Sprouts and Shutters: Valentine’s Picks

In this special Valentine’s Day edition of our biweekly Sprouts & Shutters column, we'll help you plan ahead for that special someone. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner out, his/her massage specials or even the traditional roses and chocolates, we've got you covered.

Many restaurants in our Tri-Valley offer special Valentine’s Day meals and deals. We don’t have room to profile all of them, so we’ve selected some highlights. For more dining options, just browse our comprehensive Patch restaurant directory.

Put on your dancing shoes, grab your partner’s hand and cruise on over to Livermore’s Red Feather Winery for its Sweetheart Dinner on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. For $100 per couple, you’ll get a seven-course meal prepared by Livermore’s K-Syrah Catering and homemade dressing and desserts by L & L Sweets and Treats. And, of course, you’ll sip Red Feather Winery wines paired with your dinner. Dance the night away in the winery’s romantically decorated barrel room with live music by Livermore’s Green Beans Band. Tickets are on sale at the tasting room, online at localwineevents.com, over the phone at 510-861-2722.

Want to try something new? Be one of the first in the Tri-Valley to try Dublin’s new Coco Cabana, set to open before Valentine’s Day, in the Shops at Waterford. Because the restaurant is so new, the owners aren’t planning a Valentine’s Day event. But from our sneak peek (see photos in our ) the interior looks promising for a romantic dinner out. Gaze into each other’s eyes over fresh fruit Sangria, Mojito cocktails and Latin tapas.

To make your Valentine’s Day dinner out last until the next day, take advantage of the “Valentine’s Day Package.” The deal includes a four-course dinner for two in the Player’s Restaurant, one night accommodations, full American breakfast for two and special Valentine’s Day themed in-room amenities. Rates start at $149, depending on room selection and availability.

, the new-ish restaurant and wine bar tucked away on Prospect Lane in Downtown Danville, serves a “romantic dinner for two” on Valentine’s Day starting at $35 that includes three courses plus two glasses of wine. To help make your dinner even more romantic, Wild Vine brings you David Correa and Cascada, an award-winning Latin Guitar World Fusion band. Click here to listen to the Bay Area band.

If a romantic restaurant dinner isn’t your thing, head to in San Ramon on Feb. 11 for its Valentines Gala where you can sample food from local vendors, listen to live music, order your "whole-trade certified" flowers for Valentine’s Day and even sample wines. The main event, which runs from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m., is free but the wine tasting costs $10. Reserve your spot by calling Whole Foods at 925-255-9000.

Tip: Upscale restaurants fill up quickly for Valentine’s Day weekend and Valentine’s Day. Call now for reservations.

Chocolate lovers who love cooking have lots of options this Valentine’s Day.

Pans on Fire in Pleasanton has several Valentine-themed classes. Just click on these links for full details: “Foods of Love” on Feb. 10, “Chocolate Obsession Dinner” on Feb. 11, “Dinner & Movie: Chocolate” on Feb. 12, “Valentine’s Day Brunch” on Feb. 13, “Chocolate Baking & Confections” on Feb. 13 and “Couples Dinner: Valentine’s Day” on Feb. 14. Draeger’s Cooking School in Danville celebrates with a hands-on “Valentines in Italy” class on Feb. 10 (Yes, that one has chocolate, too).

Red wine and Champagne go well with Valentine’s Day, and local wine bars and wineries are set to fill your glasses this holiday. The Wine Steward in Pleasanton brings you a mouthful of an event Feb. 10 -12: "A Foursome of Sexy Reds with Chocolates/Four Ticklish Bubblies.” Stomp! in Danville and in Livermore celebrate with wine-focused dinners: Stomp's event runs Feb. 11 - 14 and Swirl's event takes place Feb. 13

Livermore’s McGrail Vineyards presents Chocolate Fondue with Vertical of Cabernet Sauvignon on Sunday. Wente’s Romance Wine & Chocolate event on Sunday shows you how you to pair wine and chocolate. And pairs its port with rich chocolate treats—including a decedent chocolate fountain. Click here for more Livermore winery Valentine-themed events. Not a big wine fan? Take your sweetie--or beloved buddies--to Downtown Danville’s Pete’s Brass Rail & Car Wash on Sunday for an afternoon of with several local breweries.

Looking for some romantic relaxation? Many Tri-Valley day spas feature special Valentine’s Day deals on couple massages. in San Ramon, for example, has a “Sweetheart Special,” for a discounted gift card good for a couple’s massage or other service at the spa. And in Pleasanton offers a “Valentine’s Sweetheart Spa Special”: Swedish massage, facial, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for $160 per person. Find more spa options by clicking on our Patch directory, then selecting "Services" and "Beauty and Spa."

Looking to treat your sweetie to something more traditional?

Pretty much every florist, jeweler and candy shop in town has filled its display shelves with plenty of Valentine’s Day gifts. And many merchants offer discounts to sweeten the deal.

You can find all the florists, jewelers and candy stores in your town by clicking on Patch’s online directory.

For florists and jewelers, select the “Shopping” category, and then choose “Florists” or “Clothing & Accessories” (Jewelry & Watches subcategory).

For candy shops, select “Food & Dining” and then choose “Ice Cream & Candy Stores.”

Each listing provides not just the store name and contact details but a full description and shop photos.

You can even add your own rating and review to each business.

If you have a favorite Valentine-themed deal offered by a business in your town, please share it with your neighbors by adding it in the comments box below.

Get the latest retail and restaurant news in our next Sprouts & Shutters column in mid February.