Romantic Getaway in Wine Country
Updated: Jan 7, 2021
Looking to have the perfect romantic getaway with your honey in California's wine country? In this blog post I'll help you plan the perfect couples vacation to Sonoma County for an anniversary, Valentines Day, or really any reason to celebrate your relationship with that special someone. In this article you'll find tips on where to stay, where to eat and where to find some romantic wine tasting experiences in the heart of California's Wine Country as well as some non wine related activities!
Where to Stay
*Forestville*
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Pool/hot tub
- Room Service
In the heart of the Russian River Valley, Farmhouse Inn is a great luxurious option for your Sonoma County getaway. Farmhouse Inn caters to all things romantic. From a candlelit tub turn-down service, to a bottle of bubbles and some chocolates delivered to your room. The Farmhouse Inn is ranked among some of the highest resorts in the world, and it's not hard to see why.
*Healdsburg*
- Restaurant
- Room Service
Located in Healdsburg, Hotel Les Mars is a member of Relais and Chateaux and brings the romance of French living to Sonoma County. Their romantic honeymoon package is perfect for newlyweds staying at this luxurious boutique hotel. Room service every morning, flowers and champagne brought to your room as well as intimate late afternoon wine and cheese pairings. All this and more can be catered to you for the ultimate romantic experience.
*Kenwood*
- Spa
- Pool/Hot tub
Designed with serenity in mind, the Kenwood Inn and Spa is surrounded my vineyards and ancient oak trees. This hotel and spa is tucked away in the hillside of Sonoma County's Valley of the Moon and offers many romantic amenities. They're reopened their spa in September of 2019 after extensive renovations and their Valentines Day package includes a 5-course dinner for two, complimentary bottle of Cava on ice, daily wine and cheese reception at sunset called "Magic Hour", 50 minute massages for you and your partner, and any other assistance you might need to make your getaway more romantic.
*Santa Rosa*
- Restaurant
Talk about something different and unexpected for your romantic getaway to Wine Country. When you think of where to stay in Wine Country, you don't think of a luxury "glamping" safari tent surrounded by wild animals you would normally find in Africa. Go out of the box for your romantic getaway and book your stay in the luxury tents at Safari West. You can also customize your stay there with "Private Adventures" like a private safari tour while sipping some Sonoma County wine or beer. Looking for something even more out of the box? Every year during Valentine's Day, Safari West holds their annual, adults only, "Valentine's Day Wild Jungle Love Party"! You start your day with cocktails, oysters and other small bites, then you head out on a tour where you'll learn about all the mating practices of the animals living at Safari West!
Where To Eat
Valette in Healdsburg
A small and romantic restaurant right off the Healdsburg Square. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time as this place is popular for those looking for a great culinary experience inspired by Sonoma County. Valette also offers a Valentine's Day 5-course tasting menu with a wine paring options.
Barndiva in Healdsburg
Restaurant, cocktail lounge and award winning wine bar just off the Healdsburg Square. A tranquil and romantic atmosphere, Barndiva has indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations are recommended, especially for their Valentine's Day prix fixe dinner with an optional wine paring.
Stark's Steak and Seafood in Santa Rosa
Elegant with an upscale feel. Stark's features sustainable seafood and quality meats hand selected by the executive chef. Reservations are encouraged.
Sante in Sonoma
Housed in Sonoma's Fairmont Mission Inn, Sante is renowned for it's award winning cuisine. Reservations are highly recommended, on Valentine's Day they are required.
Risibisi Restaurant in Petaluma
Located in downtown Petaluma, Risibisi serves delicious and hearty Italian food featuring local Sonoma County ingredients. Reservations are highly recommended.
*If you're looking for more dining options in Sonoma County, check out my recommendations on Where to Eat in Healdsburg. *
Romantic Wine Tasting Experiences
Champagne Tastings
Estate Tour and Wine Tasting at Jordan Winery
A stunning property and chateau where you can have the option to book a private tasting outside overlooking the vineyards, or while taking a tour of the winery and surrounding grounds.
Private Wine Tasting at Ferrari-Carano
Enjoy a private tasting in Ferrari-Carano's cozy, underground cellar. Choose from several of their private wine tasting options like the "Tasty Trio" where you'll pair what your sipping on with delicious cheeses and chocolates, or their "Passion for Pinot" tasting or "White Wine Lovers" tasting.
Valentine's Day Winery Dinner at St. Francis Winery
Enjoy a 5-course candlelit dinner in the heart of wine country. Not visiting during Valentine's Day? St. Francis Winery still offers private tastings like their Estate Pairings on their beautiful Syrah Patio overlooking their Wild Oak Vineyard and the Mayacama Mountains.
Chocolate and wine paring at Paradise Ridge
Enjoy a wine tasting of 5 delicious wines in the garden at Paradise Ridge paired with chocolates infused with herbs from their herb garden.
Horseback Riding followed by a Wine Tasting with Sonoma Valley Trail Rides
Take a 45 minute ride on horse-back through the vineyards of Sonoma County, then enjoy a wine tasting at Bartholomew Estate Winery. You also have the option of enjoying a farm-to-table picnic at the end of your ride.
Other Activities
Ride in a Hot Air Balloon with Up and Away Ballooning
Ride over Sonoma County in a hot air balloon and take in the scenic views of wine country from the air. Choose to book a private or a small group flight, you can even add an option to take a bicycle tour afterwards.
Take a walk through Armstrong Woods
There's a reason so many people every year get married in the middle of these majestic woods. Pack a picnic from a local deli or market and take your honey on a stroll through this forest and feel like you can escape the world for just a little while. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Take a cooking class with Ramekins in Sonoma
Grab your partner and sign up for a fun cooking class with Ramekins Catering in Sonoma. Their Valentine's Day cooking class includes a full lesson on how to make a four course meal including split pea soup, shrimp with garlic butter, boeuf bourguinon, and a flourless orange-poppy seed cake.
*PIN for later*
