In Napa, things are rosy year-round. During the month of February, though, things sparkle a little brighter here in the heart of wine country. There’s something about Valentine’s Day that just makes everything already great about Napa — the abundance of wine tasting rooms, the stunning shopping options, the gourmet cuisine — seem extra special. To celebrate our favorite perfectly pink holiday, sweep your sweetheart off their feet with an escape neither of you will ever forget.
Every Pair of Lovebirds Needs a Cozy Nest
How’s this for a match made in heaven: you, your partner and private affordable to luxury accommodations suited to your every need? Napa is known for excellent service you’re unlikely to find anywhere else, making it a perfect escape for couples that can appreciate the finer things in life. Throughout the month of February, discover unique lodging specials for you and your plus one, each with extra perks to make this holiday a special one. Enjoy spa treatments, complimentary bottles of bubbly and more.
Rise and Shine, Valentines
The celebration goes all day during your Downtown Napa retreat. Start the day off on the perfect romantic note with a romantic breakfast for two at Grace’s Table, a longtime staple for Napa locals and home of one of the best brunches in the valley. Pro-tip: start with an order of the cornbread alongside a couple of mimosas.
If you prefer a simple, slow start to the day, we recommend stopping for a cup of coffee at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company. Once you’ve secured your morning pick-me-up, why not go for a stroll along the riverfront? Hand-in-hand with your sweetie, the view will seem even more beautiful than it usually does.
Candlelit Dinners for Two
Foodies, prepare to fall head over heels with Napa’s world-class cuisine, curated to celebrate Valentine’s Day with added flair and elegance. There’s simply nothing better than an evening out with someone you love, enjoying gourmet flavors and stunning, intimate dining atmospheres as you soak in each other’s company.
For an understated, yet tasteful, experience, head to Napa Valley Bistro, where they’re offering an exclusive menu in honor of Valentine’s Day. Indulge in succulent steaks, freshly prepared seafood, oysters on the half shell and more. (Did you know oysters are actually an aphrodisiac? Just saying!)
They call Paris “The City of Love,” and even though we’re halfway across the world from that iconic city, you and your amour can indulge in a little taste of French culture at Angèle, a small, intimate French bistro tucked along the Napa River. Unwind inside or on their heated patio and enjoy a specially curated menu this Valentine’s Day, which offers classic French dishes as well as more specialized examples of Napa cuisine, such as tuna tartare with avocado mousse or truffle risotto. Top it all off with a bottle of champagne, and you have the recipe for a perfect Valentine’s Day dinner.
Over at the Meritage Resort and Spa, there’s no shortage of stunning cuisine to experience, at any of the resort’s elegant eateries. February 13-23, Olive & Hay offers their standard menu with a romantic twist — a special black truffle risotto, which is the perfect way to splurge on your sweetheart. You can also head to Ember Steakhouse for a chef’s menu created exclusively for the holiday. This meticulously crafted three-course meal is the perfect way to celebrate your love, especially if they consider food a love language.
You could also head to where some of Napa’s finest culinaries have trained, the CIA at Copia, for their Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Grove. Executive chef Deborah Mullin, herself a CIA graduate, has designed an incredible prixe-fixe menu that will run from February 13-15. For $120 a person, you and your honey can indulge in a four-course pasta menu, with additional added entrees available. With dishes such as braised oxtail ragu and wild langoustines in garlic tomato sauce — each, of course, featuring fresh ingredients from Copia’s own in-house culinary gardens — you’re guaranteed to swoon over the food.
For a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime kind of meal, secure a reservation at La Toque, a Michelin-recommended restaurant and winner of the Wine Spectator Grand Award. For the most romantic night of the year, they’re offering an exclusive, limited seating six-course dinner that is sure to wow both you and your date. For this event, executive chef Ken Frank is pulling out all the stops: caviar, Wagyu steak and much more. There is also a fully vegetarian menu available for those with dietary restrictions. Make your reservation soon, as space is sure to fill up fast.
Imagine being invited to dinner at your friend’s extremely well-decorated, effortlessly chic apartment, and you’re pretty close to imagining a day spent at the Gentleman Farmer Bungalow. Vintners Joey Wołosz and Jeff Durham invite you to step into their kitchen and enjoy a meal like no other. For Valentine’s Day, they are hosting an impressive eight-course dining experience with only 14 seats available — so book your spot soon.
Special Events to Bring That Special Someone
Whether you’ve been together twenty years or two months, Valentine’s Day should be a special experience for a couple every time it comes around. There are plenty of unique experiences available here in the Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World — grab your special someone and join us for any of these fun events, or, come on your own and see what kind of exciting new connections you can form as you experience the magic of Napa.
How do you remember your prom? Hopefully, it was magical — you looked amazing, your date was wonderful, your pictures were cute and you had an amazing time. Maybe your prom was more along the lines of acne and awkward car rides. Either way, here’s your chance to relive it — or have a redo! Napa’s SoFi district is hosting a Prom Crawl all around Downtown, and Folklore is an enthusiastic participant. Come dressed in your prom best and try for the coveted title of king and queen.
If there’s one thing JaM Cellars is known for, its putting on a good show. Their Valentine’s Day celebration is no exception. Doors open at 5 PM, and with a general admission ticket, you’ll be greeted with a glass of wine and light bites before the music starts at 7 PM. However, if you splurge and go for a VIP ticket, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious dinner at the McClelland House at 4:30 PM, before heading over to the ballroom to enjoy the festivities. VIP ticket holders receive priority seating and drinks on the house! No matter what, you’re in for an incredible evening of music: the night kicks off with Bay Area legend DJ Jerry Ross setting the mood with pre-show tunes. Then, Miss Buttah, a soulful Motown tribute band, will take the stage and get you warmed up for the main event, the world’s premier Michael Jackson impersonator. Grab your tickets now, as these ones go fast.
There’s nothing quite like being in love to inspire some creativity. Head to Wine Girl for their Paint Your Person event on February 12 to let some of that creativity out! The $35 ticket price covers all the paint materials you will need, as well as a glass of bubbles upon arrival. Bring your favorite person and prepare to dazzle them with your artistic abilities — and just remember, it’s the thought that counts, so no need to worry if you aren’t the Van Gogh type.
If you’re in your single era, we’ve got you in mind, too! Drop by the Mix & Mingle Singles Event at Azur Wine Lounge on Saturday, February 8th from 6 pm to 8 pm, to enjoy an evening of great wine and great company. Whether you’re open to a new romance or you’re simply searching for other wine enjoyers to chat with for an evening, you’re sure to have a lovely night with the folks at Azur.
You’re Meant to Fall in Love Here
For more inspiration on planning the perfect getaway with your sweetie, check out our Romantic’s Guide to Downtown Napa. Don’t let Valentine’s Day be the only time of year you show your loved ones how much they mean to you. An escape to Napa is always available, always magical and always appreciated. Book your stay today and discover all there is to fall in love with in the Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World.
