This is for all the men out there stressing out that February 1st is here and you have no idea what to do for the lady in your life. Listen carefully…do not…I repeat do not panic and buy her a taco toaster because you know how much she loves crunchy tacos!! If you do you will end up buying her a Michael Kors purse as well. How do I know this?! Because this is EXACTLY what I did last year. I still have not lived this down. Women tell us one thing and usually want something completely different. Well, one thing’s for sure women LOVE wine and if yours is anything like mine the words below have either come out of her mouth or she has for sure been thinking them.

As you head South out of Grants Pass, you can’t help but feel the warmth of the sun on your face. You roll your window down and take a deep breath…fresh air fills your lungs. In just minutes you and your main squeeze see the sign that reads “The Applegate Valley Wine Trail”.

If you have been searching for a place to get away with your partner in crime, look no further. You and your flame are sure to be swept off your feet as you drive along the Applegate River gaining access to 18 beautiful vineyards such as Schmidt Family Vineyards sfvineyards.com/ a perfect place to bring some lawn chairs and your bocce ball set.

You will leave feeling like a part of the family.

Troon Vineyards www.troonvineyard.com/ boasts some amazing grounds and wonderful views from the inside, and outside, the tasting room

If you are looking for something a little more intimate Red Lily Vineyards www.redlilyvineyards.com/ offers beautiful grounds with Applegate River frontage. It’s here you will find candle lit food and wine pairings accompanied with local bands.

As we all know wine tasting usually turns into wine drinking pretty quickly. Especially when you are on a date or in good company. With that being said, Wine Hopper Tours is a local outfit that will accommodate your driving needs so you can worry less on driving and more on drinking…*cough*… I mean tasting the wine. www.winehoppertours.com/

As your day ends you will want to take advantage of the beautiful Applegate River Lodge. The Applegate River Lodge is located in the HEART of the Applegate Valley and overlooks the Applegate River. Travel to this romantic getaway and experience first-rate lodging and vacation in true Pacific Northwest style. A Beautiful log construction lodge with large rooms all having a different theme such as The Gold Miner’s Cabin, Cattleman, Sportsman, and Indian. There’s even a beautiful honeymoon suite available.

Oh by the way you will see below the result of my mistake I made by waiting until the last minute and THINKING my wife wanted a taco toaster more than the purse she SAID she wanted.

As Valentine’s Day nears I leave you with some wise words from Alex “Hitch” Hitchens. “Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death.