With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may be wondering what events are happening or where to take that special someone for a romantic meal. Luckily, you needn’t look any further than San Benito County.
De Rose Winery
While many restaurants focus on celebrating Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, DeRose Winery will be putting their own twist on the occasion by celebrating it Feb. 9 instead with A Taste of Spain at DeRose Winery.
“We do it every year the weekend before Valentine’s Day,” said owner Al DeRose. “It’s like a warm-up for Valentine’s Day.”
Menu: A wide selection of Spanish wines, cheeses and Alphonse DeRose’s famous homemade seafood paella.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 9970 Cienega Rd., Hollister
Price: $40
Need to Know: Must be 21 or older.
What sets De Rose Winery apart?
“The wine and the food, along with the ambience,” DeRose said. “You are coming to one of the most historical wineries in California.”
Doña Esther’s
Located in San Juan Bautista, Doña Esther’s is looking forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day.
“Come and relax and enjoy a taste of Mexico in your own backyard,” said Tami Castaneda-Huaracha, co-owner and manager.
Menu: A four-course meal consisting of Mexican favorites such as fajitas, chile verde and chile Colorado. The entire meal is served with a bottle of sparkling wine, a bottle of Doña Esther’s featured wine, or a pitcher of house margaritas.
Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 25 Franklin St., San Juan Bautista
Price: $42.99 per couple
Need to Know: Though advertisements say dinner, the special menu is served all day.
What sets Doña Esther’s apart?
Their featured Valentine’s Day menu is priced for couples or friends that would like to share the evening’s dinner-for-two special.
Jardines de San Juan
Alongside their regular menu, Jardines de San Juan will be having a special menu for Valentine’s Day focusing on mar y tierra (surf and turf).
“It’s our biggest dish so we offer it up on Valentine’s Day because it makes for a nice big meal,” general manager Marcus Edwards said.
Menu: A three-course meal that features mar y tierra, with Jardines’ signature marinated skirt steak and bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese. Refried beans and Spanish rice on the side. Also comes with a side salad and dessert.
Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 14, 4 p.m. to closing
Location: 115 Third St., San Juan Bautista
Price: $25.99 per person
Need to Know: Bring a coat and check the weather if you wish to enjoy your meal outside.
What sets Jardines apart?
“What better place to have a beautiful Valentine’s dinner than in our garden?” said Edwards.
Leal Vineyards
In what COO Tiffany Morales described as a “high-energy” event, Leal Vineyards will be hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner including a comedy segment by Dennis Gaxiola, as well as live music by Soul Kiss.
Menu: Enjoy a three-course dinner including items such as braised short rib and chardonnay or chicken piccata with loaded potato.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 300 Maranatha Dr., Hollister
Price: $65 per person
Need to Know: Please “dress to impress” and be 21 or older.
What sets Leal Vineyards apart?
“It’s all about sharing an experience with one another in a very romantic setting,” Morales said.
Ridgemark Golf Club
With regular events and featured menus for holidays, Ridgemark Golf Club has delicious meals planned for Valentine’s Day this year.
Menu: A four-course menu that features items such as pan-seared salmon and parmesan-crusted rack of lamb.
Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 3800 Airline Hwy., Hollister
Price: $50 per person
Need to Know: Reservations required.
What sets Ridgemark apart?
“Ridgemark is a hidden gem,” said Katie Pavao, catering event director and marketing manager. “We have great food we feature on a regular basis. On holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Easter, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day we really get to show our stuff.”
San Juan Oaks
With beautiful views of San Benito County, San Juan Oaks will be hosting a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner.
Menu: Three-course champagne dinner including a surf and turf meal, served with a complimentary glass of champagne and chef-crafted dessert.
Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 3825 Union Rd., Hollister
Price: $65 per person
Need to Know: Reservations required.
What sets San Juan Oaks apart?
“As guests arrive they will be greeted with live music from Moondance Band and a glass of champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres,” general manager Manny Freitas said.
