Let Love Rule: Valentine’s Day in Sonoma Valley

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who celebrate Valentine’s Day and plan to have a fancy dinner with their beloved and those who mutter “Hallmark Holiday” under their breath and are 8 out of 10 times single. All right, I admit, I’m the latter. While I prefer to listen to Leonard Cohen and watch “Annie Hall” in the comfort of my own home on this infamous holiday, that doesn’t mean I’m not a romantic: Sonoma Valley, I love you, so let’s celebrate!

There are two key components that make Valentine’s Day a success: champagne and chocolate. One of my favorite places, with a wide selection of bubbles, is Sigh (29 E. Napa St, (707) 996-2444, sighsonoma.com), downtown Sonoma’s fabulous bubbles bar where you can buy sparkling wine and champagne. Sigh offers a rotating list of 25+ bottles, with something for everyone, from Prosecco to local sparkling to classic French champagne. Jayme Powers, owner of Sigh, has a great staff of specialists who can help you find exactly what you’re looking for, “We can customize to whatever you or your partner’s tastes are and we offer a price point for everyone.” Sigh has sparkling wines starting at $22. Don’t know what your special someone likes? “Get a rosé,” says Powers, “they’re pink and they’re delicious!” Sigh makes it even easier for customers at a loss about their loved one’s favorite sparkling: for $50 you receive one demi and two split bottles of French bubbly, two champagne glasses, a box of chocolate truffles and a Valentine’s Day card, all beautifully wrapped in a champagne bucket. One stop shopping!

Pick up a box of Wine Country Chocolates to go with that bubbly. Made in Sonoma Valley, their chocolate truffles are a best seller during Valentine’s season. “We get swamped right before Valentine’s Day,” says Betty Kelly, co-owner and chocolatier of Wine Country Chocolates, “come in a few days early to make sure we don’t run out of your favorites!” They offer an amazing variety of truffle flavors, including truffles flavored with Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Boxes start at $14. Call ahead to place your order or stop by one of their two tasting room locations in Glen Ellen or downtown Sonoma; call (707) 996-1010 or visit winecountrychocolates.com.

Choose to go out for a special evening? Here are my suggested hot spots for Valentine’s Day, regardless of your status:

Singles: Let us single folk gorge on sparkling wine and celebrate our singletude with chocolate fondue and a never-uncomfortable “friendly round” of speed dating. Huzzah! The Gloria Ferrer Glorious Mixer will be a good time for singles to mix and mingle with their own kind from Sonoma Valley and beyond. The friendly folk at Gloria Ferrer will be serving food and all things sparkling, including cocktails. 6:30PM-9:00PM, tickets $47/members, $55/non-members, 23555 Highway 21, Sonoma, gloriaferrer.com.

Couples: Go big or go to Santé. Santé’s uber romantic Valentine’s Day special will include marinated cuttlefish salad (get it, cuddlefish?), terrine foie gras with black truffles, Niman Ranch filet mignon for two, and a decadent “Angel & Devils Food” dessert (pictured). Want to really impress? Book a two-night stay at the Fairmont, complete with spa treatments – even a tarot card reading to decide your romantic fate. Reservations a must. (707) 939-2415, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, 100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma, santediningroom.com.