On Valentine’s Day, make it to the wine country for some bubbly
Valentine’s Day Wine Country
So you blew it, and it’s too late to find lodging and dining in the wine country for Valentine’s Day. But, it is never too late to plan a fantastic and romantic one-day getaway. A visit to a sparkling wine producer that will make for an excellent Valentine’s Day. You might also consider a romantic picnic among the vineyards.
Sparkling Wine
The Carneros wine region of Napa and Sonoma County has two enjoyable sparkling wine houses. From the Golden Gate Bridge or the Bay Bridge, Gloria Ferrer and Domaine Carneros are just about a 45-minute drive. Gloria Ferrer is on the Sonoma County side, about six miles from the Sonoma Raceway on Highway 121.
On Highway 121, the Carneros Highway is Domain Carneros. It is a majestic chateau, and a visit there is the perfect way to spend an afternoon of tasting sparkling wine. The views from atop their terrace are stunning, and so is the sparkling wine.
On the Silverado Trail in the Napa Valley is Mumm Napa. This winery has a lovely terrace and beautiful views. If you are interested in lunch, downtown Napa is your best bet. Lunch reservations should be plentiful, as most folks opt for a fancy dinner for Valentine’s Day.
These sparkling wine houses require reservations. Do this now by booking online at the winery’s Website.
Romantic picnic lunch among the vineyards
If the weather is appropriate, a picnic lunch among the vineyards is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Prepare a cheese and charcuterie plate or gourmet sandwiches. The best wine regions for finding picnic areas are in Sonoma County. Here are links to the best picnic wineries in the Russian River/Healdsburg area and Sonoma Valley.
A beautiful hidden winery for a picnic is the Martin Ray winery in the Russian River Valley. It is off the beaten path, quiet and serene. Another fun winery for a picnic is in the Dry Creek Valley at Preston’s Vineyards.