Thinking about a trip up to Napa with your sweetie? To help you wade through the offerings, here's a list of the top 7 most romantic things to do in Napa.
Fontanella Family Winery
What could be better than creating your own wine? With friendly guidance from winemaker Jeff Fontanella, you'll make your one-of-a-kind private blend. If you love it, order a case and keep the juices flowing. Or just enjoy the views and forested drive up Mt. Veeder and taste your creation on the patio. Make sure to try the Zin, it’s my favorite in the valley and tastes like blueberry crumble.
Blending Kit $120 (Order a case of the resulting blend for $75/bottle)
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Appointment Only (707) 252-1017.
$20.00 tasting fee per person.
Drive up the long, vine-laden path to this family owned, villa-style winery, known for its bold and luscious wines. You can have a tasting in the cozy cottage, with a kitchen and private dining area, or on the patio with vistas across the valley over their infinity pool. To really hit a home run, come for the Enoteca Signorello, given 3.5 Stars by the SF Chronicle, and enjoy a private tasting of their reserve wines with Italian-inspired delights.
Monday thru Sunday - Open 10:00am to 5:00pm to the public
Choice of $15 Current Release Tasting or $25 Reserve Tasting
Enoteca Food & Wine Pairings, & Tour - Daily by Prior Appointment at 11:00am and 2:30pm, $85 per person
Reservations 707-255-5990
Wine Country Picnic
If the weather is nice, bring a blanket, stop at Oakville Grocery, or Soda Canyon Store (depending on where you are coming from and going to) for sandwiches or fresh baked bread, fine meats and local cheeses. Then head to Peju, William Hill
, Rutherford Hill, or Pine Ridge for a meal amidst the vines. If you choose Peju, my personal favorite, do a tasting of their many varietals, pick a bottle, and wander around the grounds until you find the perfect spot in the vineyards or garden to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flowers, ponds, trees, sculptures and private nooks.
Auberge Du Soleil
Recently rated #5 in the Top Hotels in the US by Conde Nast Traveler, Auberge is frequented by Hollywood celebs and known for its views, private rooms, spa and cuisine. No matter what your budget, you’ll find something that'll strike your fancy, because Auberge--one of the most coveted spots in the valley--has a range of pricing options for meals, fantastic cocktails and wines. If price is not a concern, take the plunge and book a room, have a cocktail on the patio, a sunset dinner on the veranda, topped off with massages before bed. My fiancée grew up in the valley and this was the first place she took me when we started dating, and the first place she mentioned when I told her I was writing this.
Milliken Creek
A cozy hotel and spa on the Napa River, Milliken Creek is known for their massages, intimate atmosphere, romantic setting and has been featured in just about every luxury publication you can imagine. They offer special packages for lovers on vacation, gourmet breakfast at any time your heart desires, and a “magic hour” of complimentary wine and cheese. Ask about their “Complimentary Romance Turndown," which comes with a split of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petals, candles and music.
Yountville/Bouchon
Start your morning with some fresh baked bread and coffee from Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery or order champagne and oysters from the bar at Bouchon Restaurant, both in charming downtown Yountville. Relax with your breakfast in the courtyard, then take a walk through town, peeking in (or stopping for tastings) at the many tasting rooms, boutiques, galleries, hotels and spas that line the street.
Travigne
Always warm and romantic, choose from their cozy dining room or shaded courtyard (candle-lit by night) at this Napa Valley staple. The wine list is impressive, the food rich and full of Italian flavor, and the freshly made mozzarella on grilled bruschetta is not to be missed. I highly recommend dinner, but their Sunday brunch is what earned them a spot on this list and is shockingly affordable. So if you’re up for the weekend, make sure to leave room for some fresh mini doughnuts in tiramisu sauce, eggs benedict on focaccia and an Italian brunch cocktail or two…
Alright Cupid, your bow is now armed.
