Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens — Restaurant in Bainbridge Township

We visited Sapphire Creek for the first time recently as we attended an evening wedding there. Hopefully this will be helpful especially to newly engaged couples that are considering having their wedding there. Keep in mind that this review is from the opinion and viewpoint of a guest (which is good for engaged couples considering this venue as it gives you an idea of what your guests will experience):

Pros: -Inside the winery is beautiful. The atmosphere is very modern, but also with a twist of rustic. The hanging lights/lamps that are made to look like the moon are beautiful. High ceilings, lots of glass and windows throughout. We arrived in the evening but, I can imagine that during the day, being able to see the outside scenery from inside is probably also beautiful. Overall, the locations decor and vibe is very nice. -The staff was also very nice. Bartenders were friendly and it seemed that everyone had a smile on their face at all times. Nobody was frowning or seemed annoyed. Very impressed with the wait staff and bar staff.

Now for the cons: -Parking was a cluster fu%$. Luckily, we got there somewhat early and were able to squeeze into a very tight space halfway down the hill, however, had we not, we would have HAD to valet (and we had no cash on us, only cards). If you can't find regular parking, as it's limited, you must valet. So essentially, what I'm trying to say here is, there is not ample parking for wedding crowds, unless you arrive early or you valet. It was odd to me as well that the valet parking came right up to the building. Usually, the valet spots are father away as that is basically the whole point of valeting (so you don't have to park and walk 10 miles). Seems almost like the valeting was being "back-handedly" forced. -Cocktail hour (which ended up being somewhere around 2 hours, I'll get to that later) was CRAMPED. One very very small table in the way back of the room with artisan cheese, vegetables, little baguette croutons and hummus for about 100 people. We were elbow to elbow and many people were standing around awkwardly as there was not nearly enough cocktail tables for the amount of guests. During cocktail hour, the room in which we had the ceremony was closed off and converted to the reception with tables. That seemed to take forever. People were getting hangry and wanting to sit down and after about an hour and 45 minutes, folks were just annoyed. -The food was AWFUL and was not served until almost 8pm. I am not a picky eater AT ALL, but the food was just bad. I can imagine that the bride and groom paid a pretty penny for the food provided and it was disappointing. We had a dinner salad that was very basic. Just greens with a balsamic dressing and blueberries. The balsamic dressing was so sour. Then followed a pasta dish with squash that had virtually no flavor and was very dry. Scalloped potatoes that were flavorless and also very dry (you couldn't cut them without a knife). Greasy green beans. Grilled salmon (which was okay, but nothing spectacular) and last but certainly not least, undercooked Chicken Piccata. The chicken was still pink in the middle. -The live band and their speaker was placed right directly behind our table and our heads. So beyond loud. Us and the guests at our table could not talk because of how loud it was. Really super poor design to have the band right there by a guest table. However, I'm not sure where else the venue could have put the band as the room was already really cramped. In any case, we listened to a man wailing into a microphone at the volume of that of a rave for our whole entire dinner and it wasn't pleasant.

We did enjoy our evening besides the cons, but my overall experience at Sapphire Creek would definitely prompt me to look at other venues for the sake of my guests. It's not a cheap location to throw a wedding and the whole experience was just very bleh in my opinion. Parking, seating, everything just seemed cramped and the food was just so awful. Probably wouldn't return outside of an event or...

Sapphire Creek Winery: Where Fairytales Come to Life (An Astrid and Aria Photography Raving Review)

Calling all romantics and nature lovers! If you're dreaming of a wedding venue that's both sophisticated and magical, look no further than Sapphire Creek Winery in Chagrin Falls. We at Astrid and Aria Photography have had the privilege of shooting at many venues throughout Northeast Ohio, and Sapphire Creek consistently takes our breath away.

Nestled amidst ten acres of lush woodlands and babbling streams, this venue offers a truly enchanting escape. The moment you step onto the grounds, you're enveloped in a sense of tranquility and wonder. Towering trees, vibrant gardens, and the gentle sound of flowing water create an atmosphere that's both serene and captivating. It's like stepping into a secret garden where fairytales come to life.

But don't let the natural beauty fool you – Sapphire Creek also boasts a level of sophistication that's hard to match. The modern architecture, with its clean lines and expansive windows, blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The interior spaces are flooded with natural light, creating an airy and inviting ambiance. Whether you're exchanging vows in the elegant Oak Room or dancing the night away in the Grand Ballroom, every moment feels both intimate and grand.

And speaking of dancing, the outdoor spaces at Sapphire Creek are equally magical. The Creekside Overlook Deck, with its stunning views and enchanting firefly lights, is the perfect spot for an al fresco reception. Imagine twirling under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of loved ones. It's a scene straight out of a dream.

From a photographer's perspective, Sapphire Creek is a paradise. Every corner offers a unique and picturesque backdrop, from the intimate gardens to the grand architecture. The natural light is incredible, and the variety of textures and settings allows for endless creative possibilities. We've captured countless stunning portraits and candid moments at Sapphire Creek, and each one feels like a work of art.

The staff at Sapphire Creek are true professionals. They're attentive, organized, and dedicated to making your wedding day flawless. They're also incredibly accommodating to vendors, ensuring we have everything we need to capture the magic of the day.

Sapphire Creek Winery is more than just a venue; it's an experience. It's a place where sophistication and natural beauty intertwine to create a truly unforgettable setting for your wedding day. If you're looking for a venue that will take your breath away and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime, Sapphire Creek is the perfect choice.

Astrid and...

I was so excited to try this winery out when my mother recommended it as a meet up spot for her and my dad, myself and my boyfriend, and my boyfriend's parents. Each couple had to drive an hour plus to get there and I LOVED the look of the place, the trails, plants, water fixtures....everything is beautiful! The reason I'm choosing only two stars all started because of the dinner experience....

I made a reservation for six of us for 7 PM on a Friday. We arrived at 6 to snag a pre-dinner drink and walk around. Apparently, this was the first Friday they had been open to the public since the last few were for weddings, so it was very busy! Having worked in the restaurant industry, I didn't even mind that the original service was as slow as it was, because I could understand they were super slammed. My family and I were seated at an outside table that was the furthest from the seating area. On a warm day, this would obviously be no problem, but this night was freezing!! Our server was great, but clearly overworked. We sat outside in the cold for TWO HOURS waiting for our meal and only received one drink. The cold became unbearable for my older parents and the server finally asked us if we wanted blankets (which, in my opinion, should have been offered LONG before that). When she came back to the table, they were "out" of blankets and I could see that all of the blankets were being used by guests already sitting UNDER THE HEAT LAMPS. The table we were placed at had no heat and my parents ended up having to leave because my dad's health declined since we sat in the freezing cold for two hours with no heat or blankets or food. When we finally asked if we could move inside, the hostess said we couldn't move inside because "that table was for a reservation". I guess my 7 PM reservation wasn't good enough. We honestly should have walked out long before that, but we continued to wait. They finally brought us inside to eat our dinner (two and a half hours later) and after all we experienced, I can't believe I still paid over 500 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My point is that if you are a restaurant, you should expect your business to be full on any weekend night and have the proper staffing and proper seating arrangements to make the night enjoyable. I was so disappointed and my mother was ashamed she recommended this location for everyone to drive so far. If they are open during the week, I recommend going then! The food was good and the wine is delicious, just the weekend was atrocious for the amount of money you...