Written by Becky Driscoll – Certified SommelierLocal boutique wineries of the North Central WA Wine Country open their doors for amazing treats that are also light on the pocket book. The secret to saving money and giving your sweetheart a remarkable Valentines’ Day experience is to visit any one of our local boutique wineries of the North Central WA Wine Country during Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend February 13-February 16th.The affinity for red wine and chocolate is no secret. Some would argue that those two flavors do indeed NOT pair perfectly but who am I to judge what you palate prefers? I can however guide you to some remarkable bites and treats available this Valentines’ Day weekend during our Red Wine and Chocolate weekend. Surprise and delight your loved one with one of these or combine options for an extended treat.WHITE HERON CELLARS - On Valentines Day at the winery we will have a repeat visit from Alpine Lakes cheese serving up melted cheese and potatoes, very Swiss but with all American ingredients. We will also be pairing three wines with chocolates as always. Finally Eric Link, songwriter and guitar player for Passing Liberty will entertain us musically with his latest compositions. $10 at the door goes to the musician, cheese, potatoes and chocolate available for purchase. It all starts at 5 PM February 14. Also on the 14th we'll be at the Proctor Farmers Market where we will be pairing samples with chocolates from fellow market vendor Tease Chocolates. Be ready for that chocolate feeling.MALAGA SPRINGS WINERY – Back by popular demand! Our opening for the 2015 season will be this upcoming weekend. Regular hours....Fri, Sat, Sun, noon to 5pm. Bobette will be pouring Saturday, and Cori will be pouring Sunday, as we will be bottling 2014 white wines both days. The following weekend is Valentines Day with Red Wine and Chocolate taking center stage. We will be offering two different tasting experiences. First, our normal, no fee tasting with nice commercial chocolates and treats. Secondly, we will be offering a Sweetheart tasting with custom chocolates made by Ann Goblet, Master Chocolatier, from East Wenatchee. An assortment of her to-die-for chocolates will be offered, paired with our wines for a modest fee. These will be offered on a first come first serve basis. We will be featuring her chocolates for sale the rest of the year in the winery, whether for tasting or to take home. Happy Valentines Day from Kathy and me.STEMILT CREEK WINERY – Join Us For Red Wine & Chocolate – Devils Dark food Chocolate made with Days Work Cabernet from Cup Cake Blues and also serving up Dark Chocolate Truffle with Boss Lady Syrah with Baums Chocolate, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 13,14,&15,Wenatchee Tasting room and Leavenworth- Saturday -Monday, Feb,13-16th! Open hours noon to 6pm, Friday and Saturday Noon- 7pm and Sunday 11-5pm – Pairing Pricing $8/person VOiLA WINERY – Special Chocolates available in the tasting room for Red and Chocolate weekend. Saturday Noon to 6:30pm and Sunday from Noon-5pmBEAUMONT CELLARS – Unique chance to taste Anne Goblet - Coeur À Coeur Chocolat , local chocolatier hand making the finest chocolate to pair with our wines. Quincy Locations Saturday 12:00 - 5:00 p.mHORAN ESTATES WINERY – Open Friday through Sunday from Noon-5pmMARTIN SCOTT WINERY – For the LOVE OF CHOCOLATE!!! Anne Goblet - Coeur À Coeur Chocolat , local chocolatier hand making the finest chocolate to pair with our wines including a Red Malbec Truffle! We will be open Friday & Saturday 12-5 PM, and Sunday 12-4 PMCRAYELLE CELLARS – Opening weekend!! We will be pouring some library wines!BARONESS CELLARS – Open from 11-7pm daily for wine tastingCHATEAU FAIRE LE PONT – Open from 11-6pm Sunday and Monday and from 11am to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday.BELLA TERRAZZA VINEYARDS – Open in Leavenworth Location for chocolates paired with red wines from Friday 5pm to Close and Saturday 1pm to CloseGOOSE RIDGE ESTATE WINERY AND VINEYARDS – Seattle Chocolates Truffles paired with our estate grown red wines. February special - Rose 2 bottles $25 .THE CHAMBER TASTING ROOM – Open for regular wine tasting Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 11am-7pm, closed Sunday.Want to bump up the experiences this Valentines day? Want to offer limo rides and special dinners? Here is a list of opportunities that our associate members are offering up for sweethearts over Valentines’ Day weekend:STICKS HOUSE OF CIGARS – You are invited to join us for a fun Valentines Day Wine Tour and Dinner. We'll meet at Sticks at 11am on February 14. Limousine service will be provided to the wineries and return to Sticks for a delicious catered meal from Tastebuds. Cost per couple is $275. Space is limited. Sign up & pre-pay by Friday, 2/6 to reserve a spot for you and your sweetheart! 509.881.1722CHATEAU FAIRE LE PONT – Valentines Day Dinner - Have you made plans for that special night yet? Contact Chateau Faire Le Pont at 509-667-9463 to make a reservation today!TASTEBUDS – Valentines cannot get any better than giving your loved one the options of Filet Mignon or Steak Lobster….maybe a Chicken Cordon Blue? All these fabulous selections brought to you by the team at Tastebuds coupled with the amazing music by Pat-Rio and Glenn Isaacson trio. By Reservation ONLY call the 509-888-2783LULU’S KITCHEN – open for Lovers’ Specials all day Saturday February 14th. Then a special 50 Shades of Sunday Brunch the following day. With tasty dessert specials scratch-made from Balsamroot Bakery (including Gluten Free options!)