Whether you are part of a couple, celebrating singlehood or a little bummed by not having been hit with cupid’s arrow recently, the impending arrival of Valentine’s Day can bring with it a bit of stress. Whether you’re feeling the pressure to plan the perfect date or simply deciding how to enjoy your Valentine’s Day Friday night (yup, it’s on a Friday this year friends) I want you to know I’ve got your back!
There are some super cool events happening in Fresno in honor of Valentine’s Day 2020, and one is sure to make your night great whether you spend it with your better half, your “Galentine’s” or your awesome self.
FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY WINE-TASTING:
Fresno County Wine Trail’s Wine & Chocolate Lover’s Weekend
Technically, this event takes place the weekend before Valentine’s Day, however, it is my personal favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This event features all Fresno County Wine Trail Wineries (plus one distillery and two breweries) and for a one-time price of $10 (in advance, $15 day of), you’ll receive a wristband that lets you enjoy tastings at all locations on both Saturday, February 8th and Sunday, February 9th. (Click here to purchase a wristband.)
Participating wineries include the following:
- Nonini Winery
- Cardella Winery
- Engelmann Cellars
- Fresno State Winery
- Kings River Winery
- LoMac Winery
- Maréchal Vineyards (Open at 11:00 AM)
- Marian Farms
- Moravia Wines
- Ramos Torres Winery
- Simonian Farms
- Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company
- Valley Oak Winery
- Yribarren Family Vineyards
- Ziveli Winery
- 559 Beer
In order for everyone in your party to enjoy tastings and ensure safe travel between wineries, I highly recommend purchasing a seat on Golden Eagle Charter’s wine busses. They stop at 5 eastward and southern locations on Saturday, and Sunday’s bus stops at 5 westside locations. The cost is just $40 per person, and it includes the wristband and a comfy seat on a charter bus with a friendly and easy-going driver. To book your tickets, call Golden Eagle Charter at 559-275-2910.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO ENJOY A SPECIAL, FINE DINING EXPERIENCE:
Dine in the Dark
The Painted Table’s Chefs are hosting a unique dining experience at the Fresno Art Museum on Friday, February 14th at 7pm. “Chefs Matt Moore & Barbara McCormick will present a three-course meal in a pitch-dark environment. Your senses of taste, sound, smell, and touch will be heightened, creating a memorable, sensory experience.” Seating is limited, tickets are $125 and include craft cocktails. To purchase tickets, call 559-441-4221.
Dine & Dance – Masked!
Zivelli Winery, located at 5840 N. Biola (West of 99, in 93723), will be hosting a Valentine Masquerade Dinner Dance from 6:30-9:30pm on Valentine’s night. Dinner, dessert, wine and dancing are all included for the ticket price of $75 per person. Fancy attire is not required; however, all guests shall wear their best masks for an evening of intrigue and fun. This event does sell out, so purchase tickets as soon as possible if you’re interested.
Wine & Dine
For a more traditional dinner option in a lovely venue – consider the Ramos-Torres Winery’s Valentine Dinner. Ramos-Torres is located in Kingsburg, just a short drive on the 99 South of Fresno at 1665 Simpson Street. This four-course meal that includes a decadent dessert (click for menu options) is $150 per couple and will begin at 6:30 on February 14th. For tickets, click here.
FOR THOSE WANTING A FUN, THROWBACK NIGHT OUT:
Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden’s 80’s Prom
You better find your crimper because Tioga Sequoia Brewery & Beer Garden invites you to “Dust off your cassettes and tease up your hair for a totally tubular Back to the 80’s Prom Night!” This Valentine’s Night event has no cover charge, will feature food trucks, live music, special brewery releases and if you’re bringing a date, there will be special “prom packages” for purchase. This event is open to all ages. For more information, click here.
90’s Dance Night
Are the 80’s too much of a throwback for you? Never fear, Full Circle Olympic in the Tower District will happily host you and your crew for a 90’s Alternative Dance Night instead! The cover charge for this 5-hour fun fest is just $10. DJ Wreck Wiem will be playing all your favorite grunge rock from the 90’s as well as some slow jams for the couples in attendance. All ages are welcome. Click here for more info.
*Bonus*: You could probably get away with saying you “time-traveled” if you attend both events in the same night!
FOR THE CREATIVES
Make Your Own Blown Glass Heart with Ballis Glass
Ballis does a fantastic job of walking their guest artists through the process of creating their own custom blown-glass creations. “This (2-hour) class includes everything you’ll need to design a one of a kind glass heart. You get to choose your own colors, add them to molten glass and then sculpt it into a heart.” There are multiple nights available for this event – check dates and book your spot for $55 here.
FOR THE HOMEBODIES:
Heart-Box Full-of-Tacos & Netflix Night
Taqueria El Premio Mayor is well-known for making some of the absolute best street tacos around. They’re so good, even Food Science Celebrity Alton Brown tweeted about them. So, if you really want to show your special someone (or yourself!) some love, do it the Fresno-taco-loving-way by purchasing a special edition heart-shaped box of tacos on Valentine’s Day and enjoy them during your Netflix night in. Follow Taqueria El Premio Mayor on social for details about how to get your heart box o’tacos. Details to come very soon!
So, whether you want to eat well, imbibe on lovely, local wine, throwback to your youth and get down, create a glass masterpiece or just stay home and enjoy some bomb tacos this Valentine’s Day, Fresno is a GREAT place to be.
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