The wedding ceremony will be held in a glade overlooking the cove and bridge at Russian Gulch, and the reception will follow at Pacific Star Winery. No parking is available in the State Park.
Shuttles will be provided to take you to the ceremony, from the ceremony to the reception, and back to your accommodations.
Russian Gulch State Park was acquired in 1933 through gifts of land and money by A. Johnston and the County of Mendocino to match State Park funds. The park has 7,630 feet of ocean frontage. With its rugged headlands thrusting out into the blue Pacific, the park is thought of by many as the north coast's rival of Point Lobos. One of the many features of the headlands is the "blow hole." Its formation was made by the incessant pounding of waves against the coastal headlands. A tunnel has been formed which comes inland about 200 feet, and at its end the earth has caved away forming a hole 100 feet across and 60 feet deep; one can look into this flower and plant-lined pit and watch the surging sea at high tide.
The imposing redwood and stone barn structure nestles into the cliff side, protected from crashing waves by a flat rock bench eroded over eons. The cellar is filled with French, Hungarian and American oak barrels and specialty equipment suited to handcrafted wine making. Highest quality grapes, open-top fermenters and a portable grape receiving system allow small lot premium winemaking with critical attention to detail. The unique location lets magical forces come into play; waves crash into sea caves under the cellar, naturally filtering wine from its sediment. Salt from sea air deposits on barrels accelerating osmosis while creating viscous and dense wines. A friendly and fun approach to wine tasting makes Pacific Star an off-the-beaten path experience worth seeking out. Bring a picnic and a group of friends for a memorable day!
