Red Wine & Chocolate - A Yakima Valley Secret Crush

January 3, 2011   (Yakima, Wash.)  When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, some might call that a sacrilegious -- or "sacrilicious" -- notion, especially during the Yakima Valley's Red Wine & Chocolate event weekend February 19 — 20, 2011.

Well, the secret is out. When properly paired, red wine and chocolate pairings create a delightful indulgence. An indulgence that has become a Northwest Tradition in Yakima Valley's wine country.

You're invited to experience the bold, intense wines that characterize this premier wine region and meet the Yakima Valley's most talented vintners during one memorable weekend of red wine and chocolate indulgence. The weekend will include hors d'oeuvres and a very special selection of artisanal chocolate pairings. 

To ensure the best pairings, follow these important taste tips.

* When pairing wine and chocolate, it is preferable to taste them individually first. Taste the chocolate again, letting it melt on your tongue, and then take a sip of wine to combine their flavors and textures. Chocolate will not melt at room temperature, so it is difficult to properly taste the chocolate if you already have a mouthful of wine.

* For an ideal pairing, avoid wines and chocolates that are overly tannic in nature; otherwise, the tannins will compete with each other, resulting in a muddled and flat combination.

* When drinking buttery or sweet whites, salted milk chocolate provides a stunning contrast. This may come in the form of something like a salted caramel confection with milk chocolate or a dark milk chocolate bar with salt throughout.

* Wines with savory notes, such as smoke, wood or meaty qualities, are outstanding when paired with chocolate with a smooth texture and similar savory notes, such as leather, cheese or smoke.

* When drinking full-bodied wines with bold flavors, a chocolate that is hearty and rustic in texture with a similarly pronounced flavor works best.

* Wines or chocolate with similarly distinct notes, such as black pepper, can be mutually enhanced when paired together.

* If you're struggling with pairing a wine with chocolate, selecting a chocolate that contains berries, dried fruit or nuts can quickly and easily make the pairing more successful.

"The Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend is one of the most popular events Wine Yakima Valley puts on all year.  It is perfect for a romantic get-away, a trip with friends or for anyone who loves experiencing great wine and eating delicious chocolate.  The weekend is all about tasting wines, kicking-back and treating yourself to a lovely time in a really beautiful place," says Barbara Glover, Executive Director for Wine Yakima Valley.

Visitors can purchase a "Premier Pass" for $30 in advance or $35 at the door.  The Pass that will entitle guests to exclusive wine and chocolate pairing, guided cellar tours, library tastings and other activities not available to the general public at certain wineries. 

The Yakima Valley is the largest and most diverse wine region in the State of Washington.  During the Red Wine and Chocolate weekend visitors will sample several of the 48 varietals produced in the Yakima Valley including; Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Sangiovese and Malbec. 

For more information and to purchase Premier Passes, visit Wine Yakima Valley's website at: www.wineyakimavalley.org.

Located in south central Washington, the Yakima Valley is a scenic and leisurely two to three hour drive from Seattle, Spokane or Portland.  The Valley is the largest and most diverse wine region in Washington producing nearly ½ of Washington State's wine.

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