Overlooking a large duck-filled lake in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region is the grand Serafino Winery. Offering red-brick boutique accommodation and several function rooms to choose from, this sprawling venue is stunningly laid-out for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Serafino was awarded SA Best Reception Centre in the 2016 and 2018Â ABIA Awards, and received many honourable mentions in other years for both their ceremonies and receptions.
A long driveway lined with upright poplar trees winds past grassy banks by the lake. The lawns are dotted with huge ancient gum trees, and the lake features a pretty spouting fountain in its centre. Ceremonies can take place in one of the open lawn areas, the rose gardens or under one of the impressive gum trees with the lake as a sparkling backdrop.
Receptions can cater for intimate receptions or larger ones of up to 220 guests. Each room available for hire includes complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site parking and various PA systems, projectors and screens. The most popular reception option is the large, domed-roof reception hall, decorated with fine wood finishings and a wall of barrels at one end to frame the head table. Guest tables can be arranged in rows, circles or a U-shape, and the high ceiling provides plenty of opportunities to get creative with fairy lights and hanging flower arrangements. The decorative brick-tiled ground is perfect for dance floors.
Another option is The McLarens Room – a warm, carpeted room with a curtained wooden stage at its front and centre. Low hanging fairy lights can create a cosy, intimate atmosphere, and the in-built audio system makes the music and speeches easy to hear. There is also an outdoor courtyard and a barrel-lined cellar room on the grounds.
Photos can take place amongst the vineyards, by the lake or nearby Baxendale Creek, on the sprawling lawns or in the cellar door. Permanent outdoor fairy lights illuminate the lawns in front of the reception hall, making it perfect for a late-night stroll with your photographer.
The wedding party and guests can conveniently stay on the grounds in one of 30 four-star hotel rooms. 14 of these are Deluxe Spa rooms that overlook the gardens and swimming pool, and there are self-contained units and family rooms available too. All of the rooms include a refrigerator, air-conditioning, LCD television, hairdryers and tea/coffee making facilities.
Serafino Winery even offers exclusive Wedding Proposal Packages if you haven’t popped the question yet. The Platinum Package includes a romantic 30-minute helicopter flight over the spectacular Onkaparinga Gorge and Willunga coastline, a Chef’s Table menu in the Serafino restaurant with paired wines, and overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Spa room. Upon check in, the room will be set with rose petals, tealight candles and a bottle of Serafino Premium Sparkling in an ice bucket. The next morning you’ll be treated to a cooked breakfast. Alternatively, you can opt for the Gold Package, which offers everything except the helicopter flight. For additional fees, you can add an antipasto picnic hamper or a winery tour to your stay.
Serafino Winery is 45 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD and is conveniently located near all the amenities and attractions of the McLaren Vale tourist region. There are plenty of other wineries, breweries, restaurants, cafes and accommodation options to check out nearby.
An experienced Wedding Coordinator is on hand to help couples plan everything from start to finish when they choose to hold their wedding celebrations at Serafino Winery. With the picturesque grounds, fabulous ceremony and reception facilities and comfortable accommodation to boot, it’s no surprise that Serafino Winery consistently wins awards and receives rave reviews from couples for their beautiful weddings.
Photography by Svenstudios
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