Napa Valley For Valentine’s Day Travel Guide

Without a doubt, Napa Valley is romantic year round, but for us, it’s always going to be the place we go for Valentine’s Day. We moved to San Francisco 3 years ago and our first Valentine’s Day here, we decided we wanted to do a day trip to Napa Valley. It’s been on my bucket list for ages, so we set aside that day for wine tasting in the sunshine. When it finally came around though, we sadly both had TERRIBLE colds, but for some reason, we loaded up on Dayquill and still made the drive up there… only to make it to one winery before we felt too terrible and headed home. 

Since then, we’ve been to wine country countless times. With February around the corner, I felt like this was finally the year to do Napa Valley for Valentine’s Day right. Below, find our recommendations plus our reader’s favorites for best wineries, eats and things to do in Napa Valley for Valentine’s Day weekend trip! Thanks for writing in your tips and favorite places to add to this guide!

WINE TASTING

Clif Family Wines

I think Clif is the perfect place to start the day, especailly if your man isn’t into the idea of wine tasting. Some wineries are bold, romantic, Italian style places which can be off-putting to some people who think they won’t like a weekend wine tasting (silly people.) Clif is founded by the same guy who is behind Clif Bars. Their decor is very approachable and laid back, so it’s a great start to ease into a weekend in Napa. The best part about Clif, though, is their bruschetta wine pairings. Each day, a bruschetta food truck pulls up to the winery (yes, seriously!) and the food is some of the best I’ve had in the valley. Make sure to do the bruschetta pairing and then a side of the firecracker salad and brussel sprouts. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed.

Frog’s Leap

This winery is one of the magical places that makes me fall in love with Napa all over again. Frog’s Leap focuses on biodynamic farming and organic grape growing. The farmhouse where the tastings take place is peaceful, it’s like you drove out of Napa Valley and into a hazy afternoon on a Wisconsin countryside home. Make sure to do a tasting on the back porch, and take your time to soak in the view, the fresh air and of course, play with the winery dog, Abby. Also, make sure to taste their 2017 Rose, it’s one of my favorites in the valley.

Stewart Cellars

For the last tasting of your first day, head to Stewart Cellars in Yountville for their chocolate tasting. Wine is always better with food, and they’ve picked out the perfect chocolates to taste with each of their wines to bring out the flavors in both. Sit in the library for a truly unique experience

Mumm Napa

The champagne making process is so interesting – and complicated! I’ve been on a few champagne tours and we both loved Mumm’s the best. They focus on breaking down the winemaking process in an understandable way, so you leave feeling empowered about champagne. You get 4 glasses on the tour, but I also recommend sticking around to do a flight or simply have a glass on their covered porch. For such a big name winery, nothing feels mass produced. Instead, Mumm is approachable and friendly, a great way to start day two of your Valentine’s Day visit.

Durant & Booth

What looks like a simple white house from the outside, is a world of color and flavor on the inside. Durant & Booth is one of our favorite wineries in California and makes a wonderful final stop for a Valentine’s Day visit. It started raining while we were tasting here, but our window seat made the perfect spot to cozy up with a flight of their fantastic wines to watch the drizzle. They don’t make a lot of cases of their wines – for one, they only made 28 cases of it. My personal favorite wine here was the Sauv Blanc, which says a lot because I normally go for reds. If you are looking for something different, head here. Plus, they’re right next door to the Oakville Grocery Store, so you can grab lunch there afterward.

Reader Favorites

Artesa

This spot is up on a hill and has AMAZING views. If it’s a warm day, request to sit outside.

Round Pond

These guys have a strong focus on food on top of wine. Make sure to do an olive oil tasting here!

HOTEL

Silverado Resort & Spa

This sprawling resort is right off the Silverado Trail, so it makes a wonderful home base for a weekend of wine tasting. There’s a golf course if that’s your thing, and also an outdoor hot tub to end a day of wine tasting together. In the morning, grab breakfast at the Marketplace and sit next to the outdoor fire pit which overlooks the estate mansion. If it’s a warm day, stroll around the property in the back. I was sad we only stayed one night here, so it was such a relaxing hotel!

Reader Favorites

North Block

If you want to be in a city within walking distance to places, North Block is a reader fave. It’s in Yountville.

Airbnb

Some people mentioned how much they like to rent out an Airbnb while in wine country, especially when they are staying for more than one night. New to Airbnb? Use THIS link for $40 off your first stay!

RESTAURANTS

CIA at Copia

We didn’t have a chance to do one of their cooking classes, so we had dinner at CIA instead. But, if you have time, I highly recommend taking a short class together. I bet it’s very romantic for Valentine’s Day! If you come for dinner, ask to be seated at the bar so you can watch the chefs cook and try the Fisherman’s Stew. It’s a lot of fun!

Reader Favorites

Farmstead

Can be busy on weekends, but the food an atmosphere is topnotch. If it’s warm out, ask for a table outside! Make sure to try their cheddar biscuits (yum!!)

Gott’s

A burger joint that’s no ordinary burger joint. I’m told the line can be long, but if you’ve been tasting all day, it’s the perfect thing to soak up all that wine!

Zuzu

The place for tapas!

Bouchon Bakery

The spot to go for pastries.

V. Sattui

We didn’t stop this time around, but V. Sattui is my favorite place to head to picnic on a warm day. Sometimes February is sunny and in the 70’s, or sometimes it’s in the 50’s and rainy. If the weather is right, head here for lunch.

THINGS TO DO

We went for just a one-night trip, but there are LOADS of fun things to do in the Valley in February if you are staying a bit longer.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

What’s more romantic than a sunrise hot air balloon ride? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Robin and I did one in Scottsdale (more here) and imagine a ride above the Napa Valley vineyards would be the highlight of a Valentine’s Day trip. Try this or this company.

Bike Tour

Skip the car or bus and instead bike from winery to winery, either on your own or with a tour company. Try this tour company or these guys.

Hiking

We’ve done hikes in this area before and it’s a wonderful way to get the body going in the morning. Check out trails here.

Napa Valley Wine Train

We haven’t taken a ride yet, but hope to soon! I’ve seen the train chug along the valley and it looks so old-world and romantic.

Spa

I don’t know about you, but my favorite way to really unwind is a spa day. Try the Spa At Silverado Resort or Spa Terra.

I hope this helps you plan an amazingly romantic getaway to Napa Valley for Valentine’s Day! Leave a comment below if you have any questions!

A thank you to Visit Napa Valley and partners for arranging complimentary visits.