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Tour Napa and Sonoma Valleys as a Romantic
Stay: The Inn at Southbridge
The Inn at Southbridge sits at the entrance to St. Helena, a charming town in the heart of Californian wine country. It offers a superb spa with garden cabanas, exquisite rooms with private balconies and exemplary service. Vaulted ceilings and fireplaces give a classic period charm to rooms that are individually styled and supremely comfortable. The health spa is where you can seek total solace and completely unwind.
See/Do: Viansa Winery and Italian Market
This lovely complex overlooks the verdant Carneros grape-growing region and is a literal celebration of its founders' proud Italian heritage. The estate also overlooks 90 acres of wetlands that serve as a waterfowl preserve. Not just "all show" however, Viansa produces a line-up that includes Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Aleatico, Primitivo, and Cabernet Franc. Depending on the season, visitors may tour facilities, enjoy tastings, and explore the wetlands.
Eat: Cyrus
This elegant French Nouvelle gem boasts vaulted ceilings, subdued lighting, and fresh flowers. Within the intimate, graceful space, Cyrus diners opt for three-, four-, or five-course menus featuring meat, poultry, fish and shellfish, pasta, foie gras, and vegetables. Try, for example, truffle red wine risotto, hoisin squab, or a superb rack of lamb with eggplant ragout.
Go Out: Martini House
The Martini House, located downstairs from the acclaimed restaurant, is a sublime spot for a glass of dessert wine and a bit of quiet conversation. A fireplace casts a flickering glow over relaxed imbibers and adds welcome warmth on chilly evenings. While the wine list is as impressive as you'd expect, high-end cocktails are also on offer. By no means cramped, the space provides enough intimacy to easily strike up a conversation.
Shop: Napa Downtown
Napa Valley saw its first influx of settlers after 1850. Those who did stay found a fertile area ideal for growing crops, especially grapes (the first vines were planted by priests from the Sonoma mission). Napa models itself on quaint European towns, as is evident in Old Town, which boasts 19th- and early 20th-century cottages and mansions, tree-lined sidewalks, and Victorian gardens that recollect an era long-forgotten. The charming downtown is peppered with shops, galleries, first-rate eateries.
Attend: Holiday Candlelight Tour
The Holiday Candlelight Tour allows you to explore historic houses that have been decorated and lit for the holiday season. Well-versed docents in period costume lead the tour, which typically touches on six to eight residences. Musicians and carolers along the route keep spirits high, as do food and beverages at the venues – wine, hot chocolate, desserts, and candy are usually served. Perfect for a family outing or an afternoon date.
Other Romantic Options
Napa Valley is abundant with romance, but you've been already, or you'd like to try some place else. Check out these other cities that would make a fantastic trip for a Romantic: •Maui •New Orleans •San Francisco •Paris
About Travis Seward
Travis has more than a decade of experience in print and online travel publishing. Before 10Best, he was a designer, consultant, importer and administrator in the international textile and decorative accessories industries. When a friend invited him on a 23-day exploration of Guatemala, the travel bug hit! He’s now traveled to more than 200 cities and 26 countries to soak in the culture, meet the people and sample the foods that make a place unique. Whether a day-trip to a local festival or an extended journey abroad, Travis is always planning the next jaunt. Outside of work, he indulges in various creative projects, enjoys theater and the arts, hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains and frequently visits Charleston and the South Carolina coast. But food is his passion! Whether at home or away, you’ll find him planning a meal, baking for friends, tracking down a hole-in-the wall ethnic restaurant or sipping champagne before savoring a seven-course tasting menu.
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