Rolling hills of vines. Cabernet and chocolate pairings. Hot-air balloons rising at dawn. Dinner a deux at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Napa Valley is surely one of the best destinations in the world to celebrate romance. And Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so now’s the time to plan something big. Here’s a partial list of unique Napa Valley Valentine’s Day experiences to get you in the mood.
Unique Romantic Experiences
Taste your way to love with a chocolate flight tasting at Anette’s Chocolates . Couples can accompany their already-sweet getaway with an intimate 45-minute tasting session that teaches visitors about chocolate-making. Classes include a flight of eight chocolates from around the world, samples of famous chocolate wine sauces over artisan homemade ice-creams and award-winning beer brittles.
Cozy up with your valentine over mimosas and let love inspire your next masterpiece at Calistoga Motor Lodge . Calistoga artist Linda Wilds-Beltz will teach couples how to use metallic acrylic paints to create a stylized, patchwork heart that will remind you of your bond every time you look at it.
Take your love to sea with a Napa Valley Gondola tour of the Napa River followed by a private wine tasting at Blackbird Vineyards, complete with cheese plate and chocolates.
Year after year, the Napa Valley Wine Train delights visitors with one of the most unforgettable and romantic Valentine’s Day experiences in Northern California. This year will be no different, with guests having the option to choose from a variety of lunch and dinner experiences. From an evening under the stars being serenaded by a strolling musician, to a beautiful day exploring wineries with panoramic vineyard views, each three-hour experience offers a welcome glass of sparkling wine followed by a multiple course Napa-style gourmet meal. These experiences will be available from February 14th to February 16th.
Join Vista Collina Resort for a Valentine’s Day Cooking Class at The Village Food & Wine Center. On Feb. 15, come together and learn to prepare three Napa-inspired dishes, while sipping on a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne. Couples will leave with recipe cards to recreate their romantic culinary creations at home.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Andretti Winery celebrates love on Feb. 14 with a romantic wine tasting in their barrel room, followed by an intimate Prix Fixe dinner in a private villa with decadent dessert wine, chocolate, and slow dancing.
For couples who really want to show some heart, O’Brien Estate, Napa’s original romantic winery, celebrates love from February 14th-16th, offering couples the opportunity to taste through their portfolio of limited production, estate wines including Romance, Seduction, Passion, and the 2013 Reflection.
Skip the store-bought box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day and make your own with Kollar Chocolates at WALT Wines in Downtown Napa. Guests are invited to roll their own truffles on Sunday, February 16th with Chris Kollar of Kollar Chocolates, and then pair them with perfectly selected WALT Pinot Noirs. This is a Valentine’s Day treat you and your loved one won’t soon forget.
Dining
Join Boon Fly Cafe for a romantic dinner in the picturesque red barn. Offering a three-course menu on Feb. 14 and 15, couples can choose from a seasonal starter, followed by a decadent entree for two and dessert to share.
Castello di Amorosa creates an evening of Italian romance, transporting couples to Italy for an evening of cibo, bino, musica and romanza. Don your most formal attire for a traditional Italian fare paired with Castello wines, and live opera performances throughout the evening.
Raise a glass to your loved one at Charlie Palmer Steak where Executive Chef Francisco Lopez, Jr. serves an elegant six-course dinner with optional wine pairings. Menu includes an oyster trio, butter braised lobster and Silverado Trail strawberry parfait.
Michelin-starred Kenzo Napa once again hosts VIP guest Chef Shinichiro Takagi for a restaurant takeover Feb. 12 and 13th. “Chef Shin” brings to Napa his mastery of Japanese Kaiseki, creating an unforgettable feast for all the senses, and a perfect celebration of romance. Due to high demand, only 25 seats are available each evening.
Hotel Packages
The Très Romantique Package at Auberge du Soleil includes an evening with an outdoor candlelit bath for two, followed by a sensuous couples massage and dessert paired with wine. Then, under the stars, couples may enjoy a private soak in the three temperate pools and a restorative herbal Hamman steam. The next morning, indulge in the guilty pleasure of uninterrupted sleep and linger over breakfast for two served in-room or on the terrace of the resort’s Michelin Star Restaurant.
The Romance in Nature package at Calistoga Ranch includes a private soak for two in their healing mineral pool with sparkling wine and chef’s choice of dessert. The soak is followed up with side-by-side massages with artisan oils, a regenerative hair and scalp treatment, and an exfoliating foot massage. Couples are then invited to explore the property’s private hiking trails before enjoying a romantic four-course dinner at The Lake House overlooking Lake Lommel.
Milliken Creek’s Romance Uncorked Package includes two nights in a Deluxe or Luxury guestroom, an indulgent in-guestroom couples’ aromatherapy massage, plus romance turndown with a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and candles. Breakfast for two each morning, a sunset wine and cheese reception, and complimentary late-night cordial bar are also included.
River Terrace Inn’s Romance on the Rails Package includes elegant river-view accommodations, a bottle of local wine upon arrival, and two tickets for the Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Express Excursion, a three-mile journey through the Napa Valley.
For more Napa Valley Valentine’s Day inspiration, visit our Event Calendar.
Article Credit: Anja Riedel, Visit Napa Valley Blog
