One of my favorite details about my husband and I’s relationship is our birthdays. Odd I know, but when we happened to meet 8 years ago at the Hollywood Bowl for a John Williams concert we could have had no way of knowing that we were the exact same age separated by a matter of hours. His birthday fell on August 18th whereas mine was on the 19th so since we have been together we have made an annual tradition of going on a trip for our birthday weekend and this year we chose one of the most romantic places in the country – Napa, CA.
Napa, California, with its lush vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, has a rich history rooted in romance and allure making it the perfect location for our birthday weekend. Originally settled in the 19th century, this charming valley quickly became a haven for winemakers and lovers alike, drawn by its fertile lands and serene beauty. Over the decades, Napa has evolved into a premier destination for couples seeking a romantic escape, where the art of winemaking meets the art of love. Strolling through historic vineyards, sharing intimate moments over world-class wines, and indulging in the region’s timeless charm, couples are swept away by the enduring romance that Napa has cultivated for over a century.
Luckily for you, I have curated the perfect itinerary for a romantic trip to the region. Time to pack your bags because I am about to sweep you off of your feet!
Where You’ll Stay – Archer Hotel Napa
I know I have made a career out of staying at historic hotels but sometimes you need something modern, chic, with luxurious amenities and yes, a rooftop spa. That is why Archer Hotel Napa was the only option for us. Located in the heart of downtown Napa and across the street from the Napa Historical Society (history nerds unite!) this boutique hotel represents everything Archer Hotels do best. From the friendly hosts to the rooms that spare no details – soaker tubs complete with a rubber duck, huge four-poster lush beds, playful slippers, and large balconies enhanced by the gas fireplace; it is a romantic dream come true.
I’ve been uniquely lucky to do what I do for a living and because of that, I have stayed in no shortage of truly nice hotels; yet, Archer Hotel Napa has quickly risen to my favorites list. Walking into the room took both my husband & I’s breath away. From the handwritten welcome note and complimentary bottle of champagne, to the plush blanket draped across the chair and the books about the area set by the couch; the room was immediately welcoming and homey but in an elevated, you’re-here-to-be-pampered sort of way.The perks of the hotel aren’t limited to the room, however. Being located in the heart of downtown Napa means they are within walking distance from all the tasting rooms and restaurants downtown, you can even walk to the Wine Train. If you’re not interested in going far at all, then you have three dining and drink options within the hotel itself. From the first-floor Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant to the rooftop bar and restaurant Sky & Vine to the intimate Whiskey Bar with a limited food menu and extensive whiskey list of 150+ whiskeys, you could truly never leave the hotel and have a perfectly romantic weekend.
Book Your Stay At Archer Hotel Napa
Instagram – @archerhotelnapa
Where You’ll Go Wine Tasting – Faust Haus
Easily the most intimidating element of planning a romantic trip to Napa is deciding where to go wine tasting. With over 470 wineries, it can be easily overwhelming so let me make it easy for you. You’re going to want to make sure Faust Haus is on your list. Located in St. Helena, this stunning tasting room is located in an 1878 Gothic Queen Anne-style Victorian home and has some of the best views in the entire region. Naturally I loved it because it was a historic home but it also looked like it just popped out of a Tim Burton film, it’s just a perk really that Faust Wines makes one of the most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignons in the country. The Pact references the legend of which the winery is named after, the legend of Dr. Faust, the German necromancer and alchemist who makes a pact with the devil to gain power, knowledge and worldly treasures. The home itself, once the familial home of the Rosenbaum family, is now decorated in the legend with the first floor submerged in darkness and the second floor bathed in light, representing the journey Faust goes on from the darkness to the light. It is without a doubt one of the most unique tasting rooms I have ever visited.
We opted for the regular $75 tasting outside, overlooking the gorgeous hills. The tasting comes with 5 wines and a snack box full of homemade treats including a family recipe for pimento cheese. There are more in-depth tastings including a property tour and even a whole picnic but if you’re keen on just a couple hours in a deeply romantic setting sipping on some of the regions best wines, the normal tasting will suit you just fine!
Book Your Reservation For Faust Haus Here
Instagram – @faustwines
Where You’ll Eat – RH Yountville
The RH Restaurant is located in the quaint town of Yountville and is part of the five-building RH compound. According to their website, “It is an integration of food, wine, art and design,” and I would add, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. My husband and I decided to stop here from brunch and we could not have asked for a more romantic meal to start off our trip. Every table has its own chandelier that hangs from olive trees creating the illusion of dining in a magical garden. We were greeted with glasses of champagne (the way to my heart) and I am still dreaming about their omelet. The restaurant is open for both brunch and dinner and offers elevated versions of classic American dishes as well as a beautiful selection of wines from vintners both in the US and Europe. As gorgeous as it was during the day, I can only imagine how romantic it looks in the evening when the lights bounce off the crystal chandeliers.
In an area full of beautiful and romantic restaurants, RH Yountville continues to stand out amongst the masses.
Book Your Reservation At RH Yountville Here
Where You’ll Get Pampered – Archer Hotel Napa Rooftop Spa
No romantic getaway is complete without a couples massage and the Rooftop Spa at Archer Hotel Napa offers a dreamy 60-minute Nirvana couples massage that was the perfect beginning to my husband’s birthday. After you change into your robe and spa slippers and sip on some flavored water, you’re whisked into a room where for 60 minutes, you’re transported to utter massage bliss. It was a much-welcomed treat after our 6 hr road trip to the area the day prior! The spa also offers facials and other body treatments if you’re looking for a little solo pampering but perhaps the best perk to the spa is their rooftop terrace and water deck. Lounge on a chaise with the fireplace on, overlooking the city or cool off from the heat in one of their pool lounges where you’ll be partially submerged in water. Next to the hotel bed, it is the spa that I am most excited about returning to the Archer Hotel Napa for in the future!
Book Your Spa Experience At Rooftop Spa Here
I hope this itinerary gives you some inspiration for your next romantic getaway in Napa and is a helpful jumping-off point to explore this magical region!
Malia has been traveling and researching history for over a decade. I hope this post inspired you in some way to research some history for yourself or to get out and explore this incredible world we live in! Please feel free to leave a comment below, I love hearing from you guys!
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