Going beyond the wineries, HoneyTrek travel experts Mike & Anne Howard share intoxicating experiences across lodging, dining, and excursions in the oenophile’s paradise of Napa Valley.

California Wine Country…it’s romantic by definition. Though more than sunshine, idyllic countryside, and intoxicating vintages, Napa County raises the bar with five-star style. Driving Highway 29 through the charming towns of Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, you’ll pass the who’s who of American wineries—Robert Mondavi, Cakebread Cellars, Domaine Chandon, you name it—with over 400 vineyards spilling down the sides of the valley. And where the fine wine flows, the gourmet cuisine follows. Leading chefs, from the Michelin-decorated Thomas Keller to the Food Network’s beloved Michael Chiarello, all take residence here. It’s easy to be dazzled by the glamour of Napa Valley, though driving its mountain back roads, discovering family-run tasting rooms, and finding a picnic spot overlooking the vines still offers the simple pleasures. Strike that perfect balance of decadence, relaxation, and romance, then raise your glass to love.

Romantic Adventures

Photo By: Calistoga Ranch

Soak in Calistoga

Spas abound in serene Napa Valley, though it all goes back to Calistoga. The area’s natural mineral pools and mud baths have been luring couples for more than 100 years. Try the authentic Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Spring Resort for a California cultural experience or the hidden pools of the luxe Calistoga Ranch for pure pampering.

Cult Wineries

If exclusivity is what you crave, taste the small batches made by the “flying winemakers.” Hired by top estates, these elite experts finesse grapes to greatness. Taste perfection at Harlan Estates, whose wines have scored 100 points from Robert Parker five times. Understand Napa terroir with vintages created from six distinct single-vineyard sites by Bond Estates, another vineyard that’s hit the 100 mark. For cult wine with the best views, try Brand in Pritchard Hills.

Scenic Drive Silverado

Hug the curves of Highway 121, aka the Silverado Trail, from Napa proper to Calistoga. Moving through the mountains and vines, you’ll be pulling over for countless photos and tasting stops at lesser-known gems like Duckhorn Vineyards and Del Dotto. Be sure to break for a glass of chardonnay on the breathtaking patio of Joseph Phelps Vineyards.

Photo By: Napa Valley Aloft

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Travel over the sea of vines, rolling hills, and grand estates by the most romantic means: the hot air balloon. Opt for Napa Valley Aloft, one of the area’s original outfitters, for fewer passengers and exclusive launch spots. Stay for their champagne brunch and raise a glass to wine country.

Play Winemaker for the Day

Let your creative juices flow in the Blending Room. The winemakers of Raymond Vineyards share their craft and tricks of the trade, then let you have free reign to make your dream red. Take home a bottle of your blend with your own custom label. Spring for a case to always have your love potion on hand.

Cook & Taste Like a Pro

Refine your palette and skills with one of the Culinary Institute of America’s enthusiast classes. Take the History of Napa Valley in 8 Glasses, Bubbles for Any Occasion, or a Savvy Chef tasting, like Chocolate Secrets. Located in downtown Napa next to the incredible Oxbow Public Market, the space lures foodies with their restaurant, lifestyle store, events, demonstrations, and tastings.

Photo By: Schramsberg Vineyards

Champagne Caves

This historic landmark, Schramsberg Vineyards dates back to 1862 (ancient by California standards). Explore their stunning grounds and network of caves, where their sparkling wines find their effervescence. Learn the classic methods and sample the bubbles on this 90-minute, small-group tour.

Fresh Music in a Classic Theater

When the stars of Old Hollywood (think Clark Gable and Carol Lombard) would holiday in Napa, this is where they would take in their films. The 1930s Uptown Theater has been renovated with the opulence of its heyday and state-of-the-art acoustics for live performances. See which musicians and comedians are in town during your visit—the great male vocalist Rufus Wainwright and funnyman Colin Mochrie of “Whose Line is it Anyway” will be gracing the stage this year.

Wine & Dine

Photo By: La Toque

La Toque

Sophistication without pretension, this Michelin star restaurant is the talk of downtown Napa. Enter the modern space, softened with candlelight and a flickering fireplace, and find your table for two. Highly trained staff will help you make smart choices on wines and the assemblage of your five-course à la carte feast. Or just order the sashimi with citrus pickled heart of palm, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, and triple-baked buttercrunch cake for a winning combination.

Bottega

Tucked in one of Napa’s oldest wineries and the lively V Marketplace, Bottega is where food fans are satiated in every way. Chef Michael Chiarello of the Food Network’s Easy Entertaining and tastemaker behind NapaStyle, sprinkles stardust on every dish, turning familiar Italian cuisine into a fresh affair. Sit in the sunshine or by the stone fireplace on the terrazzo for flavors further enhanced by the ambiance.

Hog Island Oyster Co.

For that aphrodisiac effect without the cost of a five-course prix-fixe, look to Napa’s best shellfish restaurant. Along the riverfront in Oxbow Public Market, Hog Island Oyster Co. shucks the best, fresh from their sustainable farm in Tamales Bay, along with the region’s finest seasonal produce and artisanal eats. Let buttery Kumamotos slide down with a strong California IPA.

Picnic Provisions

A romantic weekend in wine country is not complete without a picnic among the vines. Pack the finest local ingredients and libations with a gourmet shopping spree at St. Helena’s Sunshine Foods, Oakville Grocery, or Enoteca wine shop in Calistoga (be sure to chat with the charming owner Margaux for recommendations).

Sweet Dreams

Photo By: Auberge du Soleil

Auberge du Soleil

Auberge Resorts rules the valley when it comes to sumptuous hotels, though Auberge du Soleil wins for sensuality. A boutique, adults-only resort terraced on the hills of an olive grove, it has earned just about every travel accolade…Forbes five stars, Relais & Chateaux seal, Michelin star, with more honors undoubtedly on the horizon. Stroll the sculpture gardens, revel in a wine and chocolate spa treatment, or never leave your high-thread count sheets.

Hotel Yountville

If the idea of five-star dining and tasting rooms within walking distance gets your hearts racing, check into Hotel Yountville. In perhaps the poshest area of Napa, the hotel is well matched with chic décor and luxurious grounds. Find a room with a four-poster bed, spa tub, fireplace, and private terrace. In addition to the serene spaces, a hotel that alleviates the need to drive everywhere adds extra peace of mind.

Photo By: Carneros Resort & Spa

Carneros Resort & Spa

Channeling Napa’s humbler roots, this contemporary resort finds inspiration in the countryside. Barns, silos, and rancher cottages are at the heart of Carneros architectural style, as are luxe furnishings and finishes. Dip in the pool, frequent the spa, shower under the stars, and order room service from their top-notch restaurant. Outside of the glitzy Napa center, it lies on 27 acres of grape vines, apple orchards, and rolling farmland…the essence of wine country.

Tip: Many of the restaurants, vineyards, tasting rooms require reservations; be sure to call ahead.

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Mike and Anne Howard, Gnational Gnomads (Sponsored)

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