Brotherhood Winery Wedding: Toasting Your Love at America’s Oldest Winery

Hey there, my amazing couple! Victoria here, your go-to Hudson Valley Wedding Photographer behind the lens of Stories by Victoria capturing Hudson Valley, Catskills, New Jersey and beyond! So, imagine saying “I do” in a place like where the air smells faintly of oak barrels, history, and just a whisper of merlot. Where your vows echo softly under stone archways, and your reception sparkles with candlelight reflecting off wine glasses. That’s the magic of a Brotherhood Winery Wedding—equal parts romance, heritage, and a little bit of grape-induced joy.

Nestled in Washingtonville, NY, this isn’t just any winery. This is America’s oldest winery, founded in 1839. Which means your wedding won’t just be beautiful—it’ll be steeped in nearly two centuries of stories, toasts, and happily-ever-afters.

 

🍷 Why Choose Brotherhood Winery for Your Wedding?

Let’s be real: choosing a wedding venue is a lot like choosing a wine. You don’t just want something that looks good on the shelf—you want a flavor that lingers, a story worth telling, and a bottle you’ll remember opening for years to come. Brotherhood Winery checks every single box.

This isn’t just any wedding venue—it’s the oldest winery in America (founded in 1839, darling). That means when you say your vows here, you’re not just starting your own love story—you’re adding a chapter to one that’s been uncorked for nearly two centuries. Talk about history meeting happily-ever-after.

1. A Venue with History (and a Great Backdrop)

Imagine celebrating your love surrounded by 19th-century stone cellars, dramatic brick architecture, and rows of vines stretching toward the horizon. Brotherhood’s spaces are as photogenic as they are iconic.

• The Grand Salon: vaulted ceilings, stone walls, chandeliers—aka “cathedral chic.”

• The Underground Cellar: moody, candlelit, and seriously romantic.

• The Garden & Grounds: lush greenery and wide-open skies, perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

Your photos won’t just look good—they’ll look like stills from a Netflix period drama (minus the heartbreak and political intrigue).

2. Wine as Part of the Celebration

This one’s obvious, but let’s call it out: Brotherhood Winery is a winery. Which means your wedding gets an instant upgrade with wine that has been aging beautifully, just waiting for your toast.

Instead of generic bubbly, imagine clinking glasses of Brotherhood’s own sparkling, sipping award-winning reds over dinner, and letting your guests indulge in tastings that double as entertainment. It’s not just a wedding—it’s an experience.

3. Flexibility in Atmosphere

Some couples want grand and formal, others want cozy and rustic. Brotherhood gives you both. You can host a black-tie soirée in the Salon, then sneak away for intimate cellar photos. You can have a romantic garden ceremony, then dance the night away under chandeliers.

It’s like having multiple venues in one—without the hassle of moving guests around.

4. Location, Location, Location

Nestled in Washingtonville, NY (Hudson Valley), Brotherhood Winery is the perfect mix of “escape” and “accessible.” It feels like a destination wedding without the logistics nightmare.

• Just an hour from NYC.

• Surrounded by charming inns, boutique hotels, and scenic spots for your guests.

• Bonus: the Hudson Valley is a destination in itself, so guests can turn your wedding into a mini-vacation.

5. Memories with Depth

At Brotherhood, you’re not just booking a venue—you’re tying your love story to a legacy. Think about it: the same walls that witnessed historic wine-making in the 1800s are now holding your vows, your laughter, your first dance. There’s something poetic about that.

6. Guest Experience That Feels Like Luxury

Let’s be honest: guests may not remember the color of your napkins, but they will remember how they felt. Brotherhood delivers a high-touch, immersive experience:

• Gorgeous spaces that don’t need over-the-top décor.

• Wine flowing freely (yes, please).

• A balance of elegance and ease—formal enough for your grandma, fun enough for your college crew.

 

📍 A Venue with Layers (Like a Good Cabernet)

One of the beauties of a Brotherhood Winery Wedding is the variety of spaces you can mix and match.

The Grand Salon

This is your statement piece: soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and enough space for a dance floor that will see some legendary moves. Perfect for large receptions or that dramatic first look.

The Outdoor Courtyard

An ivy-clad haven for al fresco ceremonies and cocktail hours. Picture your guests mingling with glasses of Chardonnay while the sun dips behind the treeline.

The Underground Cellars

For couples who want moody, intimate vibes. These vaulted, candlelit chambers are dripping with atmosphere—literally and figuratively.

 

💍 Ceremony Inspiration

There’s something almost cinematic about exchanging vows at Brotherhood. Whether you’re under the blue sky of the courtyard or surrounded by centuries-old stone in the cellars, it’s a built-in set designer’s dream.

• Vineyard-Inspired Arch – Adorned with eucalyptus, grapes, and seasonal flowers.
• Wine Barrel Aisle Markers – Rustic, charming, and oh-so thematic.
• Unity Wine Ceremony – Blend two wines into one glass as a symbolic toast to your new life together.

 

🥂 Reception Styling

A Brotherhood Winery Wedding already has visual richness—stone walls, warm wood, candlelight—so your décor can either lean into the rustic romance or add a modern contrast.

• Rustic Chic – Linen runners, greenery garlands, and brass candlesticks.
• Modern Glam – Black and gold accents, sleek tableware, and dramatic florals.
• Seasonal Layers – Pumpkins and burgundy blooms in fall, lavender and blush in spring.

Baddie Tip: Skip the overly themed wine décor (we get it, it’s a winery). Instead, let subtle nods—wine-stained calligraphy, cork place card holders—speak volumes.

 

🍽 Menu & Wine Pairing Bliss

One of the undeniable perks of a Brotherhood Winery Wedding? The food and wine pairings are chef’s kiss.

Appetizers:

• Crostini with whipped goat cheese and fig jam (pair with Riesling)
• Mini beef Wellington bites (Cabernet Sauvignon, obviously)

Entrées:

• Herb-crusted salmon with lemon beurre blanc (Chardonnay)
• Braised short ribs with rosemary polenta (Merlot)

Dessert:

• Chocolate torte with raspberry coulis (Port-style dessert wine)
• Late harvest Riesling-poached pears with mascarpone cream

And yes, you can absolutely have a champagne tower—but swap it for a sparkling wine tower to keep it on-brand.

 

📸 Photography Gold

Your Brotherhood wedding photographer will have a field day with a Brotherhood Winery Wedding. Between the stone archways, cellar lighting, and vineyard-esque nooks, it’s an Instagram feed waiting to happen.

• Golden Hour Courtyard Shots – That soft, warm light bouncing off wine glasses? Gorgeous.
• Candlelit Cellar Portraits – Moody, romantic, timeless.
• Wine Barrel Backdrops – Adds rustic charm without feeling cliché.

Pro tip: Ask your photographer to bring a few battery-operated candles for the cellars—they’ll photograph beautifully without creating harsh shadows.

 

🧥 Seasonal Vibes

The best part? A Brotherhood Winery Wedding works no matter the season.

• Spring – Budding trees and fresh blooms in the courtyard.
• Summer – Alfresco dining with late sunsets.
• Fall – Rich foliage and deep, warm décor tones.
• Winter – Cozy cellar receptions with mulled wine bars.

 

🗓 Planning Your Brotherhood Winery Wedding Like a Pro

• Book Early – This venue is a favorite for Hudson Valley weddings and peak dates vanish fast.
• Consider Off-Peak Months – Winter weddings here are incredibly romantic and often more budget-friendly.
• Ask About Tasting Events – You can turn your menu tasting into a pre-wedding celebration with friends.
• Leverage Local Vendors – Many in the Hudson Valley have experience working at Brotherhood, which makes for a seamless setup.

 

🗣 Real Couple Stories

“Our guests are still talking about the wine cellar reception—it felt like stepping into a European fairytale.” – Elise & Daniel

“We incorporated Brotherhood’s Riesling into our signature cocktail, and it was the perfect personal touch.” – Mia & Jack

“The history, the atmosphere, the wine—this venue is pure magic.” – Harper & Ben

 

🎯 Is a Brotherhood Winery Wedding for You?

Choose this venue if you:

• Love the idea of old-world romance meets vineyard chic.
• Appreciate a good glass of wine (and want your guests to, too).
• Want a venue with built-in charm, history, and photo ops.

If you want your wedding to feel like a toast to love—full-bodied, complex, and unforgettable—a Brotherhood Winery Wedding is calling your name.

 

💡 Baddie Tips for Brotherhood Winery Weddings

1. Incorporate the Wine – From signature cocktails to mini bottles as favors.
2. Play with Lighting – The cellars are gorgeous, but lighting is key for photos.
3. Blend Indoor & Outdoor –A courtyard ceremony followed by a cellar reception is chef’s kiss.
4. Plan for Comfort – If you’re in the cellars, bring pashminas or blankets for guests in cooler months.
5. Add a Little History – Include fun facts about the winery on your menus or programs—it’s a great conversation starter.
6. Find a Photographer — brotherhood winery has a lot of beautiful spots so  hire a photographer.

A Brotherhood Winery Wedding isn’t just about the wine—it’s about creating a day layered with flavor, history, and warmth. It’s the kind of place where your love story becomes part of a much bigger tapestry, where every clink of a glass feels like it’s echoing through centuries of celebration.

And really—doesn’t your love deserve a venue that’s just as rich and timeless as the story you’re writing together?

So raise your glass, book that date, and let the wine—and the love—flow.