At the Wine Garden Inn, we believe that the beauty and bounty of our estate-grown ingredients should extend beyond the glass and onto the dining table. Our culinary and floral teams work in close harmony to craft seasonal arrangements that capture the essence of our acclaimed vintages while elevating the overall winery experience.
Winery-Inspired Floral Design
Our vintners and growers spend countless hours tending to the vines, coaxing out the most vibrant flavors and aromas in our wines. We believe the artistry of their labor should be reflected in every aspect of the Wine Garden Inn, including our floral displays.
Our in-house floral designer, Miriam, draws inspiration directly from the vineyards, incorporating elements like curling tendrils, lush grape clusters, and verdant leaves into her creations. Whether adorning our tasting room countertops, gracing the tables in our gourmet breakfast nook, or enhancing the ambiance of a special event, these nature-inspired arrangements seamlessly blend the winery’s aesthetic with the beauty of the season.
Estate-Grown Ingredients for Arrangements
Miriam’s floral designs don’t just look the part – they also incorporate ingredients harvested right from our own gardens and orchards. Fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme; vibrant edible flowers such as nasturtiums and marigolds; and an abundance of seasonal produce all find their way into her creations.
“I love being able to walk the grounds and hand-select the freshest, most flavorful ingredients to incorporate into our floral arrangements,” Miriam shares. “It allows us to truly showcase the essence of our estate in every bouquet and centerpiece.”
Artistry and Essence in Floral Creations
Beyond just aesthetics, Miriam’s arrangements are designed to enhance and complement the tasting experience. She carefully considers color palettes, textures, and scents that will elevate and accentuate the profiles of our award-winning wines.
“I’ll often start by exploring the tasting notes and characteristics of a particular vintage,” Miriam explains. “If it’s a bold, fruit-forward Cabernet, I might choose deep red blooms and lush greenery. For a delicate, floral Riesling, I’ll incorporate lighter, airier elements. The goal is to create a synergy between the wine and the flowers that transports guests to the heart of our estate.”
The Vine-to-Vase Concept
Incorporating Vineyard Elements
Miriam’s designs don’t just stop at flowers – she frequently incorporates other natural materials harvested from our vineyards and orchards. Twisting grapevine tendrils, fragrant lavender sprigs, and weathered oak barrel staves all make appearances in her arrangements, blending the winery aesthetic with the beauty of the natural world.
“I love the idea of bringing the vineyards indoors,” Miriam muses. “It allows us to create a truly immersive experience for our guests, where they can see, smell, and feel the essence of our estate in every detail.”
Reflecting the Winery’s Aesthetic
Beyond just the ingredients, Miriam’s floral designs also mirror the overall aesthetic of the Wine Garden Inn. Clean, modern lines and an emphasis on natural materials like wood and stone complement the winery’s architectural style, while pops of vibrant color and lush, abundant textures echo the passion and artistry of our winemaking.
“We want every element of the guest experience to feel cohesive and intentional,” Miriam notes. “The flowers should seamlessly blend with the tasting room decor, the gourmet breakfast presentation, and even the labels on our wine bottles. It’s all part of crafting that signature Wine Garden Inn look and feel.”
Blending Flowers and Wines
Of course, the true test of Miriam’s floral artistry comes in how well it enhances the tasting experience. She works closely with our winemakers to ensure perfect pairings, considering factors like soil acidity, tannin structure, and aromatic profiles when selecting bloom varieties and arrangements.
“It’s all about balance and contrast,” Miriam explains. “A bright, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc might be beautifully complemented by an arrangement featuring lemon verbena, yarrow, and eucalyptus. Meanwhile, the rich, velvety notes of our Merlot could be highlighted by deep red roses, chocolate cosmos, and hints of sage.”
Crafting Signature Arrangements
Locally-Sourced Floral Materials
Miriam’s design aesthetic places a strong emphasis on locally-sourced, seasonally-appropriate materials. She works closely with small-scale flower farmers and specialty growers within a 50-mile radius to ensure the freshest, most sustainable blooms and foliage.
“It’s important to me that our floral arrangements showcase the bounty of our local region,” Miriam says. “I love discovering new, unique varietals from nearby growers and incorporating them into my designs. It really helps to tell the story of our estate and the surrounding landscape.”
Seasonal Inspirations
Each season brings new inspirations for Miriam’s floral creations. In spring, she might highlight delicate cherry blossoms, vibrant tulips, and fragrant lilacs. Summertime calls for bountiful sunflowers, lush peonies, and aromatic herbs. As autumn approaches, she gravitates toward rich, jewel-toned dahlias, fiery maple leaves, and dried seedpods.
“I’m always eager to see what the changing seasons will bring,” Miriam shares. “It’s an endless source of inspiration, and it allows me to craft truly unique arrangements that capture the essence of each time of year.”
Unique Presentation Styles
Miriam’s floral designs aren’t limited to traditional bouquets and centerpieces. She’s always experimenting with innovative presentation styles that elevate the guest experience. Towering arrangements cascading from the rafters, intimate mini posies adorning place settings, and even edible floral garnishes for our gourmet breakfast plates all make appearances at the Wine Garden Inn.
“I love thinking outside the box when it comes to displaying our flowers,” Miriam enthuses. “It allows me to create a sense of wonder and delight, drawing guests into the winery’s world through unexpected moments of beauty and artistry.”
Elevating the Winery Experience
Enhancing Tasting Room Ambiance
Miriam’s floral arrangements are a crucial element in shaping the welcoming, immersive ambiance of our tasting room. Vibrant blooms and lush greenery adorn the countertops, while seasonal centerpieces grace the communal tasting tables, inviting guests to linger and savor the moment.
“The tasting room is the heart of the winery experience,” Miriam notes. “My goal is to create an environment that feels warm, inviting, and true to the essence of Wine Garden Inn. The flowers are an integral part of that overall aesthetic.”
Complementing Winery Events
Miriam’s talents truly shine during special events and celebrations at the Wine Garden Inn. Whether it’s an intimate winemaker’s dinner, a lively release party, or an elegant wedding ceremony, her floral designs seamlessly integrate with the overall event style and theme.
“I love the challenge of creating arrangements that both highlight our wines and complement the specific occasion,” Miriam says. “It’s about striking that perfect balance between the winery’s identity and the event’s unique personality.”
Integrating Floral and Wine Themes
Miriam’s designs don’t just elevate the visual appeal of the Wine Garden Inn – they also forge meaningful connections between our flowers and our wines. Guests might discover delicate lavender blooms adorning a bottle of our award-winning Rosé or vibrant sunflowers complementing the sunny, fruit-forward notes of our Chardonnay.
“I love the idea of creating thematic pairings that allow our guests to truly immerse themselves in the essence of our estate,” Miriam explains. “It’s a way for them to engage all of their senses and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into every aspect of the Wine Garden Inn experience.”
Whether you’re sipping on a glass of our latest vintage, savoring a gourmet breakfast, or strolling through our lush gardens, the floral arrangements crafted by Miriam and our team are an integral part of the Wine Garden Inn journey. By blending the beauty of nature with the bounty of our estate, we aim to transport our guests to the heart of our winemaking world, one captivating display at a time.