Show Yourself Some Love this Valentine’s Day — California Wine Country Style

Indulge in elaborate food pairings, self-care experiences and wine-centric events across the state in February and beyond

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Valentine's Day doesn't have to revolve around couples, prix-fixe restaurant dinners or pressure to perform romance. In fact, it can be a perfect time to show yourself some love. Across California wine country, wineries offer experiences that invite you to slow down, try something new and sample something delicious.

From forest bathing on a winery estate to hiking in the vineyards to elaborate food and wine pairing experiences, California wineries offer lots of ways to treat yourself on Valentine's Day and beyond - whether you're visiting solo or with friends.

Indulge in a Perfect Pairing

You don't have to be part of a pair to enjoy a perfect pairing. California wineries are known for creating incredible food and wine pairing menus that rival the flavors at Michelin-starred restaurants. Some California wineries, such as Domaine Carneros in Napa, regularly offer sparkling wine and caviar pairings, and many - including Ram's Gate in Sonoma and Presqu'ile in Santa Maria - present multi-course pairing menus each season, created by their talented in-house chefs.

Commune with Nature

Immersing yourself in the beauty of nature is even more rewarding when the excursion finishes with a tasting of California wines. At Bartholomew Estate winery in Sonoma, guests can book a forest bathing session led by a certified nature therapy guide. Participants go out into the forest to engage all five senses and connect with the natural world, then relax on the winery's pretty oak knoll for a tasting.

If a scenic vineyard hike is more your style, California wineries such as Healdsburg's Alexander Valley Vineyards host group walks throughout the year, finishing with wine tasting. Or take a private group hike at Six Sigma Winery in Lake County, and sleep under the stars in their new glamping resort.

To enjoy nature on horseback, saddle up for a Wine Country Trail Ride with Frangipani Winery in Temecula Valley, or Cooper-Garrod Estate Winery & Stables in the Santa Cruz Mountains. After a trot through the countryside, continue to the winery for a tasting.

Capture the beauty of your surroundings on canvas with a Paint in the Vineyard session at Koehler Wine Estate in Santa Barbara County. Join a group to paint a California wine country landscape with guided instruction, all while sipping estate wines.

Get Festive

February is a lively month for winter wine festivals across California, so why not whisk yourself away for the day - or better yet -the weekend?

Sip a dazzling array of white and sparkling wines at the International White Wine Festival in Anderson Valley, set for Feb. 14-15 in Mendocino County.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, check out the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend Feb. 14-15 - a self-guided tour of wine- and chocolate-themed experiences at more than 30 Lodi wineries.

Head to the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail, near Paso Robles, Feb. 14-15 for the Vino Valentine Weekend. Multiple wineries will offer tastes and special pours in an atmosphere that encourages roaming and social tasting - great for solo travelers and groups alike.

On Feb. 19-22, explore Paso Robles wine blends at the immersive BlendFest on the Coast in San Simeon and Cambridge.

Finish out the "month of love" on Feb. 28 at the Winter Wine Adventure in Placerville, featuring wine tastings, small bites and a scavenger hunt across eight boutique wineries.

Individual wineries throughout California are also hosting events. On Feb. 14, Wente Vineyards in Livermore is hosting a Valentine's Wine, Food and Chocolate Pairing experience, which is perfect for friends who want to slow down, connect and savor carefully crafted pairings in an intimate setting.

Miramonte Winery in Temecula is throwing a Galentine's party on Feb. 13 that includes a market with local vendors, plus tarot card readings and mini massages. The same day, McIntyre Family Wines in Carmel Valley is planning a pink-, white- and red-themed Galentine's bash.

For additional events and festivals in February and throughout the year, see the calendar at Discover California Wines.

Cozy up at Home

Don't feel like venturing out on Valentine's Day? Not to worry! Cooking a delicious dinner at home - California wine country-style - is a terrific way to practice self-love, whether you're in the mood for a gorgeous grazing board or a full-on feast. When it comes to the wine selection, don't be afraid to open something special. You deserve it.

February is prime time for Dungeness crab - steamed or formed into crab cakes - paired with California Chardonnay or a bright California sparkling wine. If you wish for fish, open a bottle of California rosé or California Grenache with a filet of striped bass with braised sweet peppers and saffron aioli.

Winter's chill also calls for perfect steak au poivre, especially when combined with a full-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon or a plush California Merlot.

For details about events and festivals in California wine country, plus recipes and wine pairing suggestions to try at home, visit Discover California Wines.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Images of the above experiences can be found here. Looking for more adventurous California wine experiences? Go here.

About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.

Funding for the project was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.