Romantic Tips

More than half of the people who visit the Napa Valley arrive in pairs. With good reason: the Napa Valley is a romantic place. The views are gorgeous, the wine is both soothing and stimulating, the dining can be intimate and is always superb, the lodging is luxurious, and the mud baths, whirlpools and massages bring your body to full tingling alert.

Is there something special a couple should do in the Napa Valley? Actually a visit to the valley is almost foolproof for romance. But we can provide a few pointers.

1. Arrive in the valley in time for lunch, buy some goodies at one of the excellent delicatessens listed in this book, and picnic somewhere lovely and private. Or, as an alternative, you could have lunch on the Wine Train.

2. Visit one or two wineries in the afternoon, but no more.

3. Spend a couple of hours at a Calistoga spa, preferably one that allows the two of you to take a mud bath, mineral bath and massage in the same private room.

4. Have a light dinner with just enough wine to feel very relaxed.

5. Stroll the sidewalks of Calistoga for a little fresh air and to work off the dessert you might have had after dinner.

6. Return to your room at one of the many hotels, B&Bs and resorts that offer rooms with their own whirlpool baths.

7. Pop open a bottle of champagne, pour two glasses and, while soaking in your bubbling bath, toast each other for your good sense in coming to the Napa Valley.

8. The rest is up to you.

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