One of the best guilty pleasures of my business is checking out new venues! Today, I met with the event coordinator, Lynn, for lunch at the new Villa Marie Winery located in Maryville. The Tuscany Room can accommodate approximately 300 guests. It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL!  Just take at look at the gorgeous draping and archways! Ooh la la!

For lunch, I enjoyed a combination of Curried Chicken Salad on Croissant and French Onion Soup. Another guilty pleasure, sipping a glass of Villa Marie Arch View Red. Ooh la la!

I did, however; not even tempt myself with dessert (I am trying to lose a few extra pounds). I actually waited until I left to see what they had to offer.....oh! such temptation! So my (not so, guilty) pleasure would have been the Cherry Pie garnished with a dollop of Chantilly Cream. That would have been a double Ooh la la!

So brides, this venue is worth checking out. The facility also offers an outdoor pergola for the ceremony and the Vino Room is located downstairs. Seating is available for about 40 guest for a special occasion such as a bridal shower (or attention, grooms-to-be: a nice place to plan an engagement party after you have popped the question!)

Check out their website at: www.thevillamariewinery.com or call Lynn at 618-345-3100.