Calendar: Valentine’s Tour at Safari West Wildlife Preserve

SANTA ROSA, CALIF.

Valentine’s Sex Tour

When, where: Feb. 13, Safari West Wildlife Preserve

Highlights: This annual event features a safari tour during which you and your Valentine learn about the mating habits of the wild animals you’ll see, including cheetahs, giraffes and rhinos. Also included: a chocolate reception, dinner and dancing.

Cost: $131 per person; reservations required. Overnight packages are also available.

Info: (707) 566-3667, www.safariwest.com

ESCONDIDO, CALIF.

1950s-Style Valentine’s Day Event

When, where: Feb. 14, Orfila Vineyards & Winery

Highlights: Pull out that poodle skirt or letterman’s jacket, grab your date and dance the night away to ‘50s-era jukebox tunes. Retro-style food will be served, as will the winery’s signature reds and whites.

Cost: $85 per person; reservations are required.

Info: (800) 868-9463, www.orfila.com

DAVIS, CALIF.

California Duck Days

When, where: Feb. 19 and 20, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters and Davis Arts Center

Highlights: This family-friendly event opens with a gala reception and a wildlife art show on Friday evening. On Saturday, there’ll be field trips, workshops, geocaching, decoy carving, nest-box building, kids’ crafts and the chance to meet the region’s newest ducklings.

Cost: The gala reception and art show are free; admission to the other activities is $20 to $25; children 16 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult. Preregistration is recommended.

Info: (530) 758-1018, www.yolobasin.org

VICTORIA, CANADA

Battle of the Chefs

When, where: Feb. 24, the Fairmont Empress

Highlights: The Fairmont Empress’ executive chef, Takashi Ito, challenges Mission Hill’s executive winery chef, Matthew Batey, to a cooking contest wherein each prepares a five-course tasting menu paired with as many wines. A panel of celebrity judges arbitrates, “Iron Chef America” Kevin Brauch hosts, and attendees are the real winners -- they get to taste it all.

Cost: $150, not including tax and tip. Reservations are required and limited.

Info: (250) 389-2727, www.fairmont.com/empress

SAN FRANCISCO

Pacific Orchid Exposition

When, where: Feb. 26-28, Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion

Highlights: The 58th anniversary of America’s largest orchid show highlights more than 150,000 orchids from around the world, plus educational displays, demonstrations, plant sellers and an orchid-themed art exhibit. A Gala Benefit will showcase more than 20 local wines, plus live music and celebrity appearances.

Cost: $12 online, $14 at the door (for 65 and older, $8 online, $10 at the door) for the main event; $35 in advance, $40 at the door for the Gala Benefit; $20 for the early bird preview, with champagne and pastries.

Info: (415) 665-2468, www.orchidsanfrancisco.org

-- Avital Binshtock [email protected]