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Whidbey Xtra! WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 | Vol. 1, No. 42 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | FREE
Red wine and chocolate pair for Valentine’s Day treat By KATE DANIEL
kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com
Like the star-crossed lovers of a Shakespearean sonnet, red wine and chocolate make a perfect pair. This month, Whidbey vintners and distillers will host the annual Red Wine and Chocolate Tour, a flavorful celebration spanning five island venues. “It’s just one of those things people love to mix: red wine and chocolate,” said Virginia Bloom, who co-owns Blooms Winer y with her husband, Ken. “The intensity of flavors pairs really well.” The event takes place over two weekends, Feb. 6-7 and Feb. 13-14 beginning at 11 a.m. each day. Comforts of Whidbey, Whidbey Island Distillery, Blooms Winery and Spoiled Dog Winery in Langley and Holmes Harbor Cellars in Greenbank are participating in the tour. Whidbey Island Distillery, which joined the tour last year, will offer specialty liqueur, rather than wine.
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The Red Wine and Chocolate Tour takes place over two weekends in February. The tour will end this weekend, Feb. 13-14. Five South Whidbey wineries and distilleries are participating. Whidbey Island Vintners and Distillers Association, of which each venue is a member, is responsible for organizing the event each
year. Although the concept of a wine and chocolate tour is not unique to Whidbey, the majority of delicacies
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ser ved are locally produced. Each venue chooses its own specialty beverage to serve along with a comple-
mentary chocolate treat. Bloom said venues often take the opportunity to debut new wines or liqueurs during the
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tour, offering patrons the chance to be the first to get a taste. In years past, a variety of local businesses, including J.W. Desserts (now CJ & Y Desserts) and Sweet Mona’s, have contributed their chocolatier expertise, making sweet treats ranging from biscotti to truffles. The tour’s close proximity to Valentine’s Day makes it an excellent opportunity for couples to enjoy a romantic excursion, Bloom said. But those going solo will be sure to have a good time as well. Bloom said the average attendance is about 500 patrons over the two weekends, and she expects this year will be about the same. “It’s always a good time. We meet so many interesting people; they come from all over,” Bloom said. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event. Tickets are sold at all participating venues and online at brownpapertickets.com/event/2413214