When the opportunity comes up, my favorite choice for romantic hotels involve great food and relaxing accommodations. For two years now, when my in-laws come to visit, my husband and I have manged to sneak away for two nights to Yountville, California, just north of Napa, in the middle of wine country.
We enjoy staying at the Villagio Inn & Spa, right in downtown Yountville. The Villagio itself is a gorgeous property, Italian in style, with lovely walkways, small villa-like buildings, and rooms with private balconies. The comfort of the rooms immediately sets us at ease, and we always enjoy the fireplace and huge bathtub, no matter the weather outside.
Immediately across the street are no less than 5 excellent places to eat (Bistro Jeanty, Redd and Bouchon are three of our favorites), and the Inn is just a short walk from The French Laundry (reservations are now available through OpenTable, check here for tips & tricks). On our last visit, we tried Redd, and enjoyed their 5 course tasting menu, which they present with a twist – you must order it for the entire table, and for the two of us, they brought out 10 different tastes, so that my husband and I were able to try twice as many of their outstanding offerings!
In the mornings, after a visit to the gym next door, we enjoy a delicious champagne breakfast 
buffet in the main building, which includes several hot and cold dishes, fresh fruit and baked goods. When the weather is nice, we sit outside on the covered patio, over-looking the pool, and plan our day of wine tasting.
Yountville is located right off the St Helena Highway, not far from the Silverado Trail, and in that part of Napa, we enjoy visiting Consentino, Robert Sinsky, and Nickel & Nickel. In order to not totally wreck our taste buds for dinner, we limit ourselves to three wineries and usually focus on reds, unless an outstanding white or sparkling is on the tasting menu. And we are always up for bringing a bottle or two home to try sometime in the future.
When not wine tasting, Yountville has excellent paths for long walks and bike rides, and unique boutiques for my retail-therapy needs. I come home from each romantic visit to the Villagio relaxed and renewed!
October 27th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Fun post, Gudrun. We love Yountville. In fact, our daughter’s middle name could have been Yountville if you get my drift. (OMG, TMI, would be my 16yo reply if she read this post.)
Next time you are there, check out Thomas Keller’s Ad hoc. It’s a family style restaurant and much more affordable than the French Laundry.
Nancy D. Browns last blog post..Romance in Napa Valley Wine Country
October 27th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I love the French Laundry, and had quite a time getting reservations last time we went. Thanks for the info about reservations online.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Well, that is a perfectly decadent and romantic weekend! Have you ever been to French Laundry? I am dying to go…just have to get that second mortgage on the house!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
funny you mention Ad Hoc. We were going to try it on our last visit, but my husband has a couple food allergies/dislikes, and we thought it might be too risky. I will see if I can talk him into it next time!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I have also heard that now in general is a good time to go, with the economy as it is. Personally, I am thrilled by the idea of being able to get a spot through Open Table!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
We have been to French Laundry once, before my oldest was born. It was on the list of things to do before kids arrived
. I remember being 8 months pregnant. The best part of the meal was that I never felt full, just completely satisfied!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
This sounds like a wonderful getaway! Wineries, good eating and comfy, relaxing accommodations, three perfect ingredients for a romantic escape!
Rheas last blog post..Just a man enjoying his meat
October 30th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Wow, that’s cool that you got 10 different tastes at the same table.
It’s nice to get away from the kids every once in a while, yeah?
Nates last blog post..Wild Salmon Cakes with Kaffir Lime and Ginger
October 30th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
yes, getting away from the kids is a great idea!
The 10 tastes was new to us – it was a 5 course menu, but they brought different items for each of us. Honestly, by about the 4th course, we were a little overwhelmed, but we managed to soldier on to dessert. Unfortunately, I had my little camera with me and the photos did not turn out that great, but each plate was a marvel to look at and enjoy.