Will you be my Valen-wine?

Here at the Idaho Wine Commission, Valentine's Day is one of our favorite times of the year. Wine and romance just go together like Cabernet Sauvignon and filet mignon, Champagne and caviar, Riesling and ricotta...

Well, you get the idea.

But if the pressure of planning an ultra-romantic night has you feeling flat, worry not... The love doctor is in! We've pulled together a few ideas you can use to turn the love meter up to 11 and make Valentine's Day one of your favorite holidays too.

Turn a local winery into "our winery"

All couples have that one spot that's "theirs." It's the place where you had your first date, the one you go to over and over because you both just love it or that random spot you wandered into and had an unforgettable experience. Well, few places can amp the romance like a winery.

If you're up north, spend Valentine's Day in the Lewis-Clark Valley, where participating wineries are offering specials for all the lovers out there. Our events page has more information about what each winery has planned.

If you're around the Sunnyslope area of southwestern Idaho, plenty of wineries are offering Valentine's Day events – including Hells Canyon Winery, Sawtooth Winery, Potter Wines and Vine and Branch Ranch. Don't delay on your reservation – these events are in demand.

Break out the blindfolds

Hey, get your mind out of the gutter! This type of experience is held outside the bedroom. We're talking about going to (or hosting) a blind wine tasting party. That's where you and other couples use all of your senses, except sight, to determine the varietal, region, vintage and producer of a few pre-selected bottles of wine.

Actually, you don't even need blindfolds, unless you're just freaky that way. Traditionally, it's the wines that are covered. Afraid of looking foolish in front of your date? Don't worry! Half the fun is getting it wrong. The other half is trying to guess all those beautiful, baffling bottles of wine.

Nothing says love like bubbles

Pop that cork and let your love overflow! Valentine's Day is a celebration, which makes it the perfect excuse for sparkling wine. For most people, sparkling wine is the first thing that comes to mind (a magnum is the perfect size bottle for two people to share), but it's not the only option.

Show your sweetheart you thought about them when selecting your bubbly. Maybe it's some sleek Rizza from Coiled, a flute of 3100 Cellars' adventure-seeking brut or some funky Daft Pink Rose from Split Rail that adds just the right personal touch. Find the best fit by searching varietals on the Idaho Wines website.

Save room for dessert (wines)

Let's dish about sweets. It's simply not Valentine's Day without dessert. And it gets even better for winos. Port-style over gelato, anyone? How about Merlot hot fudge sauce? Or maybe Blackberry Cabernet cupcakes? There is an endless array of desserts featuring our favorite liquid ingredient. And to pair along with them, an equal selection of dessert wines – from sippable ice wines to merry meads.

Don't worry about the extra calories. You can sweat them off another time. Valentine's Day is all about saying yes to all the things you love!

Uncork & unwind at home

Netflix, chill AND cook the perfect meal! No reservations required – especially when the best table in the house is all yours. Push aside the hustle and bustle of everyday life and plan an evening just for two. (Or, hey, maybe for one – we see you singles!) Choose a meal you enjoy, select a little mood music and open your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy while cooking.

After the table's been cleared, turn the lights down, light a candle or two and get cozy in front of a romantic movie (May we suggest, Sideways?).

No matter how you choose to celebrate it, or with whom, we hope your cup runneth over with love and happiness.