Marsella Family Vineyards

Marsella Family Vineyards is a rustic winery wedding venue in Oakdale, California, set on a historic 135-year-old farm along the Stanislaus River in Stanislaus County. Owned and run by John and Kristi Marsella, who purchased the former Merrihew homestead in 2014, the property pairs a working family vineyard with a century-old redwood barn, a 1906 farmhouse, and a pavilion that looks out over the vines. Couples drawn to a relaxed, country-casual atmosphere will find roughly twelve acres of green grass, white fences, mature trees, and roughly 900 vines to roam, making the grounds something of a photographer's paradise.

Though not a traditional packaged wedding venue, Marsella Family Vineyards hosts a limited number of ceremonies and receptions each year for couples who want a flexible, hands-on celebration. There are no required vendors and no fixed packages, so couples are free to bring their own caterer, coordinator, florist, and rental company and shape the day around their own vision. The redwood barn anchors the setting as a magical centerpiece, with three real bathrooms, a roomy kitchen, and ample space for dining and dancing, while a fire ring with seating, a cornhole lawn, and open vineyard views invite guests to linger well into the evening. Ceremony and reception can be arranged across separate areas of the grounds, with generous parking and room for everyone to spread out.

The estate produces award-winning wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Malbec, and a heritage Angelica made from Mission grapes, which can be woven into tastings and toasts. Families, and even leashed dogs, are welcomed warmly, and the easygoing, joyful spirit of the place suits do-it-yourself couples who value authenticity over formality. Located just outside Oakdale and an easy drive from Modesto and the broader Central Valley, the vineyard offers a memorable, deeply personal backdrop for a wine country wedding.

What couples say

• Guests repeatedly describe host John as warm and welcoming, leading fabulous tastings while sharing rich stories about the property's history.
• Visitors praise the deep wine knowledge of John and his son, who walk guests through the vineyard's varietals and the craft behind each pour.
• Reviewers love the spacious, rustic country setting, with the pavilion and vineyard views creating a relaxed, picturesque backdrop.
• Many note the genuine family-run hospitality and John's great sense of humor, which make the experience feel personal and unhurried.
• Couples appreciate the easygoing flexibility of the property, which lets them shape casual, joyful events on their own terms.