Surprising Joe with a Valentine’s trip to Napa was like uncorking a bottle of 2010 Screaming Eagle—unexpected, luxurious, and worth every second.
Back when we lived in San Francisco, Napa was practically our backyard. We’d drive up, sip incredible wine, pretend we were expert sommeliers, and head back before the weekend was over.
But now?
We’re long-distance with Napa, and let me tell you—absence really does make the heart (and taste buds) grow fonder.
A Valentine’s Day Arrival to Remember
Nothing says “I love you” like landing in wine country with a Michelin-starred dinner waiting for you. We flew into Sonoma on Valentine’s Day, checked into Solage, an Auberge Resort in Calistoga, and immediately felt like we had entered VIP relaxation mode.
That night, I pulled out the surprise: a dinner reservation at Cyrus. This wasn’t your typical “order a steak and call it fancy” meal. No, no. This was a multi-course, edible masterpiece that made us question everything we thought we knew about food.
Joe’s review?
“Honestly, I liked this better than SingleThread.”
If you know, you know.
(For context, SingleThread is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and for Joe to say that? Huge.)
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A Napa Experience With Altitude: Stonestreet Estate Vineyards
I love a classic Napa winery, but I also love surprises—so instead of just another tasting room visit, I booked us a Mountain Excursion at Stonestreet Estate Vineyards. And let me tell you, this was next-level.
We were taken 2,400 feet up (yes, higher than the Empire State Building) into the mountains, where we were greeted with caviar and Blanc de Blancs. Because, you know, casual.
The view? Absolutely unreal. The experience? 10/10. Joe was speechless—which never happens.
After our Champagne dreams came true, we hopped in a Jeep (because wine tours should come with off-roading, obviously), explored the estate, and wrapped it up with a private chef-prepared lunch perfectly paired with their wines.
Move over, regular tastings. We’ve been spoiled.
A pop of green is the perfect statement!
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Unwinding at Solage: The Mudslide Experience
After all that wine and adventure, we needed a spa day. Solage didn’t just deliver—it over-delivered.
- Mineral pools (because we’re fancy)
- Infrared saunas (because wellness)
- Steam rooms (because Napa gets cold too, okay?)
- And… THE MUDSLIDE EXPERIENCE.
Imagine two fully grown adults covered head to toe in mud, laughing hysterically, and questioning if this was actually skincare or just a really expensive way to prank each other.
Verdict? 10/10, would do again.
A Visit to Atelier Melka
I first discovered Atelier Melka at a wine event in Dallas-Fort Worth, where I immediately fell in love with their wines. So, naturally, I had to book a tasting. We sat down with a lovely French host, had some fantastic conversation, and—of course—added a few bottles to our collection.
Because what’s a Napa trip without bringing home a case (or three)?
Dinner at Solbar: Where Relaxed Meets Refined
That night, we kept it local and dined at Solbar, the on-site restaurant at Solage.
If Cyrus was buttoned-up elegance, Solbar was that effortlessly chic friend who just gets food.
- Farm-to-table ingredients
- Perfectly crafted cocktails
- Luxury without the stuffiness
Joe was in his element. I was in my element. It was a chef’s kiss kind of night.
Cardinale Winery: Joe’s Favorite Stop
The next morning (after one last mineral pool soak, obviously), we visited Joe’s all-time favorite winery—Cardinale.
We’ve stayed on the property before, and we love the team, so this was a must-stop. Winemaker Christopher Carpenter is a legend, and if you love bold, structured Cabernets (a.k.a. the opposite of light, polite Pinot Noirs), this winery is for you.
Our Take on Sonoma
Look, Sonoma is beautiful. It’s charming. It’s full of amazing wineries.
But we’re Napa people.
We love a big, bold Cabernet, and Sonoma leans more Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—which is great if that’s your thing.
But we’re here for the powerhouses.
We’ve stayed there a few times and enjoyed it, but given the choice? Napa wins every time.
Bringing Napa Home: Shop My Favorite Wines
One of the best parts of a Napa trip? Bringing the experience home—one bottle at a time.
From the bold, structured Cabernets at Cardinale to the elegant, terroir-driven selections at Atelier Melka, every winery we visited left its mark on our palates (and our wine collection).
And the best part? You don’t have to book a trip to Napa to enjoy them!
Whether you’re looking for a special occasion showstopper or a weeknight indulgence, I’ve handpicked selections that will bring the magic of Napa straight to your glass.
Trust me—your next wine night just got an upgrade.
Best Hotels & Restaurants by Region in Wine Country
Napa
Hotels:
Restaurants:
St. Helena
Hotels:
- Meadowood Napa Valley (or, rent a home—it’s our preference here!)
Restaurants:
- Press
- Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
- The Charter Oak
- Model Bakery (Oprah’s favorite English muffins—enough said!)
Yountville
Hotels:
Restaurants:
Calistoga
Hotels:
Restaurants:
Sonoma
Hotels:
Restaurants:
Shop My Napa Valley Looks
Because let’s be honest—half the fun of a trip is the outfits. Whether you’re strolling through a vineyard, having a Michelin-starred meal, or just lounging in a cozy resort robe (aka, my natural state), you need the right look.
Shop My Valentine’s Outfits from Napa!
(Bonus: I promise they pair well with wine. 😉)
God bless, Amy
“Wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
– Psalm 104:15
