6 Local Valentine’s Day Ideas That Will Beat Flowers & Cards

Because you can do better than a last-minute trip to the drugstore.


Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Spoil your sweetheart with an unforgettable romantic experience, right here in Sonoma County. I’m sharing my favorite romantic ideas you and your main squeeze will ‘heart’!

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Photo Courtesy of Graton Resort & Casino

Graton Resort & Casino 

Looking to get relaxed and pampered this Valentine’s Day? The newly unveiled Spa and Salon at Graton Resort & Casino offers a “Champagne Berry Bliss” couple’s treatment which includes a customized massage for two with soothing Quinsyberry body oil, a spa’s special “Bright Eyes” treatment and an all-natural, exfoliating “Kissable Lips” treatment. Afterwards, enjoy a champagne toast, chocolate truffles, and a complimentary Quinsyberry Botanical Body Oil gift to take home.

Graton Resort & Casino, 288 Golf Course Drive West, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, (707) 588-7100.

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Photo Courtesy of The Gables Wine Country Inn

The Gables Wine Country Inn

For some old-school romance and charm, check into The Gables Wine Country Inn, a Santa Rosa treasure. Valentine’s guest receive a Breathless Wines Champagne, a single red rose and chocolate-dipped strawberries upon arrival.

The Gables Wine Country Inn, 4257 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa (707) 585-7777.

Photo Courtesy of The Gables Wine Country Inn

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

The Wine, Roses & Romance Package at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa takes romance to a deluxe level. The package includes a stay in a guestroom, sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, breakfast in bed for two, a rose petal turndown and a sparkling wine tasting for two at Gloria Ferrer Winery.

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Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Be sure to book a treatment for both of you at the in-house, top-rated Willow Stream Spa for some additional pampering.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma (866) 540-4499

Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Hike and Picnic at Bartholomew Park

If you and your true love enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, plan a picnic and hike in Sonoma at Bartholomew Park Winery. This historic winery sits on a 300-acre public park. Take a gentle walk through the vineyards or a 3-mile loop hike with views of Mt. Tamalpais on a clear day.

Photo Courtesy of Carlsson & Company

Stop by Sonoma Market on your way to Bartholomew Park to pick up picnic provisions. Or call ahead and ask them to put a special one together for you. Don’t forget to buy a bottle of wine in the tasting room to complete your romantic Valentine’s Day picnic.

Bartholomew Park Winery, 1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma, (707) 939- 3026, Sonoma Market, 500 West Napa St., Sonoma, (707) 996-3411.

Photo Courtesy of Sonoma Market

Grape Leaf Inn

Enjoy the historic charm of a Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast at Grape Leaf Inn in Healdsburg. The inn is situated in a quiet and quaint neighborhood, within walking distance from downtown Healdsburg.

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Photo Credit: Adrienne Shubin

To celebrate February 14th, Grape Leaf Inn and their sister property, Calderwood Inn, are offering 14% off room rates, plus a bottle of wine from Wilson Artisan Wineries and rose petals on the bed.

Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg, (707) 433-8140, Calderwood Inn, 25 W. Grant Street, Healdsburg, (707) 431-1110

Photo Courtesy of Grape Leaf Inn

La Crema

Feeling a little skeptical about the Valentine’s hype? La Crema winery is putting on a special “Haters vs. Daters” event at their Healdsburg tasting lounge on Saturday, February 11, between 10:30am and 5:00pm. The event caters to those who like and dislike the romantic holiday. Choose from a “Haters” and “Daters” tasting flight – both flights conclude with a food bite, expertly paired with your final wine. The cost is $15 per person (complimentary for club members).

La Crema Healdsburg Tasting Room, 235 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, CA 95448, 800-314-1762.

La Crema