Vineyards, redwood forest and picturesque coastline – Sonoma County has all the makings of a great romantic destination. The fact that it’s situated only 30 miles north of San Francisco makes it even better.
Check out these five wine country Valentine’s Day escapes:
The wildlife sex tour at Safari West
You’ve no doubt already made your reservation for Safari West’s “Wild Jungle Love Sex Tour” (that is the actual name!). Isn’t the first thing on the list for any visitor to wine country a quick romp around the ‘Sonoma Serengeti’ (again, yep, that’s the actual name)? With the romantic season upon us, what could be better than learning about the mating habits of this wildlife park’s more personable residents – we’re talking bongo, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, warthog and cheetah. The tour costs $80 per person and reservations are required (presumably because the beasts like to know who’ll be watching ahead of ‘show time’).
Valentine’s Day concert at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
The serene rolling hills of Carneros will echo with the sounds of 1980s cover band Choppin’ Broccoli during the Gloria Ferrer Valentine’s Day concert. Regular admission is $23 per person. VIP admission (limited availability) is $125 per person and features table service, champagne and a chocolate sampler. An “engagement proposal opportunity” is available if you dare (word to the wise: may not be ideal to propose at an event starring Choppin’ Broccoli.)
Stay at Vineyard Knoll Estate with Beautiful Places
Featured on the popular TV show The Bachelor, Knoll Estate could be said to have romantic credentials…sort of, anyway. Dating shows aside, this property’s packed full of cute alcoves – plenty of places to sneak in some gratuitous PDA.
“Get Love When You Give Love” spa package at Osmosis
Having resisted the urge to make the obvious wise cracks about the name of this package, it is our duty to report to you, dear reader, that this reputable day spa is offering two romantic packages designed for couples. The ‘Love the Bath’ package, priced at $199, features tea service, a 90-minute bath, a gift basket of chocolates, a heart pillow and a candle with couples massage instructions to take home. The ‘Love Massage’ package, priced at $329, includes two 75-minute Swedish massages, a gift basket with a Flower Elixir, chocolates, a heart pillow and a candle with couples massage instructions to take home.
‘Putty Love’ at the Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa
Couples taking up Sonoma’s romantic getaway package may well be the recipients of a two-night stay in a deluxe room replete with fireplace, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, a dozen roses and chocolates in the room, a gourmet four-course private dinner, two 75-minute couples massages, and breakfast for two each day. But, of course, what they’re really there for is the “nine-hole putting green.” Nothing spells out romance more than a fierce putting competition, after all. Here’s hoping passion doesn’t come at the expense of golf’s legendary etiquette.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: Robert Janover)
