Romantic Things to Do in Napa Valley: 29 Unforgettable Experiences

Just a mere 50 miles from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco, intrepid couples who abscond from the Bay Area will discover endless treasures during their romantic getaway.  Follow along to discover the 29 best romantic things to do in Napa Valley.

This verdant Eden is a microcosm unto its own, featuring world-class wineries, luxury hotels, and mouthwatering farm-to-table eats.

Chock full of quirky, unique towns, romantic scenery, and award-winning wine, it is easy to see why couples from all over the world find themselves in Napa to celebrate their love.

From golden year anniversaries to honeymoons to quick weekend rendezvous, there’s no end to the things to do in Napa Valley for couples.

Lovebirds leaning into a romantic adventure will relish the opportunity to discover the rugged appeal of the Muir Woods. Meanwhile, gastronomical connoisseurs will salivate over sampling the freshest organic honey, sustainable seafood, and sparkling wine.

Whatever your plans for romance, Napa Valley is a grape place to start!

Romantic Hotels Napa

Napa Valley may only be 30 miles long, but this Central Californian hot spot of Cabernet and stunning scenery manages to pack a plethora of romance into every scenic inch. Uncover the most romantic places to stay in Napa Valley with our top-tier selections of romantic hotels Napa, lodges, and resorts.

From sun-drenched resorts and spas to more metropolitan luxury, romantic getaways in Napa Valley run the gamut. Begin your sexy week or weekend away with Cupid’s blessing when you book any of the following romantic Napa hotel options:

Carneros Resort & Spa

Don’t deny yourselves the pleasure of spending a full day at the Carneros Resort & Spa. This quintessential romantic Napa experience is best enjoyed as a duo.

The resort offers private cottages featuring outdoor showers, a spacious garden backyard and sundeck, a front porch, fire pit, and chaise lounge. During your stay, be sure to take time to sunbathe by their picturesque adults-only hilltop pool.

Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa

Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa is a boutique bespoke bohemian haunts with a pinch of fun. Surprise your better half with a quirky stay in one of their design-centric, camper-inspired rooms, and throw in a day at their on-property spa, MoonAcre Spa and Baths, for good measure.

Archer Hotel

Archer Hotel – love being close to the downtown action? Enjoy the excitement and bounty of downtown Napa when you reserve one of Archer’s 183 luxury guest rooms (40 of which come with a balcony) that embody ‘urban elegance in wine country.’

Most Romantic Restaurants in Napa

While Napa Valley might have been first put on the map for her wine, the culinary delights and fine dining served up here are a close second. Dreamy date ideas in Sonoma County mean nights lingering over live music, wood-fired pizza, and glasses of buttery Chardonnay. If you’re looking for things to do in napa valley at night, add these hot spots to your list!

For even more amorous dining ideas, read our guide to the 13 Most Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco.

The French Laundry

Chef Thomas Keller’s Michelin three-star restaurant is the stuff foodie dreams are made of! Make your reservation well in advance, and choose between the Chef’s tasting menu or the tasting of vegetables. 

Auberge du Soleil

Champagne carts, four-course tasting menus, and panoramic views, oh my! Choose to celebrate your special occasion at the Napa locale, synonymous with wine country cuisine. For over 40 years, Auberge du Soleil has dazzled visitors and locals alike with its fresh flavors, inspired cocktails, and seasonal ingredients.

Note: Looking for  Auberge du Soleil? Regrettably, this gourmet gem is temporarily closed as of January 2024. But don’t worry! Explore other fantastic dining alternatives we’ve highlighted in this article!

Celadon

Celadon is located in the Historic Napa Mill. Opt for a table in the rusticly cozy brick-laden courtyard. Relax by the fireplace as you and your hunny devour their globally influenced, award-winning comfort food.

Start with the crispy braised pork belly lettuce cups, and conclude with the Moroccan braised lamb shank or supremely satisfying fusilli with braised pork and maitake mushrooms. 

Most Instagrammable Spots

Wondering what to do in Napa Valley? Take a small break from sipping Pinot Noir and carve out a moment to document your romantic escape. We’ve taken the guesswork out of compiling Napa Valley’s most scenic spots to bring you the most romantic couples’ vacation pics yet.

Napa Valley Sign

There are actually two iconic ‘welcome to Napa Valley’ signs, both along Highway 29, which make for fun photo ops.

Castello di Amorosa

A stunning medieval 13th-century castle complete with a moat, drawbridge, torture chamber, and defensive towers. Snap away with abandon at this Italian-inspired monument. 

Berenger Vineyards

The gothic beauty of the iconic Rhine House mansion is unparalleled. Worth a stop alone for its history, it is the oldest vineyard in the valley, and it’s Petit Syrah!

Best Picnic Spots

Pump up the passion of your wine country romantic getaway with a perfect Napa picnic. Grab a bottle of your favorite red, stock up on the snacks, and sprawl out on a blanket for an outdoor afternoon of bliss:

Skyline Park

Requires a moderate hike, but the incredible views of Lake Berryessa are worth it!

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

Located in Calistoga, a picnic here is prime for a photo opportunity, with romantic scenery of Napa, Sonoma, and Lake County from the summit of Mount St. Helena.

Bothe State Park

Napa State Park – eat, drink and be merry among the redwoods and wildlife at this natural oasis.

Best Things to Do in Napa Valley California

Fantasizing about the perfect Napa Valley itinerary? From picturesque wine tastings surrounded by endless sunsets of russet, orange, and red to thrilling hot air balloons, the best things to do in Napa Valley for couples check every box.

Sonoma County Tasting Pass

Sip the day away with your exclusive Sonoma County Tasting Pass. Cheers to health, wealth, and romance when you purchase a 1, 2, or 90-Day Tasting Pass. 

Your entry point into the wild world of wine, craft brews, cideries, and unique micro-distilleries, during this comprehensive pass allows you to taste flights at your choice of four locations. 

Ideal for the dynamic drinking duo looking to learn (and swig) more than just vino, this tasting pass provides samples and serious discounts on beer, cider, distilled spirits, and more. 

Notable award-winning wineries included in your tour and tasting pass are subject to change but may include:

• Alley 6 Craft Distillery
• Benziger Family Winery – Tasting Flight Included
• Imagery Estate Winery – Tasting Flight Included
• Kendall-Jackson Wine
• And more!

8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service

Lap up the luxury of a private, customized concierge Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour experience when you reserve this premium tour.

Get chauffeured around like the royalty you and your partner are when you book an 8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service. 

Revel in the ease and comfort of leaving the transportation and coordination to someone else, and enjoy a completely custom itinerary based on your personal wine preferences. 

Possible Wine Tour Stops & Customizations include:

• Photo opportunity at Golden Gate Bridge
• Domaine Chandon
• Domaine Carneros
• Castello di Amorosa
• Robert Mondavi Winery
• Frog’s Leap Winery
• And more!

Napa Valley Wine Train

Vivid sunsets of orange, red, and violet and the old-fashioned glamour of a lovingly restored early 20th-century Pullman Train car come together to make the Napa Valley Wine Train a breeding ground for romance.

Lean into the charm of a full-bodied Cabernet and the extraordinary scenery of wine country when you reserve any number of Napa Valley Wine Train options with Gourmet Meal.

More than just a time capsule to a bygone era, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a true gastronomical delight. Revel in Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, Rosemary Rubbed Lamb Carpaccio, and more as you soak in a starlit Napa Valley night.

Admire the attention to detail as you relax and recline in the exquisitely upholstered velvet booth seat and Honduran mahogany paneling. Equal parts museum and five-star eatery, any of the following tours will thoroughly enchant your beloved:

• Gourmet Express Lunch or Dinner Admission – embark on a 3-hour decadent adventure including a mouthwatering multicourse meal as you savor the Napa scenery by antique Pullman rail carVista Dome
• Lunch or Dinner Admission – cheers to cupid with a glass of vino or bubbly as you sample an exquisite chef-designed menu of fresh California cuisine.

Note: In search of the Napa Valley Wine Train attraction? Sadly, this tour is currently unavailable as of January 2024. However, there are plenty of other exciting attractions and tours to try out in Napa Valley, and we’ve got them for you in this guide!

Napa Valley Wineries Tour, Including Picnic Lunch

A professionally catered picnic, plus a chauffeured serene wine tour, make for one especially amorous afternoon.

Take your beloved on a picturesque Napa Valley Wineries Tour, Including Picnic Lunch, and while the afternoon away as you visit up to three renowned wineries.

This 6-hour distinctive tour is the ideal primer for your foray into Napa Valley wines and features:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from several locations.
• Education and helpful tips on winemaking from local vintners and experts.
• Visits to such acclaimed wineries as Madonna Estate Winery, Hagafen Cellars, and Domaine Chandon.*
• Delicious picnic lunch.

*winery visits subject to change

8-Hour Custom Private Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour

Imbibe the very best merlot, chardonnay, and pinot noir that Napa and Sonoma have to offer on this intimate 8-Hour Custom Private Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour.

The superior choice for the couple who wants to drink, see and hear it all, this full-day tour allows you to completely customize your vineyard experience or follow a well-loved predetermined route that pays tribute to some of the finest wineries in the area.

Your professional driver will point out the best restaurants and unique points of interest as you make your way through Napa in style.

Tour highlights include:

• Photo opportunity at Golden Gate Bridge

Stops at such renowned vineyards as

• Domaine Chandon, Domaine Carneros
• Castello di Amorosa
• Sterling Vineyards
• Robert Mondavi Winery, Caymus Vineyards, Chimney Rock, And more!

Napa Food Tours

#1 Small Group Sonoma Walking Food Tour

Take a quick break from all of your vino-filled adventuring to treat your favorite foodie fiend to a Small Group Sonoma Walking Food Tour.

Put on those walking shoes, and stroll through Sonoma with your professional foodie guide sampling the very best of locally made wines, artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates, and olive oil.

Your culinary adventure will take you to 6 aggressively chic boutiques located in Sonoma’s historic downtown. 

Get an insider’s look at Sonoma’s gourmet scene. Meanwhile, learn the intriguing history behind this area’s rise to acclaimed culinary fame and artisanal renaissance. 

This tantalizingly tasty tour provides:

• Stops at such local treasures as Vella Cheese Company, Figone Olive Oil Company, and Wine Country Chocolates.
• A visit to the Sonoma Plaza & Mission San Francisco Solano.
• Stops at Depot Park Museum & the famous Bear Flag Monument.
• Sufficient food samples to equal a full lunch.

Yountville Food and Wine Tour in Napa

Second, only to Paris, Yountville, CA, is one of the most ‘ splurge-worthy foodie destinations in the world. Moan over mouthfuls of Michelin-starred excellence with your paramour when you reserve a Yountville Food and Wine Tour in Napa.

Yountville is home to a staggering number of Michelin-rated establishments, making it the consummate locale for your creative culinary escapade. 

Traipse from one iconic chef’s restaurant to the next. Meanwhile, feast on a 3-course lunch featuring farm-to-table cuisine paired with top local wines.

This 3.5-hour tour is expertly narrated by a native guide who fleshes out your dining affair with fascinating stories regarding local vineyards, celebrity chefs, history, and more.

Come hungry as this luxury 5-star eating affair features stops at:

• Bistro Jeanty – for your soup and salad course.
• V Market and Kollar Chocolates – witness the magic of a handmade chocolatier. 
• Bouchon Bakery – try delectable fresh pastries.
• French Laundry – for your positively sinful picnic dessert finale.

Point Reyes Station: Food and Farm Tour with Lunch

Amp up the aphrodisiacs on your 5 hour Point Reyes Station: Food and Farm Tour with Lunch. 

Truly any food lover’s fantasy, during this jam-packed tour, serves up the very best of local delicacies, farm fresh goods, and sustainable seafood to sample with your sweetie.

Slurp down briny oysters, nibble award-winning organic cheeses, and devour the creamiest buffalo milk gelato.

Besides your bevy of tasty farm-fresh treats, this detailed tour also provides a behind-the-scenes look at California agriculture, sustainable farming, and the artisan craft scene.

Ready those taste buds as you and your epicurean loving companion will enjoy:

• 7-8 cheese samples from Cowgirl Creamery.
• A visit to a local bread maker and bakery.
• A chef-worthy lunch from either Marin Sun Farms or Tomales Bay.
• A visit to a local meadery to try honey and champagne-style sparkling mead.
• Sampling oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co.
• A walking tour of an organic micro-farm and the opportunity to purchase flowers, produce, and more.

Napa Riverside Food & Wine Tour

Who says food tours need only be a daytime affair? Inject some drama into your dinner plans when you book a Napa Riverside Food & Wine Tour for you and your boo.

A novel romantic fine dining experience in Napa, this 3-hour guided dinner tour covers the very best of Yountville’s expansive culinary scene.

Kiss dinner FOMO goodbye while you marinate over four distinct dishes from four of the area’s most lauded eateries (including a Michelin-recommended restaurant and one owned by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto). 

Each sumptuous course will be expertly paired with an accompanying wine from a local Napa Valley winery.

Wind down this evening of pure pleasure with a final stop at one of Napa Valley’s most iconic live music venues. 

Napa Outdoor Activities

Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Country Tour

The indescribable majesty of the Muir Woods, coupled with a picturesque tour of Sonoma’s exquisite wine country, make for an exceptional day of outdoor fun, adventure, and romance. 

Hug the giant Redwoods of yore, sample your favorite Cabs and merlots, and explore the beauty of seaside Sausalito, when you and your significant other embark on a Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Country Tour.

Related Post: Tours to Muir Woods: Which is the Best?

This full-day (10-hour tour) kicks off by traveling north across the Golden Gate Bridge as you make your way to the tallest species of trees in the world. 

The Muir Woods National Monument is the only surviving stand of old-growth redwood forest in the Bay Area, and these towering trees harness an unspeakable power and grace.

Post nature walk, your small group will make your way to Sonoma for an afternoon of wine sampling, picnic lunching, and shopping in this quaint downtown village. 

Keep your camera handy for when the sun dips low, as this magical day will wrap up with an opportunity to explore the coastal community of Sausalito and snap some sensational shots of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island.

Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay

Ahoy captain! Get a hold of your lovely first mate and raise the sails for an afternoon aboard the love boat.

Your Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail a 33’ sailboat with a professional Captain as your guide.

Master the ancient art of sailing, or just sip some champagne* as you feel the wind in your hair and the sea at your back.

Traveling about 10 miles over 3 hours, your seaworthy vessel will make its way from the harbor to the outer bay to the vast open ocean.

During the tour, scan the horizon for dolphins, seals, and sea lions.  This is one aquatic activity you’ll never forget. 

*champagne is not included, but the sailing tour can be customized to fit each couple’s unique needs. 

Historic Kayak Tour of Napa Valley

Get your blood pumping and give that liver a rest when you and your better half grab a paddle and head down river during a thrilling kayak tour.

Marvel at the verdant natural beauty and diverse wildlife of ‘the land of plenty’ on this 2-hour Historic Kayak Tour of Napa Valley. 

Perfect your tandem stroke as you discover the serene waterways of the Napa River, and keep your eyes peeled for rare animal species and native birds. 

This is a beginner-friendly trek, so you’ll have no problem keeping pace as your engaging guide regales you with stories and legends regarding the area’s first settlers, famed wineries, and more. 

Psst.. are you and your sweetie pie history buffs? Check out the Napa River History Tour! Hop aboard a kayak and float the day away as your expert guide fills you in on the juicy details of this pristine area.

Unique Napa Experiences

Wine Country Hot-Air-Balloon Ride

Flirt with your forever love hundreds of feet above the ground in an enchanting Wine Country Hot-Air Balloon Ride.

Check ‘romantic hot air balloon ride’ off your bucket list.  Take to the skies for an incredible morning of:

• birds-eye views
• champagne toasts
• searing scenic views of the most celebrated estates and wineries

Sit back, relax and get comfortable in the balloon’s basket.  During your tour, your experienced captain will effortlessly sail you over the rolling hills, spacious vineyards, and lush landscapes below.

History buffs should listen up. In addition to sharing region’s greatest points of interest, your expert Captain will educate you on ballooning’s colorful origins.

Note: In search of the Wine Country Hot-Air-Balloon Ride attraction? Sadly, this experience is currently not bookable as of January 2024. However, there are plenty of other exciting attractions and tours to try out in Napa Valley, and we’ve got them for you in this guide!

Napa Valley Aloft

Prepare to sweep your sweetie off their feet with the awe-inspiring landscapes and breathtaking views of Yountville’s iconic terroir. Voted USA Today’s best hot air balloon ride company, Napa Valley Loft has been delivering aerial escapes for over 40 years.

With hot air balloon launch sites all over Napa Valley, you can absorb even more of the area’s stunning elevation and sights. Ride worry-free knowing your journey is in the very capable hands of FAA-certified pilots. Hold hands with your honey as you complete this once-in-a-lifetime sojourn for two above the tree tops.

Perfect for anniversaries, special occasions, marriage proposals, and more, their exclusive two-person flight can also be upgraded to include a champagne post-flight breakfast.

Private Wine Country Tour Including Professional Photographer

Need an extra special way to commemorate your couple’s trip to wine country? Whether you are celebrating an engagement, honeymoon, or anniversary or just are angling to get some superior social media content, the Private Wine Country Tour Including Professional Photographer is the way to go!

Leave the hassle of discovering the most photogenic spots and the most romantic Napa wineries to the experts.  They will create a custom itinerary for you and your loved one. 

Sip, swish, and swallow to your heart’s content. Meanwhile, you’ll visit a number of wineries and perhaps even participate in a wine-blending experience. In addition, you can opt to go on a hot air balloon ride.

Throughout your chauffeured private tour, your professional photographer will be on hand to document the entire day. Meanwhile, your photographer will offer timely advice and tips on how to capture the most magical memories.

Snacks and water are included during your tour, and a picnic lunch can be arranged for an additional charge. 

Napa Valley: Aerial Sightseeing Tour

Fly high upon the wings of love when you spoil your turtle dove with a Napa Valley: Aerial Sightseeing Tour. 

Reignite the passion of your initial courtship with a sensational 1.5-hour, 1.5-hour aerial tour. During your tour, fly over the Napa Valley in a modern high wing Cessna or a low wing Piper plane. 

Flying through the clear blue skies above, you can soak in the awe-inspiring landscape below. Relax during your flight knowing you are in the company of an experienced FAA-certified Pilot and guide.

Related Post: Which Pier 39 Attractions are Worth Your Time?

This spellbinding air-bound adventure will take you and your partner from Hayward. Then, over downtown Oakland, El Cerrito, and San Pablo Bay. Finally, you’ll make your way towards the sumptuous Napa Valley. 

Love may be like wine in that it gets better over time. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to work at it.
Thanks to fairy-tale-like landscapes, sumptuous wines, and thrilling aerial adventures, Napa Valley romantic vacations are a surefire way to impress your lover.

Whether you are a sommelier in training or just love a well-aged Merlot or Syrah, many of the best things to do in Napa will involve your favorite vintage.

Add to the mix acres of old-growth Redwoods, enthralling history, and a bevy of culinary delights, and even the hardest-to-please partners will be falling for Napa.

However, you choose to spend your couple’s romantic Napa getaway, from a private sailing tour of the azure waters of Bodega Bay to conquering the three-course Michelin-starred tasting menu of your food-fueled reveries, know that wine country is the place for full-bodied romance.

What Are Some of Your Favorite Napa Valley Romantic Things to Do?

Did we miss any of the top things to do in Napa for couples and Sonoma? What will you add to your romantic Napa Valley itinerary?

Leave us a comment below!