Ah yes, it’s Romance Month in Sonoma Valley, the time of year when a girl’s thoughts turn to candlelit dinners and foot massages. And a guy’s thoughts? Hard to say. Guys can be pretty clueless when it comes to planning romantic getaways. So allow me to share some out-of-the-candy-box ideas.

For those who want to take advantage of this gorgeous break from El Nino and get outside for some adventure, there are all kinds of activities. Consider a vintage bi-plane ride for two in the skies over Sonoma Valley at Vintage Aircraft Company. Or a winery-to-winery bike ride and picnic across the Valley floor. Or a horseback ride through historic Jack London park through Triple Creek Outfitters. Or a hike to the top of Hood Mountain where you can gaze at the 360 degree views that stretch across the Bay all the way to the snow capped Sierras.

Up-Valley, you can visit St. Francis Winery, whose food & wine pairings lead Open Table diners to vote it the #1 restaurant in the country. Closer to town, one of our more luxurious hotels, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, offers an array of spa treatments at their Willow Stream Spa, including grapeseed baths, lavender scrubs and facials. Romance is assured if  you can get a table at their Michelin-starred restaurant, Sante. If not, you can always cuddle on the sofa by the lobby fireplace before heading off for dinner at one of our local bistro’s, followed by live music and a night cap.

So if it’s romance that brings you to Wine Country and you’d like some help planning your visit, keep in mind that a private concierge can help you maximize your time here.

Booker & Butler does just that, creating experiences that are adventurous, indulgent and uniquely your own.