To keep in business, many wineries have to expand their services, and one creative approach is offering various events at the winery and that includes weddings.

Actually, that is kind of romantic. My wedding was outside in a public park, so the idea of having a wedding ceremony in a vineyard appeals to me. I guess I missed out on it though.

Here's more about this interesting wine business model from Contra Costa Times:

"The wineries are seeing that people love to come and enjoy, not just the wine, but the wine-country lifestyle," said Lynn Wallace, of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association.

The blending of wine production and event planning is a business model perfected in the Napa and Sonoma areas, known worldwide for their spas, inns, vineyard concerts, world-class restaurants -- and wines.

"Most of the small producers in the state aren't on major grocery store shelves," said Paul Kronenberg, president of the Sacramento-based Family Winemakers of California. Offering event space "brings potential consumers and fans of their wines into wine country and, specifically, into their winery."

Of Livermore Valley's 38 wineries, about half offer space for special events, ranging in size from 150 guests at the BoaVentura to 500 for an outdoor wedding at Wente Vineyards.