A cheesy poem is probably not a good idea, and while flowers or a special dinner are nice, there are few more amorous things than a visit to the Wine Country. However, with a daunting number of impersonal options available, it’s easy to miss the mark. Here are three can't-miss romantic Wine Country trips:
1) Book the Be Our Valentine Package at the Silverado Resort and Spa, which comes with chocolate and champagne and all that sexy stuff, and sign up for their Massage Lesson for Two, which is a two hour experience that includes 40 minutes of massage, instruction, and tips of how to massage your partner.
After, grab some sushi to go atEiko’s (make sure to order the Hamachi Bon Bons and a desert to share), and drive up Atlas Peak to private Vin Roc Napa, which has one of the most beautiful and private views of Napa Valley from their perch at the top of the mountain. It’s also the perfect spot for photos, and you won’t have to share the memory as few of your friends, if any, have been there.
Head out to dinner at nearbyCeladon or stay in for room service or dinner at the Royal Oak.
2) Head to Yountville, Napa Valley’s most romantic and walkable town, and stay or lounge at Bardessono, which was just rated #1 Most Romantic Hotel by Trip Advisor. Start with a treat and espresso at Bouchon Bakery, then walk and sip your way through town to fantastic tasting rooms like Maisonry, Hill Family and Page Cellars or jump in a car and head up to nearby Keever Vineyards (views), Girard Winery (wine and chocolate), or Chandon (bubbles). Make advance reservations and when you're hungry, walk to Bottega, Redd, Bistro Jeanty, or The French Laundry.
3) Take the ferry across the bay, get picked up by Beau Wine Tours, and head to the Epicurean Connection in the Sonoma Plaza for some eats to go. I recommend the raspberry rose petal truffles with Hamel Family Wines and a picnic and hike at Jack London State Park, or one of these fantastic spots.
If hiking isn’t your thing, let Beau take the reins with their discounted “Romantic Private Wine Tour” package, a six-hour custom wine tour that includes stops at wineries such as Buena Visaor DeLoach Vineyards. If you can stay, do it at the Flamingo Resort, which is pairing with Safari West on a “Valentine’s Wild Jungle Love” package. The package includes overnight accommodations, a chocolate and wine reception, and a Safari West tour with animal experts educating guests about mating behaviors.
For other ideas check out this list from the Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma or last year's Valentines Day recommendations from 7x7.
