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 Valentine packages being offered throughout Sonoma County:
Beautiful Places:Â Ultimate Romantic Getaway
Celebrate romance when you rent Vineyard Knoll Estate (in top photo), 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, and you’ll need all of those nights 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. Beautiful Places will also include a bottle of champagne – and a rose, of course. Stay must be booked by January 15th and completed by March 31st, 2013.
Gloria Ferrer:Â 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 pm on Valentine’s Day. The concert begins at 7 pm.
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, VIP admission (limited availability) is $125 per person. Discounts available for Gloria Ferrer wine club members.
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 pm on Saturday, February 16th, 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 are priced at $750 for up to 10 guests, including a wine, chocolate and cheese basket.
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. The package 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.
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary:Â Get Love When You Give Love
Sonoma County’s Osmosis Day Spa is offering two ways to “get when you give” with 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.
Taste Route 116:Â 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 am to 4 pm on Saturday, February 16th, 2013. Guests are invited to enjoy decadent dessert treats and delicious wines at seven wineries along Highway 116 near Sebastopol.
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 a logo glass that’s been hand-painted by local artists. Each one is unique and a valuable keepsake. Many of the artists will be at the wineries representing their art.
Tickets are $30 per person, $25 for wine club members, and $10 for designated drivers (glass not included for designated drivers). 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.
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 February 13-14th or February 14-15th. The package is priced at $ 1,169.95, including taxes and resort fees.
Build Your Own Valentine’s Getaway
There are plenty of ways to create your own Sonoma County Valentine Getaway, combining accommodations, dining, wineries to visit, regional parks for 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.
Photo credit:Â via TravMedia
Mary Jo Manzanares is a founder and the editor-in-chief of The Traveler’s Way, an online travel magazine proving informational and inspirational travel recommendations for curious Baby Boomer travelers. She has been a speaker at various industry events and has a personal travel blog at Traveling with MJ. When she’s not traveling, Mary Jo likes lingering over a cup of coffee, wandering in a museum, sipping wine at a cafe, and sharing it all with friends and readers. Mary Jo’s top travel destinations are Italy, Portugal, and the Caribbean.
