There are lots of fun and romantic things happening for Valentine's Day. Click on these links to learn more.
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend - February 7 & 8 Price: $55 per person in advance or $65 the day of the even. Bring your special valentine and enjoy and early Valentine's Day. Wine and chocolate pairing, wine tasting at 50 unique wineries, live music, and barrel tasting.
Napa Wine Train
The Napa Valley Wine Train will be presenting dinner or lunch train rides from Feb. 13th-14th in celebration of St. Valentine's Day. Bring a lock for the Love Lock Bridge. Decorate a padlock with your names or initials and affix your padlock to the bridge as you board the train. Save the key as a souvenir. Valentine excursions book up weeks in advance so book early!
Madera Wine & Chocolate Weekend Taste wine both days, February 14-15. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance; $30 the day of the event.
Romantic Dinner For Two at Viaggio Winery (Lodi) - February 14, 2015
This romantic dinner for two includes a gourmet meal, wine, and Champagne. The table will be ready when you arrive. Lanterns will be offered at the end of the evening,
for you and your significant other to write a message on and let sail into the night sky.
Romance on the Rails Price: $75 per person Experience the magic of a bygone era as you travel through scenic Niles Canyon on a vintage train from Sunol to Niles and back. Enroute you'll be served especially-selected wines from the Livermore Valley paired with hors d’oeuvres. Saturday, February 14.
Romance Package -
Sycamore Mineral Springs Check out the Romance Package at this resort. This package includes overnight stay in a one bedroom spa suite decorated with rose petals, a private hot tub, Sparkling wine, champagne flutes, and an assortment of chocolate truffles. You also receive $60 toward dining at their Gardens of Avila Restaurant. This restaurant has won many awards for Most Romantic Restaurant.
Gondola Ride - Saint Valentine Packages When: Feb.12-16 Indulge in the magic and tradition of Venice as you gently cruise in a private gondola through the enchanting canals of the Coronado Cays. Make reservations soon before they are sold out.
Hornblower Bay Cruises When: February 12-14th Hornblower Cruises is offering a number of different cruises during the Valentine's Day Weekend. Choose from a Champagne Brunch and a variety of Dinner Cruises.
Kayaking Romance Enjoy a romantic ride in a tandem kayak. Watch the sun dancing on the waves as you glide through the gorgeous waters of La Jolla Cove. Daniel at Beach Shoot San Diego will plan the perfect romantic outing for you and your valentine. He will even capture the memories on on film or video as special keepsakes.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with wine
and live music. Space is limited; make your reservations early!
Sleep with the Animals
Get up close and personal with wild animals. These places offer unique accommodations that let you sleep with wild animals on the premises. It's fun and educational as well.
Safari West - Sonoma County
Experience an African safari in the heart of the Wine Country. Safari West Santa Rosa is an adventure you'll never forget. Over 800 animals call this 400 acre wildlife preserve home.
An African Safari tour will take you on a tour of the park by jeep. You'll drive right into the large enclosures where the animals live.
You can come just for the tour or opt to spend the night in the luxury safari tents. These tent cabins are well appointed with full bathrooms, comfortable beds, room heaters, and electric blankets.
Looking for a unique adventure? At Vision Quest you spend the night with wild animals in African tent style bungalows. Located in Salinas Wine Country, you'll find many nearby wineries to visit as well.
Watch this short video about Vision Quest. Just click on the triangle to begin:
Do you love to eat out? If so, you don't want to miss these tasty dining experiences. You'll find specialty menus, gourmet food, and money saving prices.
Offers vary depending on the restaurant, but most offer 2 or 3 course gourmet prix-fixe lunches and dinners at special prices.
Check out both pages for our newest coupons from the following wineries and More:
Clos du Bois Winery - Sonoma County
Balletto Vineyards- Sonoma County
Goldeneye - Anderson Valley
Wineries of Napa Valley - Napa Valley
Golden Haven Hot Springs - Napa Valley
Murphy Goode Winery - Sonoma County
Miner Family Vineyards - Napa
Cooking With Wine Recipe
"I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food."
W.C. Fields
Crock Pot Chicken
Before you go to bed, prepare the meal. Plug in the slow cooker before you leave for the day. When you return home, you will be greeted by the savory aromas of this dish. The easy way to prepare a delicious family dinner! Bake red velvet cupcakes for dessert.
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Wine Pairing
Chardonnay is the perfect wine to pair with chicken. Either style of Chardonnay (oaked or unoaked) would compliment the flavors of the chicken.
Unoaked Chardonnay typically exhibits flavors of lemon or grapefruit while an oaked Chardonnay would have a rich buttery flavor. Select one of your favorites.
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes 1 1/2 pounds skinless chicken thighs 3 leeks cut into
bite size pieces 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced 1 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc salt, to taste 1 10 ounce package frozen sweet corn 1/3 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
Instructions: 1. Place potatoes in slow cooker. Add chicken, leeks, wine, and approximately 1 teaspoon salt. 2. Cook in slow cooker for 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 7 hours on low. 3. Add the mushrooms, corn and cream. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes more. Top with parsley and serve.
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 ounce red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed for 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream, milk, food coloring, and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until just blended. Do not overbeat.
4. Spoon batter into 30 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup two-thirds full.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Cool completely. Frost with vanilla cream cheese frosting.
Instructions for Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Beat all of the ingredients in a
large bowl until light and fluffy. 2. Gradually beat in one 16 ounce box of powdered sugar until smooth.
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