Vines, Urban Charm & Vibrant Celebrations. A Wine Country Wedding to Remember

Caitlin McDonald
Dec 8, 2025
3 min read

Nestled amid the rolling hills of Oregon’s wine country, Zenith Vineyard offers a dream backdrop for a modern wedding that bridges rustic romance and contemporary design. With its sweeping views of vineyard rows, high‑ceilinged ballroom, and expansive patio for sunset cocktails, the venue gives you all the romance of the countryside but with the clean lines and flexibility to create something entirely unique.

For this wedding, the couple chose to lean into contrasts: the softness and warmth of organic floral design and earthy greenery, layered with a bold palette of oranges and yellows... colors that feel alive against the greens and browns of the vines. The result? A wedding aesthetic that felt fresh, modern, and deeply rooted in place.

The festivities kicked off the night before at The Bindery in McMinnville, a restored 100‑year‑old warehouse turned industrial‑chic event space, just steps from the town’s historic main street and right across from the home base hotel, The Atticus. With white walls, high ceilings, tall windows, and concrete floors, The Bindery offers a “blank‑canvas” vibe where anything goes.

Instead of a traditional rehearsal dinner, the couple opted for something more playful and local: a welcome party powered by Portland’s best food trucks. Guests wandered in, greeted by the hum of urban energy, casual seating, and the promise of good eats.

Using The Bindery for the welcome party also grounded the wedding weekend in the rhythm of Wine Country meets urban‑PNW sensibility: a fusion of rustic setting and city‑style flavor.

When the big day arrived, guests were transported from The Bindery’s urban charm to a sweeping vineyard estate bathed in golden light. The ceremony and reception took place at Zenith Vineyard, a venue specifically built for weddings and events, with a 5,000‑square‑foot ballroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a 120‑foot patio overlooking the vineyard — ideal for blending indoor elegance with outdoor beauty.

A Foodie‑Focused Celebration

True to the couple’s love of great food and local flavor, the reception was deeply foodie‑oriented. Think thoughtfully curated menus, an emphasis on farm‑to‑table ingredients or local vendors, and sharing plates that encouraged conversation and community. In a wine region known for its wines and fresh produce, focusing on food felt not just indulgent, but rooted in place. Not to mention, to pay homage to the bride's home state of Wisconsin, we also sourced some local cheeses that were a familiar sight to see for this largely destination wedding list.

The setting invited a “wine‑country chic” vibe, where every element from the estate wines poured to the locally sourced menu worked together to reflect the terroir and spirit of Willamette Valley. Moreover, many wineries in Wine Country use recycled or reused materials for their event spaces (like repurposed wine barrels for flooring or decor), which makes a food‑ and wine‑focused celebration feel aligned with the land and its history.

Design: Bold Color Meets Organic Greenery

For decor, the couple embraced a modern palette: oranges + yellows paired with organic greenery. This choice stood out beautifully against the natural vineyard backdrop, vibrant, lively, and unexpected in a setting often reserved for muted or neutral tones. The greenery added texture and calm, while the bright pops of color brought energy and warmth.

Tables featured lush green plants and centerpieces, dotted with yellow and orange blooms. Accents like rich patterned napkins, citrus‑toned florals and a standout dance floor and stage would tie the space together. The design felt modern and intentional, rooted in nature but not bound by convention.

As the night wore on, the celebration shifted into full swing with a lively dance floor that had guests moving and laughing late into the evening. To satisfy every sweet tooth, a huge dessert bar showcased an array of treats that delighted both the eyes and the palate. And in a perfectly fun and unexpected twist that embodied the couple’s down-to-earth vibe and love for community, Costco pizza made a surprise appearance—proving that sometimes the best weddings are the ones that blend elegance with a touch of joyful spontaneity.