June Venue of the Month: Chankaska Ranch & Winery
Chankaska Ranch and Winery is my pick for June venue of the month. Rated as one of the Knot's top-rated vendors in 2017 as well as an award-winner at international wine festivals, this second largest winery in Minnesota boasts 25 acres of lush grounds and surroundings, and plantings of eleven grape varieties. “Chankaska,” in Dakota Indian, means “forest enclosed,” and it is the namesake for the creek that gently rolls throughout the property. It is the perfect destination for a classic, elegant, or rustic chic outdoor wedding, and will be truly memorable and exceed expectations.
The space is incredible because guests not only can stroll on the sprawling lawns and near the vineyard, but tour the winery. Couples will likely want to tour and do a tasting of wines as part of the planning process. The tasting menu features eleven white wines, eleven red wines, three sparkling wines, and three specialty wines. Karen, Chankaska's event manager will consult with the winemaker on the wine pairing for the wedding menu. Most often, couples like to select their own favorite Chankaska wine to be served at the bar.
Wedding spaces available are the Creekside ceremony space which is located on the right bank of Chankaska Creek and is set in a natural canopy of trees. It includes a natural aisle and beautiful hand made birch wood arbor to set the perfect outdoor ceremony. Alternatively, the Forest space is a two tiered, picturesque site that offers an open-air, intimate venue for ceremonies. Beautiful stone steps highlight the area. Either are available for ceremonies and receptions on weekends ranging from May 1 - October 31 on Fridays for $5,500 with a $750 bar minimum and on Saturdays and Sundays for $6,500 with $1,000 bar minimum. Cost is dependent on space rented and number of guests, so if you have a smaller party of 50 you could rent the Forest or Creekside area for the ceremony, and save by renting the Barrel Room for the reception. If you're on a budget, their event manager will work with you to put together a customized package for weddings of 50 guests or fewer.
Couples are getting a lot included in their wedding package: if you have your reception at the Creekside reception area, Chankaska will provide a 40 x 80 tent and include setup of tables, chairs and linens, 60” round guest tables that seat 8 per table, folded linen napkins in white or black, white or black linens for all table, all other table needs (gift table, guest book table, etc) with skirting,romantic lighting around tent perimeter, unlimited water, and unlimited soda. Other pluses: guests will have access to the Barrel Room to see wine production and storage, the bride will have day of wedding services, cake cutting service, a wedding director, parking attendants, reception security, yard games, and bar staff. They work with two caterers exclusively: Najwa’s Catering and Absolute Custom Catering. Any decorative items, wedding cake, or flowers are at additional cost to the wedding couple.
The truth is you won't be disappointed if you decide on Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery for your wedding venue. They live up to the expectations. They have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, so bride to be, schedule a tour, tasting, and planning meeting with Karen on a Friday, and then enjoy dinner and live music with your hubby to be in the evening. Go there, and feel special.
Check out their website: www.chankaskawines.com.