Winery Ruin
The picnic grounds at Jack London State Historic Park offer the perfect setting for family and friends to gather for a casual get together or special celebration. Located within Beauty Ranch, the grounds are surrounded by beautiful vistas and historic buildings.
There are three picnic areas that can be reserved:
Picnic Area 1: Six picnic tables shaded by oak trees are located on this, the most secluded of picnic sites. Equipped with 4 barbeques and potable water, this area is accessed by a meandering gravel pathway from the upper parking lot.
Fee: $75 per day
Capacity: 36-40
Picnic Area 2: Situated in the middle of the grassy knoll, 8 picnic tables are tucked under shady oak trees with 4 barbeques to grill your favorite complement to a picnic meal. This picnic area is nearby Picnic Area 1
Fee: $60 per day
Capacity: 48-50
Picnic Area 3: Pictured above, this is a cozy area with six picnic tables and a backdrop of some of the thousands of eucalyptus trees that London planted at Beauty Ranch. Of the sites, this is the most easliy accessible from the park entrance and parking lot.
Fee: $50 per day reservation available weekdays only
Capacity: 36-40
All three picnic areas can be reserved for company picnics, family reunions, rehearsal dinners or other special occasions except Picnic Area 3, which remains open for public use on the weekends. By reservation and additional charge, a 'Jack and Charmian' picnic lunch can be picked up at the Glen Ellen Market at the base of London Ranch Road.
This broad grassy meadow is bordered by a fenced prickly pear cactus patch and is nestled between Jack London's historic stone barns and Cottage, offering an idyllic setting for large-scale events. This magical 'heart' of Beauty Ranch can be transformed to create the quintessential 'Sonoma style' event. Amplified music is permitted until 10 pm. Special parking arrangements are necessary for over 550 guests.
Fees:
up to 100 guests $ 1,000
101 - 250 guests $ 2,500
251 - 500 guests $ 5,000
501-850 guests $10,000
The historic ruins of the Kohler and Frohling winery serve as an open air courtyard and popular setting for weddings, receptions, fundraisers and special events. The Ruins, at the base of Jack and Charmian's Cottage and overlooking stunning views of vineyards and Sonoma Mountain are perfectly situated to capture the rustic elegance of Sonoma's countryside With bucolic elegance and charm, the Ruins are a dramatic and unforgettable one of a kind event experience. Amplified music is permitted until 10 pm. Electricity is available as well as vehicle access for up to two trucks for loading and unloading.
Fees:
Wedding Ceremony and Reception and other events (5 hours)
up to 100 guests $ 2,500
101 - 250 guests $ 5,000
251 - 400 guests $ 7,000
over 400 guests (capacity 850) please call for quote and special arrangements
This unique venue, located next to Jack and Charmian's Cottage Garden is an example of London's foresight to grade his land to retain moisture and prevent soil erosion. Long picnic tables under shady oak trees offer views of the Beauty Ranch Meadow, stone barns, and a rolling vineyard making for lovely alresco dining, small group gatherings or your organization's workshop or seminar.
Fee: $750 for full day
Capacity 50-100
This charming, beautfully manicured cottage-style garden, complete with koi pond, offers a matchless setting for intimate cocktail receptions, proposals or renewal of vows. An adjacent area west of the garden near a 500 year old California Oak is the perfect space to set up a buffet lunch, cocktail and hors d'oeuvres, or a light supper under the moonlight. The area can be expanded to include a large paved area behind the Cottage overlooking the Winery Ruins for an additional charge.
Fee:
Garden and west area $350 Capacity 30-50
With use of large paved area behind Cottage $1,000
This unique piggery was one of London's innovative agricultural designs intended to create greater efficiencies and save labor. Because each animal family had its own courtyard, roofed sleeping area and fenced outdoor run, the San Francisco Chronicle dubbed it the 'pig palace'. Treat the favorite 'court jester' in your life to a royal good time in a setting perfect for intimate parties of all kinds. No water or electricity is provided and the Pig Palace is half mile from the upper parking lot. A golf cart is available by request and reservation for those needing assistance. The downslope area nearby offers opportunities for expanded picnicking on blankets and nearby tables. Acoustic music permitted.
Fee: $750
Capacity 50-100
The remains of Wolf House are a vivid reminder of Jack and Charmian's dream to build a magnificent gathering place for their adventurous friends. Charming stone walls and intriguing window openings provide views of majestic fireplaces, generous living spaces and a central reflecting pool...all of which offer a glimpse into the bohemian yet elegant lifestyle of the time. The paved pathway, a little over 1/2 mile, takes you through a beautiful mixed forest of oaks, madrones, buckeye, bay, fir and redwoods. For the safety of guests and the structure itself, no access is permitted beyond the split rail fence. The small open area adjacent to the Ruins is well suited for an intimate wedding ceremony, book reading, cocktail reception or private dinner. Acoustic music is permitted. The Wolf House Ruins venue is only available when the park is closed.
Fee: $350
Capacity 30-50
Designed by Charmian after Jack's death, this two story stone house now serves as a museum featuring artifacts from their world wide travels, first edition books, and provides a historic atmosphere for chamber music, piano concerts, book or poetry readings and workshops. No drink or food is allowed in the Museum. However, refreshments can be served outside under the portico and in a paved area immediately adjacent to the Museum. Due to the building's historic nature, the second floor is not accessible to those with mobility limitations. Bathrooms are located in the main parking lot approximately 5 minutes walking distance. The House of Happy Walls venue is available only when the park is closed, with refreshments served outside.
Fee: call for quote and special arrangements
Capacity 65 max
