Beat the blahs with a 1-2-punch

By Loretto J. Hulse, Herald staff writer

As a way to banish winter's doldrums, it's hard to beat chocolate, especially when it's paired with good wine and good friends. During February you can choose from an intimate class on wine and chocolate pairing or a port tasting with sweet and savory tidbits to nibble.

If you feel like touring just choose a direction, you're sure to find a group of wineries offering rich chocolate goodies to sample with their vintages.

Here's a list of events to choose from:

Walla Walla

Attend a fun class on pairing chocolate and wine on Feb. 12 at at Le Chateau Winery in Walla Walla near the airport.

Four wines will be paired with two unique truffles during the class, which runs from 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $30 and includes a souvenier glass and discounts on wine purchases that evening.

Reservations are required. For more information, or to make a reservation, e-mail angela@lechateauwinery.com, call 509-956-9311 or go to www.lechateauwinery.com.

Pasco

If ports are your passion, head for Preston Premium Wines north of Pasco off Highway 395. The Prestons are hosting their annual port tasting from 7-10 p.m. on Feb. 14.

They'll be pouring a selection of their fine aged ports paired with savory cheeses and decadent chocolates. Pianist Doug Rice will be playing during the evening, and cigars from the Educated Cigar will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $35, $25 for wine club members. Space is limited. To order tickets, call 545-1990, ext 10.

For more information, go to www.prestonwines.com.

Goldendale

Maryhill Winery near Goldendale is celebrating a "Passport to Passion" from Feb. 14-16. Enjoy free wine and chocolate tastings, live music and one of the finest views in the state. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days.

To find the winery, head toward Goldendale on Highway 14. Just before you get there, you'll spot the winery by the Maryhill Museum. For directions, go to www.maryhillwinery.com.

Yakima Valley

Fifty-five wineries from Yakima to the Tri-Cities will be celebrating a weekend of Red Wine and Chocolate on Feb. 14-16.

At each winery you'll be treated to a sumptuous chocolate dessert paired with one of the winery's remarkable red wines.

They'll also be serving samples of their other red, white and rose wines, plus offering a variety of specials.

Be sure to take a wine glass along or plan to buy one at your first stop. This is a busy weekend and the winery servers won't have time to wash glasses.

Or buy a special $20 "Premier Pass" and enjoy a variety of extra red wine and chocolate pairings, library tastings and tours not generally available. The pass includes a 15-ounce Wine Yakima Valley glass to keep.

The passes will be available online at www.wineyakimavalley.org through Feb. 12. You'll need to decide in advance where you want to begin your tour. Your pass and glass will not be mailed out but will be held for you at that winery.

The wineries generally will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, directions and the hours each winery will be open, go to www.wineyakimavalley.org. Or call 509-965-5201 or 800-258-7270.

Zillah

The 15 wineries in the Rattlesnake Hills in and around Zillah will be featuring rich chocolate treats paired with a red wine or port on Feb. 14-16.

You'll be able to sample their full lineup of luscious reds, crisp and fruity whites and full-bodied ports. A few wineries will charge a tasting fee for a few special wines.

Hours are generally 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check the website www.rattlesnakehills.com for exact hours at each winery.

Take along a glass or plan to purchase one at your first stop.

Or buy a "Passport" for $10 and receive discounts on wine purchases and complimentary reserve tastings not available to other tasters. Plus, visit 10 wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Trail and you'll be invited to the annual Snake in the Glass summer party.

For more information, visit www.rattlesnakehills.com or call 888-375-7498.

North Cascades

Twenty-three wineries in the North Cascades region will be celebrating Valentine's Day with red wines and chocolate from Feb. 13-15. The wineries -- in Lake Chelan, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Oroville and Wilbur -- will be open regular tasting room hours, generally 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a good chance to visit wineries not normally open to the public or open by appointment only.

Each winery will have a different treat to sample, but all will have a chocolate theme. A few may charge a minimal tasting fee.

For more information and directions, go to www.columbiacascadewines.com or call 509-782-0708.

Lake Chelan

The 13 wineries in the Lake Chelan Wine Growers Association will also have a special chocolate treat to savor with one of their red vintages on Feb. 14-15 and 21-22. Hours are generally 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, directions and precise hours, go to www.lakechelanwinevalley.com or e-mail info@lakechelanwinevalley.com.

*Loretto J. Hulse: 582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com

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Wednesday, Feb. 04, 2009

Beat the blahs with a 1-2-punch

By Loretto J. Hulse, Herald staff writer