Today we’d like to introduce you to Tish Watson.
Hi Tish , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Tish Watson, owner of Corkscrew Weddings & Winery, a private, luxury wedding and events venue where enchanting moments are created, unforgettable celebrations are hosted, and love reigns supreme.
A little about me… I’m a passionate entrepreneur with a diverse background in real estate and fitness, driven by a lifelong desire to empower and uplift others.
My journey began in real estate where I guided clients through the life-changing experience of homeownership. That path led me to open weRow, a boutique fitness studio in Minneapolis, MN rooted in inclusivity, empowerment, acceptance, and wellness. Today, I bring that same heart and intention to Corkscrew Weddings & Winery, where vows are exchanged, love is celebrated, and moments with family and friends become lifelong memories.
But my purpose extends beyond weddings. Whether through love, business, or personal growth, I believe we all have the power to create something magical. I’m deeply committed to inspiring others to recognize their strength, step into their boldest selves, and build lives that truly light them up.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not even close.
When I decided to leave a safe, comfortable real estate position to open the first indoor rowing studio in Minneapolis, I thought I was doing everything “right.” I had a vision. I identified a gap in the market. I built a solid business plan.
And then I couldn’t get an SBA loan.
I remember thinking, “Wait… I thought this is what small business loans were for.” It felt discouraging. It would have been easy to take that as a sign to stop.
Instead, I funded it myself.
That meant risk. That meant sleepless nights. That meant betting on me.
And once the doors opened, the real work began. Long hours. Early mornings. Late nights. Teaching classes. Marketing. Payroll. Cleaning floors. Answering emails at midnight. There’s nothing glamorous about opening a business. It’s grit, repetition, and showing up when no one is clapping yet.
Opening Corkscrew Weddings & Winery brought a whole new level of challenges.
Permits. Zoning. Delays. Unexpected expenses. Construction hiccups. Hiring the right team. Wearing every hat. There were moments it felt overwhelming, and truthfully, there are still days that stretch me.
Building something from nothing is painful at times. It tests your confidence. It tests your relationships. It tests your resilience.
But here’s what I learned: Obstacles don’t mean stop. They mean stretch.
Not getting the loan forced me to trust myself fully. Long hours taught me discipline. Delays taught me patience. Challenges taught me leadership.
Every struggle refined me.
It wasn’t a smooth road, but it was a purposeful one.
And the version of me that stands here today wasn’t built from ease. She was built from choosing to move forward anyway.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Corkscrew Weddings & Winery is a private, luxury wedding and events venue in Estero, Florida designed for couples who want more than just a wedding day, they want an experience.
We specialize in immersive, elevated celebrations that blend elegance, intentional design, and seamless execution. From the moment our couples arrive, they’re stepping into a curated environment where every detail has been considered, from the bridal suite to the ceremony backdrop to the flow of the evening.
We’re known for creating events that feel both sophisticated and deeply personal. It’s luxury without stiffness. It’s refined, but warm. It’s high-touch hospitality with heart.
What sets us apart from others?
Several things truly differentiate Corkscrew Weddings & Winery.
First, we are a private venue. When a couple books with us, the entire property is theirs. No overlapping events. No shared spaces. It’s an intimate, exclusive experience that allows couples and their guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebration.
Second, we focus on the experience, not just the aesthetics. Yes, the venue is beautiful. But what our brides talk about most in their reviews isn’t just the property… it’s how they felt.
They consistently describe us as welcoming, accommodating, organized, and calm. They mention how many times they visited before their wedding and how every question, big or small, was answered with patience and expertise. They say they felt prioritized. Supported. Cared for.
Behind that feeling is something very intentional.
We operate with strong leadership, clear systems, and constant communication. We coordinate thoroughly. We anticipate needs. We work seamlessly with vendors. We create detailed timelines. Our team knows their roles and executes with excellence.
Our couples don’t see the backend systems. They simply feel the peace of mind. They feel the professionalism immediately. They feel confident enough to relax and enjoy their day.
And that’s what truly sets us apart:
We didn’t just build a venue. We built an experience that feels effortless. When couples choose Corkscrew Weddings & Winery, they’re choosing a team that is fully invested in making their day extraordinary.
What are we most proud of brand-wise?
I’m most proud that Corkscrew Weddings & Winery is known for how it feels.
Yes, the property is beautiful. But what people talk about most is our team… how welcomed they feel, how supported they feel, how taken care of they feel.
Brand-wise, we’ve built something that reflects who I am:
• Intentional
• Elevated
• Compassionate
• Caring
• Attentive
• Relationship-driven
• Excellence as a standard
We didn’t just build a venue. We built a reputation.
What do you want readers to know about your brand and services?
I want readers to know that Corkscrew Weddings & Winery is about more than hosting weddings and events.
We are devoted to creating unforgettable, meaningful moments where elegance meets fun, love is deeply honored, and every detail reflects the heart of each couple we serve. That’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.
We offer:
• A luxury private venue experience
• Strong vendor partnerships
• Thoughtful planning support
• A professional, disciplined team
• A space designed for elegance, celebration, and connection
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Who else deserves credit?
Without question, my team deserves tremendous credit for the success of Corkscrew Weddings & Winery.
While I may carry the title of owner, the magic our couples experience is the result of an incredible group of people who care deeply about what we do.
Chelsey brings our brand to life through stunning, thoughtful marketing that reflects the beauty and elegance we create. Ashley connects with couples in such a genuine way, guiding them through one of the most important decisions of their lives with grace and professionalism. Debra is our steady anchor. She’s the calm, organized force behind every seamless event. Kayla connects with each couple even before they arrive for their tour, asking about their Pinterest boards and wedding vision so that when they step on the property, they feel seen and celebrated. Sam is often the first point of contact for our couples, making them feel heard and valued from the very beginning.
And my husband, my greatest champion and partner in this journey, plays an integral role in everything we’ve built. He helped bring my vision to life, from the six-station beauty bar to the pergolas and beyond. His dedication keeps the property looking like it belongs in a magazine spread year-round.
Together, this team is the heartbeat behind every celebration, every glowing review, and every unforgettable moment. I am deeply grateful to build something meaningful alongside people who care this much.
Pricing:
- Single-day wedding rentals begin at $6,000 based on guest count and day of the week.
- Most couples invest between $8,000–$11,500 for a Saturday celebration, depending on guest count.
- Our signature Luxe 3-Day Wedding Experience begins at $12,500 and includes two-night on-site accommodations, rehearsal dinner access, and full venue access.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corkscrewweddingsandwinery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corkscrew_weddings_and_winery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csweddingvenue
Image Credits
@rachelplattphoto, @stellapaschallphoto, @stephjphoto, @lovelettersco_fl, @deannagrace.photography, @nickummarinophotography
