ENJOY THE PERFECT PAIRING: VALENTINE'S DAY AND CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY
From Getaways to Fun Activities, Raise a Glass to True Romance
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SAN FRANCISCO - So, you've found the perfect
partner for Valentine's Day, and want to create an unforgettable romantic
experience? California's wine regions have you covered.
Whether you're a long-time couple or enjoying that first spark, there's no better place
to dial up the romance. From fun getaways and events to unique wine country
activities and enticing meals paired with delicious California wines, you'll
find the perfect way to connect with that special someone from among more than
50 winery events across the state listed below. Find out more about California's
wine and wine regions by checking out Wine Institute's wine and food website at www.discovercaliforniawines.com. There, you can
also get inspired to make a date with a California Wines Food Tour video.
Northern California
Castello di Amarosa, Napa Valley: Treat your sweetie
like a king or queen at the "Royal Hearts Gala" on February 16, which
begins with hors d'oeuvres in the tasting room, followed by a four-course meal
in the grand barrel room prepared by Fox TV's MasterChef Season two finalist
Alejandra Schrader. During dinner, savor the Shakespeare in the Vines troupe
performing selected scenes from the legendary bard's most romantic plays and
sonnets. Tickets are $225.
Charbay Distillery
& Winery, Napa Valley: Enjoy a
Valentine-Kiss Cocktail and appetizers while you relax beside the warm Alembic
Pot Still and watch Charbay's 13th generation distiller create artisan brandies
for the family's ports and aperitifs. This event, offered Feb. 14-17, costs $38
per person (includes tasting flight of Charbay wines & ports).
Domaine Chandon, Napa Valley: Love is in the
air-and in every sip-at Domaine Chandon this Valentine's Day week (Feb. 8-13). Linger with your loved one at étoile Restaurant, where you'll be served an elegant five-course menu for $95 per guest
(additional $40 for expertly paired California wines).
Carneros Inn, Napa Valley: The "Wine
Country Romance" package invites couples to enjoy one of the property's
romantic Harvest Cottages, featuring an expansive outdoor living space with a
soaking tub for two and an outdoor fire pit. A $100 dining credit that be
applied to a special $150 per person Valentine's Day dinner with an optional
$135 wine pairing (featuring local wines such as Domaine Chandon, Meyer
Family Wines, Poem Cellars), as well as a bottle of Domaine Carneros
sparkling wine and s'mores kit for roasting and snuggling fireside are included
in the package. Rates start at $475 per night.
Harvest Inn, Napa Valley: This
charming B&B is offering two ways to find romance this February. The "Engaging Moments" package, starting at start at $650 per night, includes a
private romantic setting for popping the question, including a one-hour on-site
sitting with a professional photographer to capture the moment, a bottle of Schramsberg sparkling wine, fragrant rose petal turndown, and accommodations with a wood
burning fireplace. For couples that have already said 'I do', the "Celebrate
Love" package, starting at $500 per night, includes a welcome bottle of
sparkling wine, a dozen roses, a 6-inch chocolate ganache cake, rose petal
turndown, spa treatments for two in-room or in the garden sanctuary, two
signature Harvest Inn bathrobes, and an in-room wine country breakfast.
Beau Wine Tours, Sonoma County, Napa Valley: To make Valentine's Day and beyond sweeter for your wallet, Beau Wine Tours is offering a special
25 percent discount on its "Romantic Private Wine Tour" package, a private
six-hour custom wine tour (Sunday through Thursday). The tour offering, which
includes stops at wineries such as Buena Vista Carneros Winery, DeLoach
Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars and Duckhorn Vineyards, is good
through April 30.
A Taste of Redwood
Valley, Mendocino County: Couples can fall "In Love with Redwood Valley" on Feb. 9, a
made-for-romance festival featuring tastings of exquisite dark and milk
chocolates, truffles, dipped strawberries, heart-shaped cakes and more, paired
with Redwood Valley's rich port-style wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah,
Muscat Canelli and world-class liqueurs and brandies. Admission is $20 and
includes an embossed wine glass as well as entry to all listed wineries and
distillery. Designated drivers admitted free.
International Alsace
Varietals Festival, Mendocino County: If you
both share a passion for Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and
Muscat, don't miss this weekend-long celebration Feb. 8-10 of Alsace-style
wines, food and wine pairings, seminars and open houses at participating
wineries.
Dutton-Goldfield
Winery Valentine's Day Weekend, Sonoma County: To
celebrate the month of love, the winery is offering a special reserve flight
featuring their two dessert wines, Happy Ending (Zinfandel/Syrah port style
wine) and brand new Sticky Finish (late harvest Riesling). This is a one-time
chance to taste these extremely limited wines accompanied by some lovely food
pairings. Feb. 8-10, 10-4:30 pm. $25 reserve flight cost is waived with $150
purchase.
Quivira Vineyards
& Winery, Sonoma County: Wine
lovers craving seafood and offbeat romance can check out the "Quivira Crab
boil" on Feb. 16. Savor a glass of wine and get serenaded by solo guitarist
Brandon Hassur. Venture into the cellar for mood music and crab crackin' and
take home a commemorative Quivira glass. Tickets are $125.
Rodney Strong
Vineyards, Sonoma County: If decadence is your middle name, check out the "Annual Wine & Chocolate Fantasy" on Feb.
9, where top chocolatiers will tempt you with delicious bites as you pair them
with fine wine and music in the cellar. Tickets cost $65 per person and include
a commemorative glass.
Sonoma Valley Wine
Trolley, Sonoma County: Couples can take "A Trolley Ride Through Paradise" Feb. 1-March 31 and get a special $75 per person
rate ($24 savings). This six-hour guided group wine tour visits several wineries-such
as B.R. Cohn Winery, Benziger Family Winery and Ravenswood Winery-
and includes a family-style picnic lunch. Use discount code "Valentine Trolley"
when booking online.
Taste Route 116, Sonoma County: To celebrate the most romantic
weekend of the year, several wineries along the Taste Route 116 (Highway 116
near Sebastopol)-such as Balletto Vineyards & Winery-are hosting
"Sweet 116" on Feb. 16. Guests get to choose their logo glasses hand-painted by
local artists, many of whom will be at the wineries displaying their art. Wine
and art lovers can enjoy decadent dessert treats and delicious wines at seven
wineries. Tickets cost $30 per person and $10 for designated drivers (glass not
included for DDs).
Flamingo Resort, Sonoma County: The
Flamingo Resort and Spa is pairing with Safari West on a "Valentine's Wild Jungle Love" package,
which includes overnight accommodations in a newly remodeled superior king or
double-double room, complimentary admission to the on-site Montecito Heights
Health Club and continental breakfast buffet every morning. Prices start at
$119 on weekdays and $139 per night on holiday weekend based on single/double
occupancy. For $80 enjoy a chocolate and local wine reception followed by a
fun Safari West tour with animal experts educating guests about mating
behaviors.
Inland Valleys
16th Annual Lodi Wine &
Chocolate Weekend, Lodi: Celebrate
two nectars of the Gods at this decadent festival Feb. 9-10, where you and your
sweetie can sip wines paired with delights from Brix Chocolate at over 45 Lodi appellation
wineries. Be the lucky one to unwrap the "Golden Ticket" at any participating
winery and win a Lodi Wine Country Getaway or one of over 100 prizes. Tickets
cost $45 in advance, $55 at the door (designated drivers free) and includes an
event wine glass and commemorative chocolate
Madera Wine Trail's
Wine & Chocolate Weekend, Madera County: Celebrate Valentine's Day on the
Madera Wine Trail and enjoy wine tasting at 12 wineries, chocolates, live music
and local art! Feb. 9-10, 10-5 pm. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Sierra Foothills
Deaver Vineyards
Passion for Ports, Amador County: Sample eight luscious ports from Deaver's coveted Golden Nectar to a crowd favorite Merlot
in the port event of the season. Savor each taste with a luscious treat from
chocolate covered strawberries to chocolate covered blueberries. Take home a
Riedel port glass to enjoy your new favorite Deaver port. Casillas Cigars will
be rolling cigars on-site port and cigar fans. Feb. 9, 1-4 pm, $18/person.
Grace Patriot Wines, El Dorado County: Make Valentine's weekend sweeter with the "Happy Hearts & Happy Mouth Celebration" Feb.
9-10, featuring a chocolate fountain, roses, and a release party for their new
Bonne Bouche red wine. Pair art with wine with a special Valentine's edition of
the Pinot & Paint Art Class Series on Feb. 17, featuring a three-hour
guided painting class with local artist Vicki Hough and estate wines. Cost is
$40.
Holly's Hill Winery, El Dorado County: Get to your lover's
heart through their stomach by treating them to a Valentine's Weekend Food
& Wine Pairing Feb. 16-17, featuring an elaborate four-course menu paired
with wines and with romantic Spanish and classical music by Nicholas Lefler.
Cost is $25 per person in advance.
Central Coast California
McGrail Vineyards
& Winery, Livermore: Surprise your
special someone with delicious food and award-winning wines at the "Valentine's
Day Sweetheart Dinner" on Feb. 14, served in the candlelit barrel room. Finish
the night with s'mores and views on the patio. Cost is $165 per couple. Dessert
lovers may prefer the Chocolate Fondue and Cabernet Sauvignon party Feb. 16, for just $20.
Wente Vineyards Estate Winery, Livermore: The historic
estate will host a "Romance, Wine & Chocolate" event on Feb. 10, featuring
five decadent chocolate desserts paired with wines. Learn how chocolate and
wine can create a romantic, sensory experience and enjoy Valentine's Day
trivia. Cost is $35 per guest.
You can also celebrate your love wine country
style at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards with a four-course dinner. Menu is
available here.
Garré Vineyard &
Winery, Livermore: Share a romantic
evening with a four-course dinner paired with award-winning Garré wines this
Feb. 9 or 14, set to a performance by "Elegant Touch of String." Cost is $175.
Solis Winery Hearts,
Wine & Chocolate, Santa Clara County: Indulge your
Valentine with a special treat this year at Solis Winery--a decadent pairing of
chocolate and wine in a romantic setting overlooking the vineyard and
mountainous backdrop. Feb. 9-10, Noon-4:30 p.m. Cost: $15.
Cinnabar Winery
"S'more Amore" in the Saratoga Village, Santa Cruz Mountains: "S'more
Amore!" on the Saratoga Wine Trail in Downtown Saratoga Village! A
Valentine's Day Progressive Wine Tasting... paired with savory bites at three
winery tasting rooms and flamenco guitar music. Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m. Cost: $45.
River Road Wine Trail
Valentine's Passport 2013, Monterey County: Savor the sweetheart of all tastings as the 11 artisan vintners along Monterey's River
Road Wine Trail share the love Feb. 9 with wine and food pairings, a souvenir
glass, entry into a grand drawing and special discounts. Tickets cost $45 ($15
designated drivers).
Robert Hall Winery, Paso Robles: Bring your special
one for an "Italian Romance" Valentine's Day evening, 6:30-9:30 pm. Enjoy a
complimentary glass of sparkling wine, followed by three courses of authentic
Italian cuisine by Italian chef Paul Ruberto, paired with estate wines. Manny
Mestas will serenade couples with romantic mandolin music. Cost is $120 per
couple.
Vina Robles Hospitality Center, Paso Robles: Foodies can savor an elegant, old-fashioned candlelit dinner this Feb. 14 at the
"Valentine's Day Dinner and Musical Serenade," prepared with regional
ingredients by The Grill at Hunter Ranch and paired with Vina Robles wines. Enjoy the classical
strains of the renowned SLO Winds Clarinet Choir and the Estero Bay Brass Quintet. Cost is $160 per couple. Also at Vina Robles, wine-loving couples can test
their knowledge and please their palates with a "Petite Sirah and Chocolate
Pairing" throughout February. Cost is $36 per couple and includes five
showcased Petite Sirahs, each paired with a hand-made chocolate truffle.
The Wine Wrangler, Paso Robles: Perfect pairs can celebrate perfect pairings on this special four-hour "Valentine's Day Wine & Chocolate Tour" offered Feb. 14-16, featuring outstanding Paso Robles wineries and specialty California chocolates. Cost starts at $118 per couple.
Zipline Romance Package at Hampton Inn
& Suites, Paso Robles: For those who need a
little adventure with their partner, check out this thrilling package, starting
at $349. Stay one night Feb. 14-17 in this charming wine country town and enjoy
a thrilling ziplining experience with Margarita Adventures over rustic
vineyards at Santa Margarita Ranch, home of Ancient Peaks Winery, and
receive sparkling wine and fresh roses.
Fiddlehead Cellars
Pinkie & Tamales, Santa Barbara County: Start with a taste
of premier sparkling wine 'Bubbles' and then taste the rest of the current
line-up with a special highlight of 'Pink Fiddle.' Free mini-tamale included
with a $10 tasting fee. Feb. 9, 12-3 pm. Pink attire is encouraged! Prizes for
the best pink outfits; send your photo to fiddlenews@fiddleheadcellars.com. Need the perfect
gift? Give your love a bouquet of ROSÉS! Buy 5 bottles of 'Pink Fiddle' and get
the 6th bottle for a penny. Special pricing is good all weekend: Friday–Sunday.
Riverbench Vineyard
& Winery Valentine's Archery Lessons, Santa Barbara County: Will Cupid hit the mark? Come show off your hot shot skills at Riverbench, where you can try your hand at archery. $15 per person for a one-hour lesson, includes a tasting
(after the lesson, of course)! Sat. Feb. 16, 11-12 Noon.
Avila Lighthouse
Suites, San Luis Obispo
County: Starting at $225 per night, lovers can escape to this oceanfront hotel in the
charming seaside village of Avila Beach with the "Romantic Avila Beach Dinner
Package." Savor a box of four delectable truffles from Rocky Mountain
Chocolate Factory, a bottle of sparkling wine from Laetitia Winery, two
souvenir sparkling wine flutes and a wine opener. Enjoy dinner for two with a
$50 gift card to the Custom House, as well as an extended continental breakfast
the following morning.
Breakaway Tours, Paso Robles/San Luis Obispo
County: Looking
for a wine tour to celebrate the day? Join other incurable romantics on the
"Valentine's Day Dreamy Central Coast Wine Tour," a distinctive five-hour tour
in Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo, offering a sparkling wine tasting, chocolate
and a gift rose. Offered Feb. 14-16, the tours include four unique wineries and
a gourmet picnic winery lunch. Cost is $225 per couple.
Central Coast Food Tours, San Luis Obispo
County: Indulge
together in the perfect pairing- local wine and chocolate-on this special
epicurean tour taking place every Thursday through Saturday in February. For
$175 per couple, the Wine & Chocolate Pairing Tour starts with a
visit to an artisanal chocolate maker who teaches how chocolate is grown,
processed and crafted into delicious confections. Learn the fine art of pairing
chocolates to wines, then, test your knowledge at three award-winning wineries.
Dolphin Bay Cooking
School's Cooking for Two Class, San Luis Obispo
County: Dial up the romance by learning how to easily create an intimate, delicious
meal for special occasions at this Feb. 13 class with Lido's Executive Chef
Jacob Moss. Cooking demonstration concludes with a multi-course, local wine
paired meal based upon the chef's presentation, followed by a local wine
reception. Guests enrolling in a cooking class may reserve a suite at a special
rate for the evening. Class costs $250 per couple.
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, San Luis Obispo
County: Throughout
February, couples who book the "Ahh Spa Romance Package," starting at $309, get
a one-night stay in an Ocean View King room, heart shaped truffles, romantic
couples massage at A Vital Touch Salon, bottle of wine from Laetitia Winery and
a framed personalized SandNote and flowers.
Southern California
Frangipani Estate Winery, Temecula Valley: Take time for
romance at this "Valentine's Day Wine-Paired Dinner" Feb. 14-15. Enjoy a
three-course wine-paired dinner along with music from "Sinatra and
Friends." Cost is $65 per person.
Monte De Oro Winery
& Vineyards, Temecula Valley: Enjoy a delicious
meal and spectacular vineyard views at this "Third Annual Valentine's Dinner"
on Feb. 14, including a champagne toast, four-course meal, wine-pairing for
each course, live music and dancing.
Oak Mountain Winery, Temecula Valley: You and
your sweetheart are a perfect blend. The "7th Annual Wine Blending
Party" on Feb. 15, led by winemaker Steve Andrews, lets you create a wine that
reflects your love. Sample three different red wine varietals and start
blending and tasting until you make your special bottle of wine. After the
class, savor a sumptuous dinner paired with wines. Tickets cost $95 per person.
Ponte Family
Estate/Ponte Vineyard Inn, Temecula Valley: Book the "Vineyard Romance" package (starting at $284) this February, which includes a welcome
amenity, a bottle of sparkling Moscato and a $100 dinner credit for a romantic
meal together. For an extra romantic touch add flowers, a horse-drawn carriage
ride through the vineyard ($99), and/or a couples massage. Take your sweetie
to an elegant dinner on Valentine's Day in the Vineyard Pavilion ($95 per
person), which includes a sparkling wine and passed hors d'oeuvres reception, a
four-course dinner with wine pairings, music and dancing.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula Valley: Pamper yourselves at Grapeseed Spa with the Total
Decadence Package, which includes a 50-minute upper body Warm-Stone Relaxation
Massage, a Vanilla Peppermint Foot Massage and a Sugar-Kissed Hand Treatment.
Finish with an award winning glass of sparkling wine and truffles to share as
you snuggle up in an oversized chaise lounge on the spa's spacious veranda
overlooking Mount Palomar. Special Price $119 (Regular: $162). Booking Code:
Valentine. Available Feb. 10-17.
This
Valentine's Day bring your true love to South Coast Winery's Vineyard Rose restaurant
for a spectacular pairing of fine wine, great food and music by renowned
Spanish guitarist David Maldonado. Cost is $95 per person with wine and $75
without wine.
Know she or he is the one? Book the "Romantic Runaway Wedding Package" and let South
Coast Winery's expert event planners turn your fast-planned wedding into an
unforgettable wedding fantasy. For $2,100, invite up to 40 of your friends and
family and get a beautiful ceremony location, two-night stay for the newlyweds,
officiant, wedding cake, bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom,
and sparkling wine for a toast. The "Wine Lovers Package" starts at $199 per
night, which includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Luxury Villa tucked away in
the vineyards, complete with rose petals, chocolate-covered strawberries and
sparkling wine, Ultimate Wine Tour, cheese pairing for two, a select bottle of
estate wine, Mimosa Breakfast for Two and discount passport booklet.
Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula Valley: During this
"Romantic Valentine's Dinner" whisper sweet nothings over a tantalizing five-course
prix-fixe meal while being serenaded by the sensual saxophone stylings of Mark
Norris. Then sweep your Valentine off his or her feet and dance to a renowned
local DJ, and later enjoy a special bottle of champagne. Impress your special
someone by adding on a horseback ride through the vineyards to your Valentine's
Day festivities.
Temecula Carriage
Company, Temecula Valley: This February,
enjoy a romantic and relaxing horse-drawn wine tasting tour in Temecula's
beautiful wine country, including South Coast Winery and Ponte Winery, as well
as a gourmet picnic or a romantic evening under the stars. Prices vary.
The Winemakers Tour, Temecula Valley: Experience a
first-class tour of Temecula Valley hosted by the winemaker. Learn about the
winemaking process while enjoying vineyard vistas and tasting great wines
throughout February. The tour, which costs $80 per person, includes all tastes,
a free bottle of the winemaker's special reserve (per couple) and chocolate.
D&D Ballooning, Temecula Valley: Want to pop the
question California style? Try a private marriage proposal hot air balloon ride
over Temecula vineyards. For $650 a chase vehicle featuring a large "Will You
Marry Me?" sign will catch up to the balloon mid-flight so the bride-to-be can
see it and the aspiring groom is prompted to propose. Then the balloon lands
for a moment for the bride to receive a basket of roses, and soars again as the
couple plans for their future.
California Dreamin' Hot Air Balloon Flight
and Wine Tasting Package, Temecula Valley: Looking for a
memorable Valentine's Day or the perfect way to propose? There's no better way
to experience the beauty of the Temecula Wine Country than from the vantage
point of a hot air balloon flight, followed by two-for-one tasting tickets at
local wineries. Each couple taking a hot air balloon flight on Valentine's Day
only will receive a bottle of local wine ($178 per person on Valentine's Day;
$140 per person weekdays; $158 per person weekends).
For the latest scoop on California wines, wineries, food tours and wine regions to check out during
your visit for Valentine's Day and beyond, go to www.discovercaliforniawines.com.
California is the most visited state in the U.S. for wine and food-related activities. The state is the
world's fourth largest wine producer with nearly 3,600 wineries and 90 percent
of U.S. wine production.
It also farms 400 agricultural crops, providing a wide assortment of fresh ingredients
for the fine chefs in California's 90,000 restaurants and eateries.
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