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Napa Valley, The Perfect Romantic Getaway Spot in California
By MudslideMama | July 17, 2008
Charges for checked luggage, airlines shutting down, travel warnings against vacations in other countries..what’s going on? We are not in an auspicious season for luxury travel abroad. In fact, I’d wager that this may be the Season of the Road Trip. After all, as we Americans tighten our belts and prepare for some rough financial times ahead, that romantic rental villa in Tuscany will have to wait. A more localized, North American vacation is how many of us will spend our travel budget. While renting a villa in Tuscany is way out of most of our budgets these days, there’s an almost perfect, romantic substitute in Napa Valley.
Miles and miles of low rolling hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see, and a hot California sun that approximates that of the Mediterranean - close your eyes, and you can smell the ocean breeze on a westerly wind - sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Well, it is. A romantic getaway or long weekend in Napa Valley approximates the feeling of a honeymoon in the South of France, without the giant expense. All that’s missing are the crumbling Medieval cathedrals and renovated Renaissance-era castles. Great wine is made in Italy and France, but the climate of this part of California is so similar, that it’s no wonder some of the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Cabernets are made here. The romance of a European vacation, along with the plethora of wine tours, wine tastings, and overall wine ethos in Napa Valley makes it worth the trip for any romantic couple.
My favorite Napa Valley vineyards for wine tasting are The Frank Family Vineyards, Francis Ford Coppola’s Rubicon Estate, the Robert Mondavi Winery, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards. My favorite romantic luxury resort hotels and inns are the Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood Resort, and Carneros Inn. And the best restaurants for amazing, romantic dinners which rival any in France or Italy, include Bouchon, Redd, ad hoc, The Farm (at Carneros Inn) and of course, the world famous French Laundry. All are in the Napa Valley region called Yountville. Last, St. Helena, just north on route 29 from Yountville, has the best shopping, cutest stores, and the famous Culinary Institute of America; this institute is the short answer for why a few of the world’s best restaurants are clustered close together, right in Napa Valley California.
The best thing about a romantic getaway is the time, and opportunity, to reconnect with the love in your life. Napa Valley provides an abundance of these opportunities. Sure, you won’t see any Renaissance-era architecture like you would in Tuscany, Italy or Provence, France. But you won’t spend the next few years in debt for a luxury vacation either. The best of the European romantic wine tours, right here in America. Perfect.
Topics: Culinary Travel, Destinations, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, The Cookie Jar |
TravelMuse
July 17th, 2008 at
>>Sure, you won’t see any Renaissance-era architecture <<
Pity! My vision of the Napa Valley was of mock castles, faux chateaux and ersatz schlosses! Charming for all their artificiality.
July 17th, 2008 at
Well…thanks, I guess! Keith, Napa really is lovely and special. I hope you get the chance to see for yourself sometime.
July 17th, 2008 at
I want to go there. To all of them.
July 17th, 2008 at
Well, hi, Jill! I see you live in Crestline; it would be a giant drive up, but there are often cheap(er) flights from LAX to SFO, especially during shoulder seasons. I do hope you get to experience a romantic long weekend in Napa sometime.
July 25th, 2008 at
Hi! My husband & I are thinking about this for our 10th anniversary, after putting Italy “on hold” You’ve made quite an impression on me. Any specifics you could share would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks again! I like your style!
Jane
July 25th, 2008 at
Jane, I’m full of specifics, but leaving EARLY tomorrow for a family trip. I’d love to help you consider Napa as an American substitute for Italy.
If you could email be some specifics - is this a budget trip, or over-the-top luxury - I’d be happy to get back to you with some suggestions.
Thanks!
August 8th, 2008 at
Hi! I am thinking about a long weekend in late Seprember with my girlfriend. I have been to the Napa/Somona area a number of times, but she has never been. I have stayed @ Meadowwood and the Sonoma Mission Inn, most recently about 3 years ago. Would love your thoughts on other perhaps more quaint places to stay and other specific restaurant and vineyard recommendations.
Thanks
Ed
October 7th, 2008 at
Hi there, Ed - I sent you an email quite a while ago, but in case you missed it, my ideas for a nice long weekend in Napa Valley can be found here.
http://travelingmamas.com/2008/08/18/napa-valley-romantic-getaway-vacation-tips-and-ideas/