If you’re dreaming of a romantic vineyard wedding, you might look to Italy, France, or California. But the Hudson Valley? Turns out you can find Old-World winery charm right here at home. Brotherhood Winery, established in 1839, is often considered the United States’ oldest operating winery. Much like a fine wine, the property has only improved with age, and recent renovations have modernized the amenities but kept the original character.
Weddings focus on the Grand Monarque Hall, a restored 19th-century stone building with exposed brick framing the windows and doorways, which has been converted into nearly 5,000 square feet of event space. Inside, the lofty space feels like a Tuscan farmhouse with more exposed stone and brick, hand-hewn wood floors, rustic wooden rafters, and antique wrought-iron light fixtures and chandeliers. The adjacent English cobblestone patio is typically used for cocktail hour or ceremonies, which can also be held on the lawn, framed by stone arches. And any photographer’s shot list should include a kiss among the vines and a few romantic moments in the underground barrel room.
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Of course, there’s plenty of wine. The site fee includes a bottle — choose from the winery’s Champagne-style sparklers, whites, and reds — for every two guests. (No outside wine is permitted; liquor and beer can be provided by outside caterers.) For an extra fee, you can even have a personalized label affixed to bottles, or take home a case to help you celebrate all the landmarks of your first year of marriage.
The Details: Venue fees range from $6,500 to $8,500, depending on the day, with space for up to 224 seated guests. Dates in January, February, and March receive a $2,000 discount.
