Valentine’s Day Gift Guide & Date Ideas
From my segment on ABC San Diego
1) Introducing Josh Cellars Non-Alcoholic Sparkling ($16) - the first ever non-alcoholic selection from America’s #1 premium wine brand, Josh Cellars. Made in Italy in the heart of the prosecco region by the brand’s 5 th generation Italian winemaking team, this new offering brings the delightful flavor of Josh Cellars Prosecco, without the alcohol content.
1. Non-Alch Aperol Spritz - Ingredients (yields one drink)
o 3 oz Josh Cellars NA Sparkling
o 2 oz NA Italian Orange Liqueur (Lyre’s Italian Orange)
o 1 oz sparkling water or club soda
o Ice, for serving
o Garnish: Orange slice and mint leaves or rosemary sprig
2) Oxnard is full of romantic activities for couples to enjoy, from intimate dining to outdoor experiences. A few top examples include:
Take a romantic ride in an authentic Venetian gondola through the Seabridge Marina with Gondola Paradiso, or rent an electric Duffy boat to explore the Channel Islands Harbor on your own.
Local resort Zachari (pr: Zuh – Kahr -ee) Dunes on Mandalay Beach is hosting a special Valentine’s Day dinner on February 14 from 5-10pm, where couples can indulge in a Chef-curated menu paired with Cupid’s Arrow Martinis, for $300 per couple.
Guests can also book special packages with sweet add-on amenities such as chocolate strawberries and sparkling wine, and a massage at Float Mandalay Beach Spa.
Bond over your shared love for tacos by exploring the Oxnard Taco Trail.
Enjoy a date with a view at one of Oxnard’s waterfront restaurants such as The Waterside at Channel Islands Harbor.
On Sunday the 16th, extend your romantic weekend at Herzog Wine Cellars with a Sweetheart tasting for two featuring an array of wines from California’s most romantic regions, along with tapas. Then head into a 5-star dining experience at Herzog’s restaurant Tierra Sur, where the chef has crafted beautiful culinary offerings with wine pairings.
For the adventurous couple, take a trip to Anacapa Island with Island Packers.
For more information on Oxnard, visit www.VisitOxnard.com.
3) DAOU Rosé is crafted from Grenache grapes in the classic Old World style and combines the elegance of Provençale rosés with the vibrant flavors of Paso Robles. 2022 DAOU Rosé, with its delicate pale flamingo hue, is as visually stunning as it is delicious—perfect for setting a romantic and elegant tone for Valentine’s Day. DAOU Rosé is available nationwide at local wine shops and directly at DAOUvineyards.com or the DAOU+ app for a suggested retail price of $24.
4) Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift that’s stylish, practical, and won’t break the bank? Check out Knockaround, a San Diego-based eyewear brand known for high-quality, affordable sunglasses with a California vibe.
Here are some top picks:
For men, the Matte Black/Red Sunset Tory Pines are sleek with polarized red sunset mirrored lenses, UV400 protection, and a bold matte black frame for just $35.
For women, the Hot Take Cloud Catchers are a showstopper with a plum-to-peach fade frame, rose gold mirrored lenses, and polished details at $50. "
Both pairs are polarized, use code VDAY20 for 20% off! code is only valid for new customers and valid from now until Feb 21st
5) Etude Winery, founded in 1982 in Carneros, is renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir. With over 40 years of dedication to sustainability, Etude protects local ecosystems, practices sustainable farming, and even generates carbon-free electricity for its operations.
Their 2021 Carneros Pinot Noir ($47) is a true standout. This dark ruby-red wine is bright, juicy, and packed with fresh red berries, dried cherry, and hints of cedar, spice, and toasty vanilla. Its smooth, long finish pairs perfectly with dishes like mushroom risotto or roast chicken
To find Etude wines, you can visit etudewines.com, or visit a wine store near you.