PartySlate’s Wine Country Launch Delights Top Event Professionals and Tastemakers with the Work of Local Artisans
On August 13, on a pleasant Napa summer day, PartySlate launched its presence in wine country — a chic extension of its already thriving engagement with the event community in San Francisco. Top event planners, design professionals, caterers, photographers, venue representatives, and more gathered to feté the growing brand. Wine country joins the rapidly growing list of places in which PartySlate offers a beautiful way for the event community to showcase their stunning body of work and reach new consumers.
Auberge du Soleil proved the perfect setting for the sunset soirée, with its famed position on the slopes of Rutherford Hill, affording sweeping olive grove and vineyard views. The expert planners at Cole Drake Events exhibited their intimate knowledge of the region by producing an event that made beautiful use of the organic environment and local talent. Sarah Drake, principal planner at Cole Drake Events, says, “Being in wine country is all about the experience and celebration of wine, food and artisans that make this region so special. We were excited to have PartySlate at the center of the celebration where everyone came together to experience the best of the best!”
Guests were invited to the buzzed-about event via a statement-making boxed invitation from the creative team at Ceci New York. The thick, textured invitation was wrapped and nestled into moss, with a perfect little sprig from an olive branch announcing the natural, authentic aesthetic of the impending celebration.
Partygoers entered the launch event by traveling down a set of stairs wrapped in lush vines — a visual link between the Auberge’s indoor space and and its stunning private outdoor terrace, featuring even more on-trend greenery from M Design. A photobooth by Giggle and Riot Funbooths greeted guests, with fun, Napa-inspired props like gold laurel crowns and leafy headbands that complemented the event’s décor. The next thing to capture guests’ attention was the glorious sun setting over the vineyards and mountains, a décor element courtesy of Mother Nature.
M Design filled out the stunning scene with pampas grass accents, berry toned florals, and more gorgeous greenery, while Lux Productions added layers of airy blush drapery and beautiful lighting. Cole Drake worked with the design team to curate a second photo-op with a floral-draped arch and a rattan chair, perfect for posing against the natural backdrop. Drake notes that strong ways to engage guest interaction are, “Social vignettes, open-air photo booths, and creative food experiences.” To that end, guests enjoyed multiple clever ice-themed stations in the summer heat. A sculpture by Ice Illusions with fun PartySlate branding was situated next to the always-crowded live oyster shucking station from Hog Island Oyster Co. Last, was a live treat station from Auberge featuring a giant block of ice being freshly shaved then topped with two sweet flavors: summer peach and raspberry.
Auberge du Soleil features a Michelin-star culinary team who utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients — which in summer is a bounty. Partygoers dined from two chef action stations, enjoying lamb rib eye and an in-season vegetable sautée. Passed bites included petite croque monsieur, duck rillette, melon soup with mint oil and tomato gazpacho with basil oil.
Guests also partook in curated wine stations from Far Niente, Veuve Clicquot, Duckhorn, and Huneeus Wines (which featured wines from three vineyards: Flowers Winery, Faust Wine, and Quintessa Winery). Meanwhile Sonoma Hanson Distillery served up curated cocktails — including a cucumber gimlet that paired perfectly with the melon soup — from a warm, worn wood bar from Blueprint Studios Rental, filled with rustic details and florals. While enjoying sips, partygoers also appreciated a musical string performance accompanied by two singers from Élan Artists, playing contemporary, romantic tunes like “City of Stars” from La La Land and “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.
Planner, Drake, gathered guests and thanked the event’s sponsors then introduced PartySlate CEO and Co-founder, Julie Novack, who provided a short product demo, saying, “Napa is every midwesterners dream destination!” before sabering a bottle of champagne and announcing it was dessert time. A dessert table from Petite Sweets Napa featured a towering croquembouche accented by florals next to a beautiful tiered “naked” cake, which added to the rustic vibe. An iced coffee station by Illy paired perfectly with the sweet bites which guests enjoyed at lovely tables from Blueprint Studios outfitted with lilac linen from Nuage Designs.
Cole Drake — never a team to send guests home empty-handed — handed out luxe branded tote bags that included a bottle of Rosé from Auberge, a handle of vodka from Sonoma Hanson Distillery, chocolates from W3, CBD-infused sparkling water by Daytrip from Pacific Expeditors, and a beautiful vendor acknowledgement card by Paper Habit. Photographer Janine Licare Photography and videographer Sean Kenney Films captured every glorious wine country moment.
PartySlate is looking forward to upcoming launch celebrations in Boston and Phoenix and a new year full of expansion and connecting with the wonderful event community.
PartySlate is the place where leading event professionals share their work with the world. Find new ideas by viewing and saving hundreds of thousands of beautiful event photos from weddings to birthday parties, corporate events to galas. Easily connect with the best local event professionals and find stunning venues. Sign up now »
Featured event professionals and venues receive additional links within articles. Learn about membership plans »