cottage that quite literally oozes romance. Nestled amongst the vines, inside you’ll find a super king-sized bed, freestanding bath, and stunning vineyard views.

For the wedding party, there’s The South Lodge – a spacious four bed house that sleeps up to eight, with equally elegant interiors, an outdoor area to kick around in and breathtaking views of Berkshire’s rolling hills. Even better, extra accommodation is being carefully restored to offer additional sleepover space for guests as we speak and is set to launch later this year.

NEED TO KNOW?

This ain’t their first rodeo. Stanlake Park have been hosting weddings like seasoned pros for eight years, and from the moment you inquire to your big day, you’ll have the same experienced team holding your hand throughout every stage of the planning process. Amen to that. Start bringing your one-of-a-kind vineyard wedding to life by booking a private tour of the estate now by emailing weddings@stanlakepark.com.

Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Waltham Rd, Twyford, Reading, RG10 0BN. Phone: 0118 932 0914.

I DO! Your spellbinding vineyard wedding is right here

You may also like