Check in at one of Calistoga’s romantic bed & breakfasts, such as The Bergson, with its in-room fireplace, or at the newly-opened The Francis House, or at the historic Brannan Cottage Inn, one of the last cottages that remains from the original resort in Calistoga (it is even on the National Register of Historic Places and underwent a beautiful renovation in 2014). Other options include Embrace Calistoga, a stunning historic property with a wrap-around porch and gourmet breakfast, Meadowlark Country House & Resort, a beautiful, adults-only property with a hot springs mineral pool, and the luxury private vacation homes rented by Mayastoga Property Group in the hills above Calistoga.
Take a stroll through downtown, exploring the shops hand-in-hand. Start at the West End Antiques District to explore vintage and historic treasures at Rags to Riches. Head further downtown and check out the local staple, Silverado ACE Hardware or the newest location of home goods favorite, Blackbird.
Once you’re ready for wine tasting and nibbles, you may want to sample a flight of wines by the cozy fireplace at Olabisi Wines. If you’re interested in learning how wine can complement and accentuate the unique flavors of chocolate, stop in August Briggs Winery for a chocolate truffles/wine tasting. For dinner, a cozy corner table on the patio at Evangeline is sure to end the evening on a romantic note. Sip handcrafted cocktails with a New Orleans flair, followed by a French Cajun-inspired meal and delectable dessert, all served by candlelight.
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Solage, an Auberge Resort with sparkling mimosas at Solbar restaurant, which overlooks the gorgeous pool. Prepare to be pampered afterwards at Spa Solage and book a relaxing couples massage or mudslide treatment, the latter a unique variation on the classic Calistoga mud bath, where you can paint each other with healing mud and rinse off in a private, outdoor shower. Once done in the spa, you’ll want to take a dip in the geothermal-fed mineral springs pool in between meditation in the high-tech Somadome pod. On your way out, you may want to replenish with a restorative smoothie available for purchase at the spa bar on your way out of the bathhouse.
Now that you’re completely relaxed, it’s time for wine! Drive up to Schramsberg Vineyards for an unforgettable tour of the mossy, historic caves (plan to book this tour a few months ahead of your visit). Enjoy Schramsberg blanc de blanc at the end of your tour, or book a group tour with a cheese pairing. Your choice!
Another option is to schedule a private tasting at Lawer Estates new tasting room in downtown Calistoga, overlooking the Napa River. Book the “Tasting on the Outer Bank” or if you have worked up an appetit, reserve your “Picnic Lunch Wine Tasting” and enjoy it at your own table for two on the patio.
Now that you’ve enjoyed a full day of wine and wellness, it’s time to head a spectacular French-inspired meal at Veraison, Any night of the week, Veraison’s patio provides the ideal spot in Calistoga for divine French food and people-watching.
Noteworthy: Planning to propose while visiting Calistoga? We can’t blame you for choosing the most romantic spot in the Napa Valley! Bennett Lane Winery offers a wonderful proposal package that includes a photographer, flowers, chocolates, sparkling wine and more. Once you are in the wedding planning process, consider returning to Calistoga to get married in the spectacular wine cave or Monet garden at Hans Fahden Winery or Triple S Ranch, an historic 1860s property featuring a grand Victorian, reception area, swimming pool and thirteen renovated cabins.
Sign up for a cooking class to help you bond through food and teamwork! You’ll find one-day classes available at Napa Valley College and the Culinary Institute of America (availability varies by season and day of week). You can also visit the Calistoga Farmers Market on Saturday to purchase fresh, locally grown produce to prepare for dinner.
In the afternoon, visit Jericho Canyon Vineyard for an experience you’ll never forget. Buckle up for a Polaris ride through the steep, hillside vineyards and share a kiss (and take a selfie) at the top of the hill where the view of Napa Valley stuns your senses. Then, enjoy a tour of the wine cave and a seated tasting of estate-produced wines. For something a bit more relaxed, make an appointment for a tasting in the romantic garden patio at Romeo Vineyards & Cellars in downtown Calistoga.
End your stay on a relaxing note with a “Couple’s Body Melt” at the Mount View Spa. This indulgent treatment includes a hydrotherapy bath for two and a couple’s cocoa massage featuring organic chocolate massage oil.
Although your stay in Calistoga is over, your memories will fuel you for a while, but you’ll no doubt want to plan ahead for your next visit to explore the many options that still await.
