Yakima Wine & Chocolate Festival Feb 13-16 Start Planning Now

Next month the annual Red Wine and Chocolate event set for February 13-16. The event allows you to join wineries in the valley coupling red wine with specialty chocolate. This year the weekend includes Valentine's Day so it's a perfect time to get together and enjoy Yakima Valley wine.

BIG BUCKS FOR THE YAKIMA VALLEY AND STATE ECONOMY

The Washington wine industry generates millions of dollars for the state economy every year. The reason why sales are so lucrative is because people love Washington wine. That's according to officials at Yakima Tourism. They say wineries up and down the valley love getting involved serving wines and chocolates during the Presidents Day weekend.

A WINE AND CHOCOLATE-INFUSED WEEKEND

It helps wineries during a slow time of year and get's people excited about Washington State wine. A press release from Yakima Tourism says "will it be wine-infused chocolate brownies, a chocolate fondue, chef-crafted artisan desserts or perfectly paired chef’s brunch?"

MORE THAN JUST WINE AND CHOCOLATE

Tourism officials say some wineries will have live music and food trucks and other things to eat and drink.
If you love chocolate check with your favorite wineries to see what kind of chocolate or wine they're serving and build your plan for the weekend.
How Do You Pair Red Wine and Chocolate?

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LEARN THE BASICS OF PAIRING WINE AND CHOCOLATE

Both wine and chocolate can be very complex on their own, so keep it simple with three basics:

1. The wine you select must be perceived as sweeter than the chocolate.

2. Taste the wine, then the chocolate. Start by tasting the wine, allowing its flavors to fully saturate your mouth. Then take a bite of the chocolate, letting it slowly melt on your tongue.

3. Sip the wine once again. You might never consider having wine without chocolate ever again.
Start planning your weekend at your favorite wineries. For more information check the Yakima Tourism website.