I've heard Eskimos have plenty of different words to describe the
nuances of love. Although our language may not be quite as amorously adventurous,
there's no shortage of meanings for the word for me, especially in the
context of Wine Country. What about the world's great grape escapes makes
my heart flutter most? Following are 10 of my favorite loves, Napa style.
By the way, they're best when shared with someone who strikes your fancy.
A cottage at Calistoga Ranch. My favorite accommodations on earth, the
freestanding luxury suites here are so fabulous they could make the Hatfields
propose to the McCoys! (580 Lommel Rd., Calistoga, 707-254-2800, www.calistogaranch.com)
Coffee and pastry at Bouchon Bakery. Thomas Keller's sweet little dedication
to French bread and pastry is a casual Yountville affair where you can order
a beverage and a boxful of mini treats (think croissants, eclairs, and macaroons)
at the counter and snuggle up and devour them outside at one of the gravel
courtyard's tables. It's sweet surrender. (6540 Washington St., Yountville,
707-944-1565)
A cold bottle of wine and an alfresco lunch at Angele. There's nothing
more seductive than tank-top weather , a fabulous bottle of crisp white,
and the roast chicken with crispy potatoes, pancetta, and frisee salad with
roasted garlic jus on the patio overlooking the Napa river. It's the perfect
embodiment of the Napa dining love affair. (540 Main St., Napa, 707-252-8115,
www.angelerestaurant.com)
A facial at Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort. Reserve the facial cottage
on the quaint grounds of retro-funky Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs and you're
in for a spectacularly relaxing and revitalizing experience. It's a gesture
nothing short of self-love. (1507 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707-942-4102,www.drwilkinson.com)
Dinner at Terra. The passion that chef Hiro Sone puts into his exceptional
menu of culinary miracles (think heavenly rock shrimp salad, broiled sake-marinated
cod with shrimp dumplings and shiso broth and medallions of venison with
chanterelles, Yukon gold potatoes, and red wine sauce) practically leaps
off the plate and the air at his St. Helena destination dining room. Finish
the evening with his wife's tiramisu and you'll know what love truly is.
(1345 Railroad Ave., St. Helena, 707-963-8931, www.terrarestaurant.com)
Dessert at Sweetie Pies. Drop in downtown Napa's hidden bakery for dark
chocolate and caramel ganache fudge cake. It's edible amore that's so good
you might not even want to share with the one you love. (520 Main St., Napa,
707-257-8817, www.sweetiepies.com)
A moonlight hot tub at Auberge du Soliel. As if the gigantic exclusive
suites at this Rutherford hillside luxury resort weren't enough of an aphrodisiac!
Slip into one of their spa pools overlooking the valley's evening lights
and it won't just be the water that's feeling hot. (180 Rutherford Hill
Rd., Rutherford, 800-348-5406, www.aubergedusoleil.com)
A movie at St. Helena's Cameo Cinema. I'll admit it; I have a thing for
small-town charm and this renovated historic theater is oozing with it,
which only makes a good movie and bucket of popcorn that much more of a
cozy indulgence. (1340 Main St, St Helena, 707) 963-9779, www.cameocinema.com)
A concert at the Napa Valley Opera House. I continually marvel at how the
ability to snag great tickets to shows at this intimate downtown Napa venue
–especially considering the talent. See someone like Winton Marsalis bring
the house down acoustic style and feel your heart melt at the goodness of
the world. (1030 Main St., Napa, 707-22-OPERA, 707-226-7372, www.nvoh.org)
