5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Dinner Reservations

Love is in the air! Dinner is always a classic date idea, but why not consider something without a reservation? Whether you are celebrating with a significant other, family, friends, or focusing on loving yourself, here are 5 great date ideas that don’t require dinner reservations.

1. Stage a Picnic

Here in Williamsburg the weather has been sunny and spring like, and what’s better to inspire romance than a sunny picnic? The Williamsburg Winery Retail Shop has several options if you need to pick up a picnic basket. Most include glassware, plates, and utensils (wine not included). While you’re there, all of our wines are available in the shop, including some chilled bottles for those sunny days! If you’d prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, The Gabriel Archer Tavern offers to go options that are perfect for a vineyard-side picnic.

2. Book a Tasting and Lunch at the Williamsburg Winery

Combine love for wine and food with a tasting and lunch at the Williamsburg Winery! In today’s times, wine and food have become almost synonymous with love and romance, so what could work better to celebrate love than a tasting and lunch! Choose to do a Fine Wine Tasting, or upgrade to our Reserve Wine Tasting, either option includes a tasting of 7 wines that you can select and build your own tasting! After your tasting, make sure to keep your souvenir wine glass and walk across the path to the Gabriel Archer Tavern for lunch! Tickets may be purchased in advance online (no reservation required for groups less than 7) but are not required. Purchase tickets.

3. Explore the Williamsburg Tasting Trail

Williamsburg is home to over 9 award-winning world class craft beverage destinations that combined make up the Williamsburg Tasting Trail. With one winery, a meadery, two distilleries, and 5 breweries, the options are endless and varied. Tasting trail maps are available, be sure to stamp each destination and turn it in at your favorite tasting room and you’ll receive a gift! View Williamsburg Tasting Trail destinations.

4. Enjoy a Wine Flight and Ice Skating in Colonial Williamsburg

Whether it’s your first time on ice or you’re a seasoned pro, the Dominion Energy Liberty Ice Pavilion in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg is perfect for skaters of all skill levels. Just one block from the ice rink is the Williamsburg Winery’s Merchants Square Tasting Room and Wine Bar, perfect spot for a little pre-ice liquid courage or to relax after a skate session. Hurry in, the ice rink closes for the season on February 18th!

​​5. Create Date Night In with a Romantic Dinner at Home

Sometimes the best date night is the one where you don’t go anywhere at all. The mood can be set in your own living room with candles, mood music, and delicious dinner made specially to pamper you and your love. Try our Red Wine Braised Pork, wonderful on its own or as an addition to your favorite meal.