Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and while I'm not much of an enthusiast of Hallmark holidays (well, ok, I'm also single), I can still appreciate a nice gesture of romantic appreciation - whether fine wine and food or a simple kiss and a hug - to show one's love for another.
Wine often goes hand in hand with romance. In fact, the right amount of it might just improve your sex life. So, it's no surprise that thousands of couples flock to wine regions around the world to find a bit of liquid romance amongst the vineyards.
On that note, I thought it would be fun to share with you three of the most romantic wineries in Napa, California. I've been to all three, and wow, are they romantic!
French Champagne Meets Napa Wine at Domaine Carneros
Sparkling wine and romance go hand in hand and Domaine Carneros is not only one of the most iconic wineries in California, but also one of the most romantic.
Founded by Tattinger, the famous French Champagne House, Domaine Carneros makes sparkling wine in the Tattinger style with grapes from Napa Valley.
While the wines are absolutely delicious, it's the Chateau, which is a working winery, that makes Domaine Carneros stand out as a romantic stronghold.
It was designed after Chateau de la Marquetterie, the 18th century chateau that Champagne Tattinger calls home in Champagne, France.
Completed in 1989, it features expansive formal gardens, a grand staircase fitting of any romantic drama, large outdoor terraces with vineyard views and an interior laden with touches of fireplaces, gold leaf framed mirrors and candleabras.
The Sparkling Suite at Domaine Carneros. (Courtesy photo)
Want to impress your partner in crime? Make a reservation - at $500 per couple! - for the Sparkling Suite.
Your tasting, which includes sparkling wine, pinot noir and caviar, takes place in a private patio overlooking the vineyards. The tasting also includes a free bottle of your favorite wine from the experience. Learn more at domainecarneros.com.
A Romantic Gift Fit for a Queen
Stags' Leap Winery founder Horace Chase built the fanciful Manor House as a tribute to his wife, Minnie, in 1890. At the time, it featured the first plunge pool in California, a golf range, tennis courts and of course, 100 acres of vineyards.
Guests can't miss the castle-like turret and the Juliet balcony, where romantic proposals and kisses take place frequently. The property is indeed fit for a queen: the Queen of Portugal (and her King!) visited once.
In the mid-20th century it became a party place for Hollywood elite. However, today, guests visit from around the world to sample in Stags' Leaps award winning cabernet sauvignon which consistently scores high in wine review publications.
A historic property, Stags' Leap Winery was built for love.
Open by appointment only, Stags' Leap's premier tasting is $125 per person and includes a private tour of the vineyards and estate, followed by a seated tasting featuring current releases and rare, vintage wines from the winemaker's cellar. Learn more at stagsleap.com.
The Red Room at Raymond Vineyards has no shortage of sex appeal. (Courtesy photo)
No Shortage of Sex Appeal at Raymond Vineyards
Owned by famous French vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, Raymond Vineyards offers something for everyone - from traditional barrel room tastings to hands-on activities, vast gardens, poolside hang out spots, and private club-like lounges.
One of the most famous rooms in Wine Country is the Red Room (pictured), a velvet draped, leopard printed room reminiscence of a burlesque dancer's bourdoir in 19th century Paris. It's elegant yet sexy as all get out. Open by reservation only, couples can relax amongst the luxury with private bottle service, while being waited on head to toe by staff.
Raymond Vineyards' Winemaker for a Day has guests donning space-like costumes while they use all their senses to blend their own wines. It's geeky and romantic experience. (Courtesy photo)
A popular and unique activity at Raymond is their Winemaker for a Day experience. It's actually super geeky and just by the fact that you use your senses to create the perfect wine blend, it's also a bit sexy.
Guests learn the art of blending the perfect red wine, while taking in each wine's aromas and tastes, then blending them together to create your favorite, unique blend. Couples can create a wine to share for special occasions - the winery bottles your wine for you to take home to enjoy with a personalized label. Learn more at raymondvineyards.com.
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