Sonoma Valley Valentine's Day

Romance in and inspired by Sonoma Wine Country

Romance is alive in Sonoma Valley, whether you’re looking for a special night out, the picture-perfect spot to propose, cozy stargazing or a unique place to spend a night away. (Check local conditions for lodging availability.)

The famed wine country Valley just north of San Francisco is home to more than 100 wineries, and many are offering special Valentine’s themed tastings. 

Wine

Family Wines recently introduced their Wine and Chocolate Pairing. Host Jill Benziger pairs three wines with chocolate truffles from Anette’s Chocolates,an artisan chocolatier for over 30 years. Wine lovers need to register by February 2nd for delivery by February 14th. 

Highway 12 Winery launched their unique #SonomaGram last year to pay it forward to our front line and essential workers. Customers can buy a bottle of wine for as little as $20 and the winery ships it directly to your recipient - with shipping cost included. They’ve sent more than 10000 #SonomaGrams since April 2019 and now is a great time to send some love in a bottle! Wines can be purchased online or by calling 707-939-1012.

Spirits

Jack London’s Pink Gin #5 by Prohibition Spirits, whose distillery and tasting bar moves to the Sonoma Plaza in February, is the perfect color to evoke romance. The beautiful pink shade comes from a hibiscus infusion. This, and an array of the distillery’s Sonoma-themed spirits, can be ordered online

Hanson of Sonoma has curated special Valentine’s Day kits to be enjoyed at home. The Boysenberry Rose Cocktail Kit includes Hanson Original Vodka, recipes, cocktail-making ingredients, two engraved Hanson coup glasses, and Kollar Chocolate Truffles. Another fun option is Hanson Vodka Martini and Caviar Set which includes a choice of Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova caviar (30g) + mother of pearl spoon, Hanson Original Vodka, two engraved Hanson coup glasses, a bottle of Castelvetrano olives, and a recipe to make perfect Martinis. The distillery will be hosting Virtual Happy Hours, specifically suited for romantic cocktails.

Hotels

Near the Sonoma Plaza the newly refurbished MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa features secluded suites with outdoor showers and private patios. The hotel is also hosting a Valentine’s Day Virtual Floral Workshop. Local floral designer Susan Stremlau will lead participants through creating their own table arrangement in a fun, informative and interactive workshop via video. Purchase of a workshop kit includes Sonoma garden-grown flowers, clippers, chicken wire, a decorative bowl, and a recipe for MacArthur Place's seasonal cocktail, The Garden Spritz, to enjoy during the workshop.

In Glen Ellen, the Olea Hotel's stand-alone cottages are set among the oak-studded hills that form the Valley of the Moon, a perfect place for a quiet getaway. The Kenwood Inn and Spa will feel like a Mediterranean escape, sitting on more than two peaceful acres, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and ancient oaks. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is another wine country classic with beautiful grounds, private patios and spectacular dining options including Sante

The Flamingo Resort’s Dip and Dine with Your Valentine getaway package includes, accommodations, a bottle of sparkling La Crema Rosé, sweet treats and a dining credit that can be used for takeaway from their Wild Bird restaurant, as well as two passes to yoga classes (including a Candlelight Yoga on February 13th).

Sonoma is also home to many charming guest cottages, and fabulous vacation rentals, making the options for romance almost endless.

Dinner for Two

Sonoma’s Depot Hotel is offering a special to-go Valentine’s Day menu featuring four courses, including a decadent dessert. Up the road in Glen Ellen, Glen Ellen Star has created a romantic three course meal for takeout as well. Both meals need to be ordered in advance. 

In addition to those carefully planned menus, the area is in the midst of a dining renaissance. Several new eateries have opened or been reimagined bringing a new energy to the city’s dining scene. The Taub Family Outpost on the Plaza brings together the best of Sonoma Valley – wine, food, cocktails and an artisanal market.  A few storefronts away is the innovative Valley Bar + Bottle. The menu focuses on seasonal produce and the wine list is driven by organic, biodynamic agricultural practices. Chef Michael Mina has brought his first wine country restaurant to Sonoma. The new Wit & Wisdom brings regional California cuisine to The Lodge at Sonoma focusing on products from local farms and purveyors, accompanied by a spectacular selection of wine, beer and cocktails. The name is a nod to Jack London, who lived locally and wrote a collection of essays by the same name.

Craving your favorite Sonoma Valley restaurant, but can’t make it the trip? The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau has launched a new section of their website to showcase recipes – for food and cocktails – from the area’s best restaurants. If you can’t visit right now, bring a taste of Sonoma Valley into your own kitchen. What’s more romantic than cooking together.  

About Sonoma Valley, California

Located in the heart of Northern California wine country, Sonoma Valley is a 17-mile long area within Sonoma County, and which encompasses the city of Sonoma and the villages of Carneros, The Springs, Glen Ellen, and Kenwood. The birthplace of the state of California, as well as the state’s wine industry, the year-round destination is home to more than 100 premium wineries, 85 percent of which are family owned. For more information, visit SonomaValley.com, or follow us on Instagram at @sonoma_valley, and on Facebook at @ExperienceSonomaValley.