With wine, thermal springs, luxury spas, and some of the finest dining in the country, it’s no wonder Napa is often considered a premier destination for romance. The scenic vineyards provide the perfect backdrop for canoodling, whether riding through them on horseback, overlooking them from the plush king-size bed of a luxury hotel room, soaring over them in a hot air balloon, or indulging among them in a unique pairing menu from one of the county’s best wineries.

Whether celebrating Valentine’s Day in the Valley or visiting on a romantic retreat throughout the year, discover some of the most amorous-centric activities in Napa to impress a loved one for years to come.

 

Tastings

Chandon: Chandon’s new tasting room makes for an unparalleled romantic reservation any time of the year, but just in time for Valentine’s Day, Chandon Home is running two specials to celebrate the holiday of love. Their ‘Toast to Love’ offering is a weekend-long brunch menu (Friday, February 14 through Sunday, the 16th) that will highlight the winery’s sparkling rosés. Also, on Valentine’s Day, Chandon Home presents ‘Dinner Under The Stars – Rosé Rendezvous,’ a five-course meal of seasonal dishes, each paired with limited-release sparkling, cellar, and still wines for $225 per person.

For lovers who aren’t in town on Valentine’s Day, Chandon has an evergreen package designed for couples, the Under The Oaks Étoile package. Named after Chandon’s top sparkling wine, Étoile, guests can expect the best seat in the house, tucked into a semi-private oak knoll. “Whether celebrating a special moment or just a quiet rendezvous, there’s a table for two just for you,” they said. It is also their most customizable experience, so the price is available upon request depending on the couples’ desires— such as engagement photoshoots, private musicians, extended reservation hours, and even personalized bottles. // www.chandon.com

Stewart Cellars: The NOMAD Collection tasting at Stewart Cellars is worth the splurge, especially for a loved one. Hosted in the winery’s Heritage Library, a cozy private library designed by Ken Fulk, this tasting showcases six single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from each of the acclaimed Andy Beckstoffer’s Heritage Vineyards: Dr. Crane, Bourn, Las Piedras, To Kalon, Georges III, and Missouri Hopper. The 90-minute experience includes a cheese and charcuterie board and is led by a wine educator who can explain as little or as much as the couple desires. ($150 per person). // www.stewartcellars.com

Joseph Phelps Vineyard: Book a late afternoon tasting on Joseph Phelps’ recently renovated terrace and watch as the vines reflect the changing light. The impending sunset wraps the tasting room in a golden light that’s warm, welcoming, and wildly perfect for a quintessential Napa photoshoot. The highly in-demand Chef’s Tasting Menu is an immersive, multi-course food and wine adventure that makes for a perfect day date. // www.josephphelps.com

 

Spas

Auberge du Soleil: Moments of connection and relaxation are a fundamental pillar of Auberge du Soleil’s year-round offering, but for Valentine’s Day, they suggest booking the Fireside Retreat. This 90-minute, customized couples’ massage is followed by an additional hour in a private suite with a roaring fireplace and a bottle of Champagne. Couples may also enjoy the Ultimate Indulgence, an experience that starts with intimate unwinding as a candlelit, chamomile-infused bath is drawn in a private garden before a 90-minute aromatherapy side-by-side massage. // www.aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil

Estate Yountville: The Estate Yountville’s Rendez Veuve Spa Getaway Package was designed explicitly for couples who enjoy the finer things in life. The package includes a welcome drink upon arrival, daily breakfast for two, up to 25 percent off room reservations, and, most importantly, a $200 credit to be used at the Rendez Veuve Spa.

Inspired by the iconic Champagne, Veuve Clicquot, couples can expect to sip on the titled bubbles pre- or post-treatment in one of the spa’s five private spa suites accented by soaking tubs and fireplaces, which couples can take advantage of when booking the Couple’s Experience, an add-on to your massage treatment that includes an hour of private time during an aromatherapy bath, before a gourmet lunch and of course, a bottle of Champagne. // www.theestateyountville.com/spa

Silverado Resort & Spa: Silverado Resort invites couples to enjoy their Couples Wine & Roses Spa Service. This half-day package runs through March 31 and is their most amorous for couples looking for romance. It includes two rose mud wraps and a couples-warm candle massage inside the couple’s suite. Relax with a glass of bubbles before for the perfect pairing. // www.silveradoresort.com/pages/spa-offers/

 

Ultimate Marriage Proposal

Hot Air Balloon: Ready to take the relationship to the next level? There’s no better way to show a loved one than to physically bring them higher and pop the question as the rosy sun rises over Napa’s neat rows of vines. Napa Valley Aloft Hot Air Balloon Rides offer a year-round private package that includes transport to and from the launch site, pre-flight beverages, and an in-flight Champagne toast. “This exclusive package is always available and is a popular choice for special occasions,” they say. ($2500) // www.nvaloft.com

Horseback Riding: Horseback riding through the vines provides a unique perspective of Napa’s terroir while swiftly transporting couples to a panoramic vista that beckons an engagement. Napa Valley Trail Ride’s Ultimate Ranch Experience starts with a 45-minute trot through Rapp Ranch Cabernet Vineyard, culminating with a tasting accompanied by seasonal cheese and charcuterie. // www.napavalleytrailrides.com

 

Restaurants that are always romantic, and always a good idea

RO Restaurant & Lounge: Live jazz, oysters, and caviar-topped everything from Big Eye tuna to martinis, this Thomas Keller lounge is sultry at its finest. // www.rorestaurantandlounge.com

Auberge du Soleil The Restaurant: An enduring, must-have reservation in the Valley, the attention to detail and fine dining atmosphere make any date night special. //  www.aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/dine

Cook: Snuggle up in an intimate nook of this charming St. Helena eatery and indulge in Northern Italian, sharing the spicy mussels and homemade pasta. // www.cooksthelena.com

Kenzo: It’s challenging to snag a table here for a reason, making it all the more impressive when it finally happens. Their omakase is scrupulous and makes diners feel like they’re the only guests in the room. //  www.kenzonapa.com

Chispa Bar: For a more lively night with a loved one, Chispa delivers; the tequila flights are a welcome change to wine tasting, and the agave spirits-focused cocktail menu includes fun libations like the Cha Cha with tequila, mango and chili as star ingredients. // www.chispabar.com