With Valentine's Day falling on a Tuesday in 2012, it's no surprise that the annual holiday of love is being celebrated for two weekends -- one before Cupid's Day, one after. And what better way to toast February 14 than with red wine and chocolates. Two wine making regions on the west side of the Cascades, Whidbey Island and the Olympic Peninsula, are doing just that. Here's to the food and drink of love!
Red Wine & Chocolates - Whidbey Island: Six wineries on the island are participating in this two-weekend tour, and they include Comforts of Whidbey, Ott & Murphy Wines, Spoiled Dog Winery, Blooms Winery, Holmes Harbor Cellars and Greenbank Cellars at the Greenbank Farm Wine Shop. Each of the wineries has selected a special chocolate to pair with its wines, among them are sweets from Chocolates by George of Whidbey Island, Sweet Mona's of Langley and Live Sweet Chocolates from Anacortes. Several of the wineries will also feature music. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 11-12 and Saturday-Monday, Feb. 18-20. Tickets $20 in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or $25 on the day of the event. Visit the Whidbey Island Vintners Association website for a printable map of the wineries.
Sweet, Savory & Six Sexy Reds - Whidbey Island: This three-day event over Presidents' Day Weekend features a new twist on red wine and chocolates. Step into the cellar with the winemakers of Whidbey Island Winery in Langley and sample six reds paired with truffles featuring alderwood smoked salt, pink peppercorn, port wine and even bacon. Sweets provided by Chocolates by George of Whidbey Island and Intrigue Chocolates from Seattle. Saturday-Monday, Feb. 18-20. Tickets $10 at the winery.
Red Wine & Chocolate Tour - Olympic Peninsula: Eight wineries on the tour include Black Diamond Winery, Camaraderie Cellars, Eaglemount Wine & Cider, FairWinds Winery, Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Harbinger Winery, Olympic Cellars and Wind Rose Cellars. All the wineries will have chocolate pairings along with a poem for people to read or recite to a sweetheart. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 11-12 and Saturday-Monday, Feb. 18-20. Tickets $30, which includes a commemorative wine glass. Individual wineries may also be visited for a $5 tasting fee. Visit the Olympic Peninsula Wineries website for maps and more.
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