California’s Wine Country is a spectacular destination when you are looking for a romantic vacation. Located about an hour north of San Francisco, the natural scenery of this California destination is breathtaking. Imagine the towering mountains juxtaposed to the vineyards flourishing in the valleys. The yellow glow of the sunrise or the orange of the sunset always excites the most discerning of visitors. World renowned wines are around every turn as you explore this wine lover’s dream. From private wine libraries, to tasting rooms; barrel cellar tours to wine train tours, you will have a tough time deciding what you would like to do next.
Napa
Downtown Napa is a great place for couples to start their journey. There are plenty of unforgettable wine tasting rooms open for you to explore. Try taking a bar crawl to find your favorite flavor profile before heading out to the actual vineyard. You can even find a chocolate and wine pairing if you are lucky! Wine isn’t just the only thing to explore here. The many restaurants offer exciting menus and farm-to-table dining options for you to indulge.
If history is more your idea of a good time, check out our nation’s only wine history museum. Founded in 1881, this historic building was originally California’s oldest, continuously operating grocery store. Now you can sample over 50 wines as you explore the rich history of how the California vintages came to fruition. Nearby, there is also the old Opera House which has been renovated into an elegant jazz club. Napa’s pedestrian-friendly river walk is also a favorite of visitors. Have a glass of wine at Blackbird Vineyard’s shaded riverfront patio or in unique private rooms decked out in handpicked European antiques, books, and local artwork – as well as museum-quality pieces from the likes of Andy Warhol.
As for places to stay, check out Carneros Resort and Spa to spend the night. This uniquely styled retreat has 94 intimate guest cottages and suites, along with six luxurious homes. The cottages themselves are beautifully appointed with with cozy fireplaces, spacious patios with teak furnishings, and private outdoor spaces. Also, this resort has three full-service restaurants, two swimming pools, and a top-rated spa. If you are not wine tasting, spend your afternoon at the spa; surrounded by rolling vineyards, Spa at Carneros‘ wine-country warmth and highly skilled therapists will leave you feeling rested and recharged after your massage. Finally, before your evening is over, cap off a memorable day by enjoying a dinner of fresh local ingredients at upscale FARM and tasting that local California wine.
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Sonoma
Next, Sonoma is located just outside of Napa and is regarded as an equally fascinating destination. Situated between mountain ranges covered in age-old oaks, the Valley is a half-moon shaped stretch of land . The atmosphere is a bit more relaxed but the ambiance is still fantastic. Try taking a romantic e-bike tour and pedal through farm trails to explore the world-famous creameries and wide-open cattle country. End your day by taking a romantic walk downtown and choosing from a range of top-quality restaurants that line Sonoma’s tree-lined central town plaza.
Stay locally at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. This property is one of the few hotels in the United States that feature natural mineral hot springs flowing into their pools and spa. The Bathing Ritual is a must, as are their signature KUR treatments in the Willow Stream Spa. Many of these guest rooms offer warm touches with fireplaces, balconies, or patios. There is also a private 18-hole championship golf course, available to hotel guests and members to enjoy. If golf isn’t your style, join a water yoga class or daily guided morning hike. As for your California wine tastings, follow one of the concierge-designed tours of Sonoma. Finally, daily complimentary wine tasting in the hotel lobby before your dinner of gourmet signature California cuisine at Santé Restaurant.
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Secret Location
Maccagno is one of those secret places in Sonoma that only a few know about. It’s located on the East side of Highway 12, a short drive from the beautiful town of Sebastopol and it’s really quite easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it.