Olympic Peninsula Wineries

Red Wine and Chocolate
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Red Wine and Chocolate:
Olympic Peninsula Winery Tour
February 9, 10 and 16, 17, and 18, 2013

The Olympic Peninsula Wineries are taking the quintessential pairing of red wine & chocolate to new heights this year, featuring a host of never imagined sweet and savory combinations during the annual Red Wine & Chocolate Tour, Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 16-18 (Presidents’ Day Weekend) from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“Nothing is more delicious than a good red wine and the right chocolate shared amid the beauty of the North Olympic Peninsula,” says Association President Vicki Corson. “We decided to shake things up a bit this year with some new combinations that our guests may not have experienced – or even thought about – and we believe they will be pleasantly surprised! The wineries would like to extend a special invitation to anyone who has not participated in our Red Wine & Chocolate tour in the past to come out and join us for a perfect Valentine’s or Presidents’ Weekend getaway! Participants who visit all eight of our wineries will be entered into a drawing for an elegant wine-themed gift basket.”

Tickets may be purchased at participating wineries during the event. The $30 ticket and glass package entitles you to a special commemorative wine glass, complimentary wine tasting and delectable samples of chocolate at each winery during the Red Wine & Chocolate Weekends. This event does not take place at one location. You travel from winery to winery, visiting the ones you are interested in exploring. Tickets are not required to attend this event. A $5.00 wine tasting fee will be charged at each winery for non-ticketed visitors. You must be 21 or over to purchase tickets and/or participate in wine tasting. All ticket sales are non-refundable.

The Olympic Peninsula Wineries encourage responsible wine touring and recommend that you have a designated driver in your group. Designated Drivers are invited to enjoy the food at each winery.

Individual Winery Happenings

Olympic Cellars
“The Best of Red Wine & Chocolate” will kick-off a year-long commemoration of all of Olympic Cellars “Bests” as “Chief Working Girl” Kathy Charlton moves behind the scenes into a consulting role, and co-owner Lisa Martin takes the helm. The winery will bring back past Red Wine & Chocolate favorites, including Cashmere, Cabernet & Chocolate and Copper Heart Pounding with Master Coppersmith Walter Massey, while adding a new tasting twist – chocolate bark incorporated with cherries, almonds, sea salt and orange for 4 special wine pairings. The new release 2009 Syrah, rich, spicy and full-bodied, will be paired with vegetarian Chocolate Chili Molé, a “Best Of” from 2009.

Camaraderie Cellars
Camaraderie will once again showcase the savory side of chocolate!  A perennial favorite, the cocoa-spiced pulled pork cooked in the winery’s wood-fired oven will pair with newly released 2009 Syrah.  Chocolate drizzled popcorn, a combination of  sweet and salty, will complement a sassy Tempranillo. Molly Baby bittersweet chocolate cookies are good with any red wine, but especially Camaraderie’s luscious Merlot.  Lots of other red wines, discounts and chocolates will tempt our guests when visiting our lovely garden setting.

Harbinger Winery
This year Harbinger Winery is aiming for the stars!  Look forward to sampling some out-of-this-world chocolate desserts with new releases and old favorites. “Get your umami on” with the winery’s holy trinity sample, the award-winning Dynamo Red Wine paired with Harbingers’ own chocolate/potato chip invention. Afterwards, be blasted into another realm via a Petit Sirah-infused “chocolate rocket,” and share your “dirty little wine secrets” in the “Confession Room” while trying a secret bonus pairing that inspires one to be a better wine drinker! Bar Hop Brewery, co-located at the winery, will treat beer lovers to their annual Venezuelan Chocolate Porter.

Black Diamond Winery
Black Diamond will be featuring its Raspberry Wine with Chocolate Truffles and Chocolate Pomegranate pieces.

Wind Rose Cellars
Stop by Wind Rose Cellars’ new tasting room, 143 West Washington Street in downtown Sequim, and enjoy four Italian wine varieties,  2011 Dolcetto, 2010 Barbera, 2009 Bravo Rosso and the 2011 Windy Day Muscato, each specially paired with chocolates by local chocolatier Cocoa d’Amici. There will also be a VIP area with additional chocolate & wine pairings, where guests can taste one on one with the winemaker.

FairWinds Winery
Experience the tallest chocolate fountain on the Peninsula again this year – back by popular demand - with a delicious assortment of fruits and sweets for dipping. The rich dark chocolate pairs exceptionally well with Fairwinds’ Port O’ Call, and the combination has been described as giving tasters “happy mouth!” Visitors can also enjoy the latest vintages of Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, and taste barrel samples of the soon to be released 2005 Champeaux Vineyards Cabernet and a 2005 Merlot.

Eaglemount Wine & Cider
Eaglemount will pair its red wines, including a new release Malbec Port, with truffles and caramels by Chocolate Serenade. Additional new releases will also be available for tasting.

Finnriver Farm & Cidery
Finnriver celebrates another delectable Red Wine & Chocolate tour on the farm, featuring its sumptuous, sweet brandy wines and fine craft ciders. Special 'Valentine's' release of ripe, red Raspberry Wine with Apple Brandy, along with a lively Cranberry Rosehip winter seasonal cider. A slice of Artisan wood fire pizza with Sauce Chocolat Salé, a French salted chocolate sauce, by Jennifer Michele Chocolat is included with ticket purchase and additional savory pizzas available for purchase separately. Finnriver black currant Brandywine truffles locally made by Elevated Candy Company and mini dark chocolate cordial cups for sipping Finnriver’s sweet wines.

Special pricing at most wineries throughout both event weekends.