Valentine's Day Getaway Destinations Near The North Bay
The Wine Country Inn
1152 Lodi Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7077
www.winecountryinn.com
This aptly named inn just off the idyllic Silverado Trail is built on the side of a small knoll, giving views of Cabernet vineyards, farmhouses and rolling hills. Cozy, private cottages dot the grounds, some with a jacuzzi, fireplace and private deck. The secluded heated pool, hot tub and cabana perfectly match Valentine's Day specifications. If a complimentary breakfast featuring homemade granola, bread and farm-fresh eggs, a late afternoon pouring of local wines served with cheese and tidbits and a free evening shuttle for guests to nearby local restaurants sounds just right for you and your sweetheart, this family-run inn will move to the top of your list. Find a board game tucked under your bed to suggest an alternative to TV, since these charming guest rooms are purposely plasma-less.
Parallel Wines at Vintner's Collective
1245 Main St.
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 255-7150
www.vintnerscollective.com
Surprise someone special. This Valentine's Day weekend, arrange for a tasting of a Double Gold Winner and Best in Show Cabernet from the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Parallel Wines is a boutique label created out of love, longtime friendships and a passion for adventure shared among eight great friends. The artisan brand produces approximately 2,000 cases annually. Call to reserve your tasting experience of award-winning Parallel Wines 2008 and 2009 vintages at the charming Pfeiffer Building, the oldest stone building in Napa that's home to some 20 top-tier exclusive wines.
Calistoga Balloon Package
1458 Lincoln Ave., Railcar #15
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-5758
www.calistogaballoons.com
Go up, up and away to show your Valentine that, in the words of Cole Porter, "you're the top." At the top of Napa Valley, an exciting launch at daybreak takes the two of you soaring into the Napa heavens above. The VIP private flight begins with limousine pickup at your hotel, a champagne breakfast at Meadowood, Bennett Lane Winery Private Reserve tastings, flight jackets and limo return at $1,999 for two. Or scale down the frills, but make it nonetheless a journey on the wings of love, flying high from $239 per person.
Related: The History of Valentine's Day
Hourglass Wines
1104 Adams St., Suite 103-104
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 968-9332
www.hourglasswine.com
One cannot overrate chemistry when it comes to love and winemaking. The balance of thermal dynamics in a vineyard is one of the critical components of farming great wine. Hourglass Wines of Napa Valley is acutely aware of its unique and enviable position at the cinch in the waistline of Napa's curves, as reflected by the branding. The estate's proprietors enjoy sharing their winemaking philosophy with the keenest of clientele during an intimate experience of two hours to appreciate this boutique label which catapulted its way to fame and launched its sister, Blueline Vineyard.
Camellia Inn
211 North St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-8182
www.camelliainn.com
In the 19th century's secret language of flowers, the camellia stood for perfect loveliness. A profusion of 80 winter blooming camellias of 50 varieties grace the outstanding landscaped grounds of the inn which dates from 1869. And then there's chocolate. All 28 days of February 2013 are chocolate covered, from a hot chocolate morning to a chocolate-flavored evening port. The Girls Night Inn package is specially designed as a Valentine's Day weekend stay featuring chocolate, popcorn, wine, movies, foot fizzers and bath melts for gals who have fallen in love with Healdsburg. Scoring high on walkability and charm, finding the Victorian inn is easy, just follow the yummy scent of freshly baked brownies.
Laurie JM Farr is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. A transplanted New Yorker, she has traveled throughout the world as the Big Apple's official tourism representative. She served as organizer for three Royal Visits to America. As an international relocation consultant, Laurie assisted more than 400 families with overseas moves and is a proud mother of two, thoroughly bi-cultural children. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
