Whether you’re celebrating 2 weeks or twenty years, wine country is the perfect place to celebrate your commitment. 

Although setting goals for a vacation can seem like overkill, it’s good to get on the same page as what kind of trip this will be – are you two on a foodie’s quest to eat at all the best restaurants? Are you looking to rekindle a romance? Are you looking for lots of activity or hot afternoons by the pool? It’s important to plan the best anniversary trip for the two of you.

The most romantic vacations have made sure the practicalities are taken care of. This includes lodging, transportation, packing and knowing when to call ahead — we’ve listed our favorites below!

Lodging
If you’re doing your anniversary trip right, lodging should be of the utmost importantce. Get something centrally located, with just the right amount of posh.

Auberge du Soliel
Speaking of posh, you can’t go wrong staying at Auberge du Soliel. From the views to the meals to the drinks – the patio is the place for romantic cocktails – and the spa treatments are divine. The price reflects that luxury, but what’s the cost of romance, right?

Wydown Inn 
The modern, comfortable Wydown hotel is as centrally located as you can get outside of downtown Napa – it’s located within walking distance of many of the valley’s most romantic restaurants and wineries.

The Inn On First  
A contemporary, friendly bed and breakfast, The Inn on First welcomes all guests. From the hot tubs to the décor, this pet-friendly stay is the right place for the bed and breakfast skeptic.

What to Pack
Napa Valley Casual  style is embraced by locals – with a slightly western-inspired twist. It’s a high-quality, casual look.  Avoid high heels – they make it tough to hike through vineyard and cellar tours.

In the summer months, daytime temperatures get into the hundreds, with temperatures dropping into the forties when the sun goes down. In the winter, if we’re lucky, we get lots of rain, so umbrellas are a must.

Hitch a ride
I’m shooting straight. If you’re going wine tasting, a hire driver. If you’re going out for dinner, hire a driver. If you’re going to be drinking wine and not within walking distance from your hotel, do all the locals a favor and hire a driver. Not only does it keep my kids safe, it lets you have a worry-free time.  Even Uber is now available in Napa – for easy pickups and relatively affordable rates.

Have your own vehicle? There are services that allow you to hire a driver to drive your own car like My Napa Valley Driver and  Designated Driver Napa Valley. One hundred percent worth it!

Wineries
Napa Valley is home to top-notch food and wine – when you visit this area, taking in romantic meals and wineries means you have lots of time to talk about what you like, where you’re at and why you love your partner.

Domaine Carneros
No visit is complete without some romantic sparkling wine. For that, you’ll want to head north from Carneros. Sparkling Wine from Domaine Carneros. They have a lush, beautifully served sparkling wines that are perfect to kick off your trip.

Girard Cellars
From a cozy tasting room in Yountville, you’ll taste some of Napa’s premier fruit – you can walk to many world class restaurants from the tasting room.

Heitz Cellars 
Visit classic Napa luxury at Heitz Cellars – it’s tiny and romantic and if you visit on a rainy winter night, you might just never leave.

Larkmead 
Upvalley, you’ll find Larkmead winery, a charming farmhouse in a sunny, bright field of flowers. Winemaker Dan Petroski makes award-winning, beautifully balanced wines year after year.

Restaurants

Bouchon Bakery
No trip to Napa Valley is complete without visiting a Thomas Keller restaurant. Thankfully Bouchon Bakery makes it easy. Sneak out early to get your sweetie coffee and fresh bread. If you’re headed out together, you can take your time with breakfast in the charming courtyard. 

Tra Vigne 
This Napa Valley staple has seen dozens of accomplished chefs spring from its kitchens. The restaurant is warm and cozy both inside and out. A candle lit outside meal with tableside mozzarella bruschetta paired with an inspired wine is just what your anniversary trip needs – am I right?

Terra
Maybe because of the candlelight, or the brilliantly executed attention to detail, but Terra Restaurant, also in St. Helena remains a romantic visit. Yet another innovative wine list and a menu that’s stayed fresh over many years, Terra is classic Napa Valley romance.

With a little communication and planning (wait a minute, that sounds like marriage!), Napa Valley is the perfect place to spend your anniversary. Any memorable Napa places I missed? Share them in the comments!