Romantic Places & Events in Central Virginia

February has long been a month of romance, highlighted by the February 14th celebration of Valentine’s Day. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. With one day set aside to show that special someone how much you care, it’s good to know there is no shortage of romantic getaways in central Virginia.

 

If you’d like to combine an overnight stay with a wine tour, come to Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast (www.arcadyvineyard.com). Located just 6.5 miles from the Downtown Mall, Arcady is a Virginia Wine Country bed and breakfast, with special amenities created by wine enthusiasts for wine and beer lovers, as well as history buffs. It is the only bed and breakfast in Charlottesville with a working vineyard, and the only one that offers private escorted wine tasting tours for its guests. 

 

For a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend, enjoy two nights in the luxury junior suite offering a whirlpool tub for two, wine fridge with complimentary sparkling wine, heated tiled bath floor, Bose CD/radio, TV/VCR and port and chocolate turndown. The package includes a full farm fresh breakfast each morning, complimentary bottle of sparkling wine chilled in your suite, and a wine tasting on Friday or wine and cheese other days of stay. Enjoy a personalized, all-inclusive wine tour with the oldest owner-operated tour company in Charlottesville. Tour on Saturday from 1 to 5pm. Visit four wineries with a cheese/fruit/chocolate platter, all tasting fees included, and bottled water and soda.  The wine tour also provides transportation to and from Charlottesville for dining (subject to van availability), the only B&B in Charlottesville to offer this amenity. Call 434-872-9475 for details. 

 

Keswick Vineyards (www.keswickvineyards.com ) is hosting “Be Mine With Wine” on Saturday, February 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Spoil yourself or someone you love with Keswick Vineyards’ special wine and dessert tasting for a Valentine’s Day indulgence. Discover how these luscious confections complement each wine. After your tasting, enjoy the romantic setting while you savor a glass of wine on their newly enclosed heated porch! The cost is $15 for Keswick wine club members and $20 for non wine club members. Please call ahead as reservations are recommended. (434) 244-3341.

 

First Colony Winery (www.firstcolonywinery.com), located on Harris Creek Road in Charlottesville, is hosting a Winemaker’s Dinner on Saturday, February 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a gourmet five-course meal prepared by Chef Pierce McCleskey of 20 South Catering. The menu includes appetizers consisting of Mango & Brie Quesadillas and Lobster Bisque Shooters; the first course is a Cantaloupe and Pancetta Salad; second course is a Pecan Crusted Halibut. The third course is Bacon-Wrapped Boneless Quail, followed by the fourth course of Smoked Bistro Tenderloin and finished with the fifth course, a Bittersweet Walnut Chocolate-Chambord Cake. Each course is paired with a First Colony wine. Hors d’ oeuvre reception begins at 6:30 with dinner served at 7:00. $80.00/person includes food, wine, taxes and gratuities. (434) 979-7105

 

At the famous Boar’s Head Inn (www.boarsheadinn.com), you can indulge in romance this Valentine’s Day with a special package on Friday, February 10 – Sunday, February 12 or Tuesday, February 14 – Wednesday, February 15. The Package includes: one night’s accommodations; five-course dinner for two in the award-winning Old Mill Room; sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries in room; breakfast for two in the Old Mill Room; and use of full service sports and fitness center. Rates start at $404 (per room, per night, double occupancy, based on availability, alcoholic beverages not included with dinner, taxes additional). Call (434) 296-2181.

 

Since 1840, The Lafayette Inn & Restaurant (www.thelafayette.com) in Stanardsville has been making history in the foreground of the Shenandoah Mountains.  The Inn features a Romance Package that includes a dozen roses in your room; premium Virginia wine upon arrival; “Taste of the Lafayette” dinner for two; wine flight for each to enjoy with dinner; box lunch for your second day (Skyline Drive or vineyards?); full breakfast each morning between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. and priority seating reservations for your second night’s stay—all for only $249. Call (434) 985-6345 for more information.

 

At Cooper Vineyards (www.coopervineyards.com) on Shannon Hill Road in Louisa, you can celebrate Valentine’s Weekend (February 11-12) from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Be romanced by live music on the Baby Grand Piano performed by Charlie Kilpatrick. Red roses and chocolates will be presented to the ladies. Normal tasting fees apply. Call 540-894-5457 for more information.

 

Prospect Hill Plantation Bed & Breakfast (www.prospecthill.com) in Louisa is Virginia’s most award winning and historic full service country inn. Re-opening on Valentine’s Day, the B&B offers a Romantic Weekend Special. Enjoy two days and evenings in one of Prospect Hill Plantation Inn’s special cottages, either Sanco Pansy’s Cottage, the Overseer’s Cottage, or the largest suite in the Carriage House with King or Queen bed, double Jacuzzi Whirlpool bathroom, working fireplace and Full Country Breakfast-in-bed each morning served on a tray to your room (or in the dining room, ladies choice) with gratuities included as well as two Prospect Hill coffee mugs and two tee shirts. Optional dinner is available Friday and Saturday and some weekdays at $49pp. plus tax. (800-277-0844)

 

Have a Sweet Heart’s Weekend at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery (www.hilltopberrywine.com) in Nellysford on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Warm up your sweetie with meads and “true to the fruit” wines. Food samples paired with wine. Logo glass filled with treats for each guest. Fee. Food available for purchase. Call 434-361-1266 or 434-263-7015 for more information. 

 

Wintergreen Winery’s (www.wintergreenwinery.com) Wine and Chocolate Pairing will take place on the Verandah on Saturday, February 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A vintner’s selection of Wintergreen wines paired with chocolate. Fee includes wine and chocolate tasting and wine glass. Chocolates are available for purchase. Reservations are suggested. 434-361-2519 

 

If you are heading in Wintergreen’s direction, you may want to consider booking the Romance Package at the Wintergreen Resort (www.wintergreenresort.com/Romance-Packages/). You and your significant other will enjoy a romantic getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can relax and allow the stresses of day-to-day life melt away. The retreat includes one bedroom condo for two nights; $100 credit in spa services; a bottle of champagne delivered to your accommodation; one dinner for two at your choice of Wintergreen restaurants and one breakfast for two. Call 800-266-2444 for rates and availability. Does not include taxes or gratuity.

 

A Valentine’s Day Winemaker’s Dinner will take place at Veritas Vineyard & Winery (www.veritaswines.com) in Afton on Saturday, February 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy a five-course, wine-paired meal and then dance the night away in Saddleback Hall. For more information or to make reservations, please call 540-456-8000 ext. 108.

 

DelFosse Winery (www.delfossewine.com) in Faber is also hosting Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A romantic 5-course Gourmet Wine Dinner will be hosted in the winery’s elegant tasting room with fireplace, great views and great food and wine. Fee. Reservations required. Call 434-263-6100 or 434-263-7015. 

 

Enjoy a Valentine’s Weekend at Cardinal Point Winery (www.cardinalpointwinery.com) in Afton from Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free tastings all weekend and artisan chocolates made with Cardinal Point wines to sample and purchase, along with its award winning wines. Bring a loved one and enjoy the winery’s new releases. Call 540-456-8400.

 

Wild Wolf Brewery/Restaurant and Shopping Village (www.wildwolfbeer.com) in Nellysford is having a “He Said Beer. She Said Wine” Valentine’s Day Beer and Wine Pairing Dinner on Tuesday, February 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations accepted but not required. (434) 361-0088.

 

The Mark Addy (www.mark-addy.com – featured on cover) in Nellysford is hosting a special Blue Ridge Valentine’s Getaway Special. Your Valentines Sweetheart Package includes: two nights accommodation in The Blue Ridge mountains; three course gourmet breakfast each morning of your stay; welcome basket with wine, gourmet chocolates and other munchable treats; romantic four-course candlelit dinner for two with wine in The Fountain Room on Saturday, February 11, with live entertainment by Jacob and Jen of the Design (gratuity is not included). Full menu online—click the heart on the home page. Valid February 10-13, 2012. Room rates begin at $500. For reservations and information, call (434) 361-1101.

 

The Romance Package at Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast (www.aftonmountain.com ) includes the perfect weekend with that special someone in beautiful mountain country. The Package offers two nights accommodations, two great breakfasts, and dinner for two at one of the local restaurants. In addition, you’ll enjoy a selection of homemade hors d’oeuvre, and the Inn will provide a bottle of wine of your choice from one of the award winning local wineries. And for a final touch, you’ll receive your choice of a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers from Couture Design or a decadent cake for two from Short and Sweet Bakery. The Romance Package is $120, plus the cost of the room. Call for information and availability (800) 769-6844.

 

Barboursville Vineyards (www.barboursvillewine.com) in Orange is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 14 at 7:00 p.m. The $150 per person price is all inclusive and includes Ravioli Valentino; Rockfish Carpaccio; Hand Cut Pappardelle; Blood Orange-Basil Sorbet; Pan Roasted Sea Scallops or Pan Roasted Guinea Hen or Braised Estate-Raised Boer Bok Goat Shank, with Red Velvet & Dark Chocolate Cake for dessert. Each course is paired with a Barboursville wine. The full menu can be viewed on the website. For information, call (540) 832-3824. 

 

Holladay House Bed and Breakfast (www.holladayhousebandb.com) in Orange has a special Cupid Package for you to romance your special someone! The Cupid Package includes: one romantic night in one of three traditional guest rooms (luxury suite available for an additional $100) ; a bottle of Virginia wine (Sparkling wine available for an additional $15); a freshly baked, made-from-scratch, dark chocolate lava cake for two OR a fruit & cheese tray; gift certificate for dinner at a selection of fine local restaurants Package price $299 plus tax. Phone 540-672-4893 for more information.