The amuse bouche was a creamy sturgeon caviar that was like music, and the gastronomic treats never let up from there. Among the highlights were the hearts of palm salad, the butter-poached Maine Lobster, and the Kobe-style beef rib eye with the bright, dry Tallulah Syrah. Just when we thought we couldn't eat (or drink) any more, our server Ryan came around with the cheese cart.

By the time we'd finished dessert (a trio of chocolate) and had requested the lemon soufflé (we couldn't resist) to take back to the room, we were the last ones in the restaurant but for a couple of late-arriving women. One of the young ladies was overheard telling her friend she has a crush on one of the staff.

Of course, you can't visit Sonoma County without venturing out to at least one of the valley's 250-plus wineries. Various companies offer different sorts of tours, from bus excursions to the bigger establishments to Pure Luxury Transportation's chauffeured guides.

Nicole and I were lucky enough to be taken, our morning before leaving, to the Robert Hunter Winery . A boutique, appointment-only winery on 42 acres of grape-growing land, the Hunter prides itself on being the smallest champagne house in California.

Our host Kurt Hemenway began with a tour of the Thomas Church-designed garden overlooking a magnificent view of the valley. Then, with squirrels chattering and running through the vines snaking around the arbor above, and quail trotting across the grass to feed, we sampled the extraordinary wines while Kurt told us about the estate's owner's gradual entry into the wine market, first with his bubbly (Brut de Noirs) and then expanding to include a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet.

While the Hunter trip wasn't part of the Drunk with Love package, the Sonoma Mission Inn's concierge is said to be an expert on the area wineries and is happy to direct the grape-curious according to their tastes.

Another activity that isn't part of the package but which many guests will want to indulge in is a spa treatment. We had the rose-and-frankincense couples' massage, followed by a dip in one of two spa pools. (There are three on the hotel grounds, all of which are fed by the property's natural thermal springs -- the water actually has to be cooled).

But the rose petal turndown, Champagne brunch, breakfast in bed, the hot air balloon ride, limo transportation to and from the airport and the Mission Suite accommodation are all included. Package rates start from $1,435 USD per night, taxes extra. A spokesperson adds that rates can also vary with escalating wine blending and the balloon ride costs.

And so, does Drunk With Love do what it is designed for -- create an unforgettable and romantic experience, so much so that I didn't once even think about having a drink at the hotel bar?

Unequivocally yes. And I love hotel bars. Nor will I soon forget the egg-shaped shadow of our balloon growing larger against the scrub grass of a park west of Napa as we descended, and came in for a three-point and very smooth landing.