February is associated with wine and chocolate because of Valentine's Day, usually. But Washington state is making the whole month about the love of these two treats with several wine and chocolate weekends...
Red Wine and Chocolate in the Yakima and Columbia Valleys, Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20, 2011
This annual event held over President’s Day weekend, provides a distinctive and elegant pairing of fine chocolate and wines from the Yakima and Columbia Valleys, as well as Red Mountain. Over 52 participating wineries provide a variety of chocolate delicacies with their red wines. Premier Pass holders enjoy specialty wine and chocolate pairings, library tastings, and tours that are unavailable to the public. Passes are $30.00 online or $35.00 at the door.
In addition, attendees looking for overnight or weekend accommodations can choose from three Red Wine & Chocolate hotel packages. Package details are as follows: “Red & Breakfast” at Clarion Hotel (rates start at $89), Red Wine & Chocolate Package at Best Western Ahtanum Inn (rates start at $99 or $149 for a suite) and “Red Wine Special” at Holiday Inn Downtown Yakima (rates start at $120). For more information visit www.visityakimavalley.org.
Wenatchee Valley’s Red Wine & Chocolate Celebration (two weekends) Saturday, February 12 –Sunday, February 13 and Saturday, February 19 - Sunday, February 20, 2011
Award-winning red wines will be paired with decadent chocolate desserts. Participating wineries include White Heron in Quincy, Saint Laurent and Malaga Springs in Malaga, Martin-Scott in East Wenatchee, Chateau Faire le Pont and Stemilt Creek in Wenatchee, and Horan Estates and Crayelle in Cashmere. Opt for the Wine Transportation options are available through Wenatchee Wine Country. For more information visit www.wenatcheewines.com.
For those looking to ditch the driving, book the Wenatchee Valley Red Wine & Chocolate Tour on either Feb. 19 or 20. Guests will receive transportation by A & A Motorcoach to four wineries and lunch for $50 per person. The price tasting fees at the wineries. To order tickets, contact jan@wenatchewines.com. Space is limited.
Lake Chelan’s Red Wine & Chocolate (two weekends) Saturday, Feb. 12 – Sunday, Feb. 13 AND Saturday, Feb. 19 – Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011
During back-to-back weekends in February, the boutique wineries of the Lake Chelan Wine Growers Association will host their annual winter celebration, Red Wine & Chocolate. The Red Wine & Chocolate event offers two weekends of romance with local wines paired with delicious chocolate. A great escape for couples looking to celebrate with their Valentine.
The Chelan Valley offers a diverse selection of lodging facilities including resorts, condos, family hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, luxurious homes and secluded private cabins. Well known properties include: Best Western Lakeside Lodge, Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan, Lake Chelan Shores Resort, Stehekin Landing Resort and Wapato Point Resort.
To view a complete list of wineries, wine releases, tasting room hours and special event activities planned at each winery, please visit www.lakechelanwinevalley.com. For additional details on lodging, please visit www.cometothelake.com.
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