Napa Valley, The Perfect Romantic Getaway Spot in California

Other posts by MudslideMama

Joseph Phelps Vineyard in Napa Valley, California

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.

Francis Ford Coppola\'s Rubicon Estate Winery (Jennifer Miner)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.

Joseph Phelps Vineyard View, Napa Valley California (Jennifer Miner)

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July 17, 2008 | Filed Under Culinary Travel, Destinations, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, The Cookie Jar 

Comments

16 Responses to “Napa Valley, The Perfect Romantic Getaway Spot in California”

  1. Keith says:
    July 17, 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.

  2. MudslideMama says:
    July 17, 2008 at

    Well…thanks, I guess! Keith, Napa really is lovely and special. I hope you get the chance to see for yourself sometime. :)

  3. Jilly says:
    July 17, 2008 at

    I want to go there. To all of them. :)

  4. MudslideMama says:
    July 17, 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.

  5. Jane says:
    July 25, 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

  6. MudslideMama says:
    July 25, 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!

  7. Ed says:
    August 8, 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

  8. MudslideMama says:
    October 7, 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/

    :)

  9. debbie says:
    January 6, 2009 at

    my husband & I are considering wine country for our 10 year anniversary vacation. could you please help with some suggestions of places to stay, dining options, etc. I would love to rent a private home, for a least 3 days.

    my husband is a chef & would LOVE a culinary experience also. Our budget is around $3k for 5 days. i would like the feeling of old world europe (tuscany or france) vs. contemporary large hotel chain.

  10. MudslideMama says:
    January 12, 2009 at

    Debbie, I think you might want to take a look at beautiful-places dot com. The site can help you find a private home to rent, and have an “epicurean adventure” too. I recommend that site for luxury vacations up in Sonoma and Napa.

  11. Jim says:
    February 4, 2009 at

    Hi Debbie,
    Most Napa vacation homes I’m familiar with rent by the week and would soak up at least half of your $3k budget. In high season, between May 1st through October, some homes rent by the month.

    There are approximately 30 delightful bed and breakfast inns in Napa Valley. Most of Napa Valley’s B&B’s do indeed exude the ambiance of old world charm that you are looking for.

    There are some great bargains to be had right now through March with some properties offering 50% off and waiving their 3-night minimum rule.

    Your husband is in for an outstanding culinary experience as some B&B’s offer cooking classes. Also, the Culinary Institute of America is located in St. Helena and is open to visitors.

    Check out the Craftsman Inn, Inn on First, the Napa Inn and Beazley House.

    Enjoy!

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  16. leslie says:
    July 22, 2009 at

    my husband and I are celebrating would love to spend a weekend in Nappa Valley for our 1year anniversary. We have never been there and dont have a big budget. Do you have any suggestions where to stay, maybe a B&B, some activities, etc. We appreciate your help!

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