RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

Fall in love this Valentine's Day in Sonoma Wine Country

18th January 2013 Print
Apple Orchard Couple

Couples seeking the romance of a Wine-Country getaway can fall in love with Sonoma County's vineyards, redwoods, and coastline this Valentine's Day.

The diverse destination has it all; ranging from tasting menus and exceptional wines to spa treatments and adventure excursions, guests can choose from unlimited opportunities. Situated 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County's authenticity, diversity and endless discoveries proves an accessible escape to experience wine country at its best.

Below is a sampling of packages being offered throughout Sonoma County:

BeautifulPlaces: "Ultimate Romantic Getaway"

Celebrate romance when you rent Vineyard Knoll Estate, the setting for the 2012 Sonoma episode of ABC's hit show The Bachelor. Winemaker Ben Flajnik entertained his lovely ladies there and so can you.

With the new Romance Rates, you get one night free when you stay three ... because you'll never want to leave. Romance rates are available for Vineyard Knoll Estate as well as throughout Sonoma County in select smaller villas ideal for couples.

And they'll include a bottle of champagne - and a rose, of course. Stay must be booked by Jan. 15 and completed by March 31, 2013. For more information visit beautiful-places.com.

Gloria Ferrer: "Love Through the Ages"

Join the fun at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards for a Valentine's Day concert performed by '80s cover band Choppin' Broccoli. Dance the night away to "Love Through the Ages" and enjoy crepes with glorious bubbly 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.on Thursday, Feb. 14. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

VIP ticket includes table service featuring Tête de Cuvée bubbly, Carneros Cuvée, or Brut Rosé and a chocolate sampler to share with your Valentine.

And for the ones who dare - ask about the engagement proposal opportunity if you're looking to make it an unforgettable night.

Regular admission is $23 per person, $19.55 for Gloria Ferrer wine club members. VIP admission (limited availability) is $125 per person, $106.25 for Gloria Ferrer wine club members.

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, gloriaferrer.com.

Safari West: "Valentine's Wild Jungle Love"

Safari West celebrates its 11th anniversary of the "Safari Sex Tour" featuring an open-aired safari vehicle ride led by Safari West's animal experts who reveal wild-life courtship. Guests will learn intimate details about the mating habits of African mammals/birds and domestic animals and insects.

The Safari Sex Tour takes place at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, and includes a chocolate and wine reception prior to an open-air vehicle tour. Tours cost $80 per person and reservations are required. Private "Safari Sex Tours" are available by reservation through the month of February and cost $750 up to 10 guests, including a wine, chocolate and cheese basket.

For more information, visit safariwest.com.

For those looking to experience their inner wild-side, The Flamingo Resort and Spa will be providing a package in honor of Safari West's 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. Advanced reservations are required. For more information, visit flamingoresort.com.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary: "Get Love When You Give Love"

Sonoma County's Osmosis Day Spa is offering two ways to "get when you give" with two dedicated packages - Love the Bath and Love Massage.

Love the Bath, which is available for $199, includes tea service, a 90-minute bath and gift basket of chocolates, a heart pillow, and a candle with couples massage instruction to take home.

The Love Massage includes two transformative 75-minute Swedish massages and a gift basket including a Flower Elixir, chocolates; a heart pillow, and a candle with couples massage instruction to take home and is available for $329.

A couple's room may be requested for an additional $10, and a couples' cedar enzyme bath is available before or after the massage for $150. These packages are available throughout the month of February, no exclusions or blackout dates. For more information, visit osmosis.com.

Taste Route 116: Sweet 116

In celebration of Valentine's Day, the collection of wine tasting rooms that formed "Taste Route 116" will host Sweet 116 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013.

Last year's event was a complete sell out and guests were thrilled with the one-of-a-kind souvenir that came with each ticket. Guests will get to choose their logo'd glasses hand-painted by local artists. Each one is unique and a very valuable keepsake. Many of the artists will be at the wineries representing their art.

Guests are invited to enjoy decadent dessert treats and delicious wines at seven wineries along Highway 116 near Sebastopol.

Tickets are $30 per person, $25 for wine club members, and $10 for designated drivers (glass not included for DDs). Tickets can be purchased at participating wineries - Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Dutton Estate Winery, Graton Ridge Cellars, Hook & Ladder (Sebastopol location), Martin Ray Winery, Russian River Vineyards, and Taft Street Winery. Visit the group's website: tasteroute116.com.

Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa: Romantic Valentine's Getaway

Indulge in a two-night stay at Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa, which offers 18 suites and villas, full spa facility, on-site restaurant, and a nine-hole putting green.

The package includes stay in a deluxe room with fireplace, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, a dozen roses, and chocolates in your room, a gourmet four-course private dinner, two 75-minute massages for couples, and breakfast for two each day.

Only 10 packages are available on Feb. 13 and 14, or Feb. 14 and 15. The package is priced at $ 1169.95, including taxes and resort fees. For more information, visit scvilla.com.

Build Your Own Valentine's Getaway

Visit sonomacounty.com to build your own Valentine's getaway. The website offers information on lodging, dining, wineries to visit, regional parks to have a romantic stroll and, of course, spas to relax with your love.

Sonoma County, located 30 miles north of San Francisco, provides a genuine and adventurous wine country experience, featuring more than 370 wineries, 100-plus organic farms, acclaimed restaurants, a thriving arts community, and 55 miles of stunning Pacific coast.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit sonomacounty.com.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Apple Orchard Couple