With rolling grapevine-trellised hillsides, quintessentially atmospheric
restaurants, plush accommodations, crackling fires, and resounding clinks
of wine-filled glasses, Northern California Wine Country epitomizes romance.
But you don't necessarily have to visit the region to feel the love this
Valentine's Day or any other time of year. Just order tasty treats from
any of the following websites, put on some mood music, dim the lights,
and get those glasses clinking with a bottle of your favorite wine. Who
knows—in this case maybe money can buy you love.
ShopSwansonSalon.com
Bring Swanson Vineyards' celebration of "decadence with a wink" directly
to your doorstep with the ultimate lovers duo—a beautifully boxed $110 Cabernet-Syrah
blend and 12 exotic estate bonbons. Packaged to impress and in fantastic
taste all the way around, it proves their point that chocolate and potions
lead to notions.
WoodhouseChocolate.com
If life is like a box of chocolates, I hope that it's of the Woodhouse
variety. These handmade bits of gourmet chocolate heaven are crafted by
the ex-owners of
S. Anderson winery, so it's no wonder their delicacies include
a champagne truffle in the shape of a cork. Mail-order boxes go from $20
to $132, or drop in the shop for special holiday sensations.
GrapevineWreathCompany.com
State your love in Wine Country style with the rustic-chic style
of dried grapevines woven into the shape of a heart. Ranging in price
from $20 to $30, they hang beautifully on any wall and will last a lot
longer than a traditional bouquet.
SandraJordan.com
Jordan Winery isn't merely known for its well respected Chardonnay
and Cabernet. It's also where you might find Sandra Jordan who shares
her love for entertaining with a gorgeous array of tabletop and home accoutrements
that she designs and sources. Woo the lover in your life with her textiles
or silver or horn products.
JimtownStore.com
If you haven't been to the Jimtown Store, you haven't lived! But
you can get there without leaving your living room if you go online and
order one of their gift baskets. For $54 you can whoop it up on their
obscenely delicious fig and olive tapenade, Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese, and
housemade crostini.
MatanzasCreek.com
The winery that's just as famous for its lavender fields as it
is its fermented grape juice celebrates the love of lavender with an astounding
array of aromatic gifts, including lovely lavender tea in a wooden pot
for $18, gorgeous lavender grilling sticks, and lavender soaps and bubble
bath.
WineBid.com
Of course wine wins hearts, too, and there may be no better place
to purchase than online at WineBid.com. Located in Napa Valley, this online
auctioneer receives prized bottles from private collections around the
world, including local folks who want to offload some of their most prestigious
potions. Best of all, you can find some real bargains here since some
of the lower end wines (think around $35) are often discounted each week
until they sell. Buy up a mixed case and share it with someone special.
