Drinking Wines

Whether you are in the throes of a new relationship or adding a bit of magic to one, finding romance in wine country is definitely one way to turn the trick.

Finding Romance in Wine Country

If you’re looking for a great way to spend some time with the one you love, how about planning a romantic getaway weekend? Taking some time to get away with your spouse or lover can definitely strengthen your relationship, as well as allow you to have some much needed rest and relaxation. There are many different places throughout the United States that make great destinations for romance, but heading off to wine country can be one of the most beautiful trips you’ll ever take.

The wine country of Napa Valley, California, is a gorgeous part of the West Coast that makes an excellent spot for getting away from it all. The area is full of different wineries and small towns that make for great wine tours and excursions like antiquing and outdoor activities. The scenery and views of vineyards and coastal beauty are a perfect backdrop for romantic dinners, wine tastings, candlelight massages and more. Spa treatments, such as hot tub soaks, facials and other relaxing techniques mingle perfectly with the setting of the vineyards and green hills.

One of the best spots is the Wine Country Inn, located in the town of St. Helena, California. Nestled in the middle of the Napa Valley vineyard area, this inn offers wine lovers (as well as romantic lovers) a place to spend a weekend in bliss. The impeccably appointed rooms, suites and common areas help to draw you into the romantic feeling of the Napa Valley. The special packages available also offer some opportunities for romance.

The Wine Country Inn’s special occasion package has some details that can make your trip even more memorable. Arrival gifts such as a trail of rose petals to your bed (turned down, either when you arrive or after dinner), and an after dinner brownie for two along with a nightcap of port make excellent touches to your special night. Gourmet breakfasts in your room (because who doesn’t love breakfast in bed?) along with other gifts make the special occasion packages perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary or other romantic occasion.

Whether you want to have just a weekend away or weeks, a trip to wine country can make your love blossom!

Xavier Moldini is with WineriesforYou.com - a directory of wineries.

When it comes to relaxation and romance, wine and picnics are a great combination. In fact, there are wine packages built just for just an occasion.

Vino and Picnics

There are many ways to enjoy a romantic dinner with your mate. Selecting a favorite restaurant, ordering your favorite luxurious entree and a perfect bottle of wine can be a great way to spend some time with the one you love. But, what if you’d rather have some space and not be out in public? An intimate night (or day) spent in the great outdoors (or even on your living room floor) can be just as perfect as a great meal at an expensive restaurant.

Wine picnic baskets are perfect for putting together that special meal. Not only are they great to give as a gift, and a good way to get your food and beverage from one place to another, you also get to keep the basket for later use! This sort of picnic basket can even come direct to your door fully stocked with a bottle or two of wine and an assortment of special foods ? like cheeses and other wine accompaniments, so that all the guesswork is taken out of your picnic.

There are also different styles of wine picnic baskets to choose from. Some of these packs are more like backpacks, made of cloth and insulated so that you can stash your favorite food goodies along with a perfectly chilled bottle of white wine in an easy to carry bag. Include your favorite stemware (or use the provided stemware, many packs come with plastic or glassware). These backpack coolers are also available in sizes that are practical for larger groups, such as a family of four, for those times when you want the whole family to enjoy your picnic.

Of course, when you think of picnic basket, most people think of the woven wooden type. There are also many different styles of traditional wine picnic baskets available. These sets can even include dinnerware, such as plates and silverware, along with a place to put your chilled wine and foodstuffs. Some include wine implements, such as corkscrews, to make your job even easier.

You needn’t go to a restaurant to have a perfect romantic date. Sometimes, just sitting on the floor with a blanket spread out and a picnic basket with wine and your favorite foods is all you need to make a special night for the both of you.

Xavier Moldini is with WineriesforYou.com - a directory of wineries.

Ordering wine in a restaurant is not much different than buying it in a wine store. The main difference is that you have an audience. Yet ordering wine in a restaurant can be intimidating especially if the wine list is extensive.

Experiment or Homework
Keep in mind that even the experts will not be familiar with every selection on a wine list. If you are a novice and your are going on an important date, you should do a little homework to get some idea of what you might want to order. Unless you are feeling extremely adventurous, a restaurant is usually not the place to try something new since the mark up can range from 100 to 200%.

The Wine List
Today, most restaurants have a wine list, but expect a myriad of shapes and sizes. Some establishments might simply offer just a house red or white, while others have a daily blackboard to outline their rotating selection. Most wine lists are presented as a printed menu, with the wines arranged by color; red, white, and rose and the region of country. Additionally, many establishments will number their wines on the list, which helps big-time if you do not know how to pronounce the wine. You can simply say, I will have the number 8.

Before you order, you are going to want to factor in what you are going to be eating. Unfortunately, not a lot of menus give advice on food pairing. If you need some help talk to the wine steward, or sommelier. They are there to help you make the best decision for your occasion, and a good one will not try to take you out of your price range.

Getting the Best Wine for Your Money
? Skip the house wine. Unless you are familiar with the house wine, don’t bother because they generally carry the highest mark up.
? Scan the wine list too quickly to get an idea on the average price of a bottle. Try to stay within this median price range where the mark ups tend to be average.
? Choose a wine from the same region as the restaurant’s food specialty. A good French restaurant, for instance, should have a solid selection of French wines.
? Ask the server for a recommendation. Just ask if they have any special values currently.
? If two or more at your table are going to have a few glasses of wine, it is cheaper to order by the bottle than the glass.

Corkage
Many restaurants will open and serve a bottle of wine brought by the patron. A quick call to the restaurant will confirm if this is possible, and if so, they will charge a corkage fee. They usually charge between $5 and $15 per bottle, although some restaurants will charge a lower fee if the wine brought is not on their wine list.

Contributor: Stuart Glasure [A wine enthusiast and publishing member of the wine source: http://www.WineDefinitions.com.