Romantic Escape in Wine Country

Entrance to Celadon and Napa Mill plaza and riverfront

A romantic wine country weekend begins with the perfect accommodations. I discovered a cozy retreat with convenient access to restaurants, shops and entertainment in the charming town of Napa. This historic downtown could be a movie set, with beautiful restored buildings full of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues and luxury accommodations just minutes from the wineries.

Discover the charming town of Napa where history mixes with the present

Stay at River Terrace Inn, a luxury boutique hotel property located next to the Napa River. Sip a glass of wine on your balcony with river views as you unwind from a rigorous day of wine tasting. Enjoy the comfortably designed rooms with ample seating, comfortable beds, high-thread count linens and delightfully soft pillows. The spacious marble bathroom features a jacuzzi tub big enough for two. Lounge in the comfy robes before going out to dinner. For complete pampering, make arrangements for in-room massage or spa treatments at a local spa. The rooms are so comfortable you may not want to leave, which is why there is room service.

Private balcony with river views

Venture to the lobby wine bar for a selection of local wines by the glass or bottle with a cozy fireplace in the beautiful and spacious lobby. If weather permits enjoy the warmth of the fire-pit on the outdoor terrace, located next to the river while enjoying a snack or glass of wine. Feeling adventurous, the heated outdoor pool beckons. Enjoy strolling along the river pathway outside the hotel where grape vines decorate the beautiful landscape. Cuvee Restaurant, located adjacent to the hotel, provides comfort food and appetizers in a cozy setting with a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. They are open late for a snack or night-cap.

Comfortable guest room at River Terrace Inn

Walk along the riverfront promenade near Napa Mill and enjoy water views and the mix of historic and new architecture seamlessly integrated into this development with hotels, shops and restaurants. Explore historic downtown Napa, a town settled during the Silver Rush days, with it’s collection of shops and restaurants in restored buildings.

Riverfront promenade near Napa Mill

Eat:

Celadon located in the Napa Mill complex is a charming restaurant featuring award-winning global comfort food. Dine inside or on their patio. Their seasonal menu incorporates Asian, Mediterranean, and American flavors.

Cole’s Chop House is a classic American steakhouse featuring 21-day dry aged prime steaks, Certified Angus beef, veal, New Zealand Lamb and seafood. You can find the perfect wine to complement your meal from their extensive wine list.

La Toque, located in the Westin Hotel utilizes local fresh ingredients to craft their ever-changing menus that complement their vast wine selection. They are open for dinner every night.

Wine tasting in downtown Napa

More Wine Tasting: If you haven’t had quite enough wine tasting, many of these downtown places stay open long after the wineries close. If you plan to spend time wine tasting in downtown, consider purchasing a Napa Downtown Tasting Card for $20 and allows tasting at 14 downtown tasting rooms.

Vintner’s Collective where you can taste wines from some of Napa’s smaller wineries in an historic stone building.

Ceja Vineyards has an intimate tasting room and lounge in downtown Napa where you can enjoy live music and great wine.

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar has an extensive collection of wine served by the glass and bottle. Enjoy the fun atmosphere of this wine bar and BBQ fare in a beautiful restored 100 year-old building.

Oxbow Market is a gourmand’s food emporium. In addition to artisan breads, meats, cheeses and dessert shops you can also buy and sample wine at the Wine Merchant.

Shopping: There are plenty of boutiques in Napa to suit any shopaholic, click here for a listing.

Entertainment:

Napa Valley Opera House is celebrating 130 years of providing entertainment. Not limited to just opera, they have an extensive line-up of live entertainment including the Napa Valley Film Festival on November 13-14, 2010 and music performances.

Uptown Theatre is a live music venue in downtown Napa with a full slate of concerts.

Vines and river views at River Terrace Inn