Wine Country / About Wine, Food, and Wine Country Living

Keep Your Spark Alive: Celebrate Romance and Valentines in Wine Country Style

We put our heads together and made some recommendation on some of the best places for Romance in Wine Country.

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Music by Angela Lum

Napa Valley Picks - by Melodie Hilton

My most romantic place for a cocktail or glass of wine the bar at Auberge du Soleil with its huge fireplace and amazing views. It’s a great place to nurture a spark.

For dinner, my hands down favorite is La Toque in Rutherford. Ken Frank’s menus and presentations never disappoint, intimate spaces and the leisurely pace of the meal lend to the special atmosphere.

If it’s a first date or early in the interest try Foothill Café off the beaten path in west Napa. Very nice meals, also small and intimate. It’s the place I go when I am sorting the wheat from the chaff – so to speak.

Most romantic winery: Domaine Carneros. Elegant steps leading up to sweeping patios and tons of great sparkling.

The best place to wake up? Villagio Inn and Spa in Yountville – sparkling wine is served with their full breakfast and it is included with every room. 

Sonoma County Picks - by Heather Irwin

And, over in Sonoma, we're every bit as romantic. Here are a few more favorites.

Now, the most romantic place to snuggle in decadence has to be the recently opened Le Mars Hotel. This spot in Healdsburg is luxury defined, and with a cocktail or two and dinner at Cyrus downstairs, you're all but guaranteed true love.

Okay, the most romantic winery has to be J Vineyards & Winery where you can sip bubbly and nibble hors d'oevres in the ultra modern Bubble Room.

But quite possible the best way to your lovers' heart is through dinner. If you're a bit culinarily challenged, Ramekins Cooking School is offering a Cooking 911 class on February 10. You'll learn essential cooking skills with an eye toward a romantic dinner for two.

Finally, if a proposal is in the works, we love Madrona Manor's cozy, Victorian charm to make popping the question extra special and extra scenic. Cuddle up to the fire, grab some champagne..and well, the rest is up to you.