Eat.Drink.DC.: It's Never a Bad Time For Chocolate & Wine

Valentine's Day is a bunch of bull. Really, it's a holiday based on a pagan festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture, for godsake, that's been elevated by Hallmark to the status of a day every little girl dreams about.... *sigh*

BUT.

If you are in a relationship, your significant other will probably feel a tad neglected if you don't do anything special on Valentine's day. And if you're single, it can be a relief to get away with some friends to celebrate choosing NOT to be with the wrong person. So for all of you procrastinators, I have a perfect way to spend the weekend before Valentine's - with wine and chocolate.

One of my favorite Virginia wineries, Pearmund Cellars, in Broad Run, VA, is collaborating with Chocolaterie Wanders to host a Chocolate & Dessert Wine Tasting. It's going on today and tomorrow (2/10-2/11) and for a fee of $5, you can nibble on some goodies (not that kind!) and artisan chocolates provided by the Manassas-based chocolatier. Pearmund will be pouring three vintages of their dessert wines to pair with the chocolate tasting, and in addition they will be releasing their first ever Late Harvest Viognier. Did I mention you get to keep a commemorative glass? Regardless if you're into the wine or just the glass, this is an event that I wholeheartedly stand behind. In case you needed more ringing endorsements, a review of Pearmund Cellars is right below this post.

In addition, Pearmund is participating in a "heart exchange." with Winery at La Grange, in Haymarket, VA. Between 2/10-2/19, go to one winery and pick up a paper heart after your tasting, then head to the sister winery for a tasting and request another heart, at which point you'll receive a special gift. I don't know what the gift is, and I've not been to Winery at La Grange so I can't give any sort of opinion on their wines. But since La Grange is only 15 minutes away from Pearmund, what the harm in checking it out? I certainly will when I'm out next and give you a full report.

Happy Valentine's Day... (ominous music)...

Random Thought Generator

"Jacques Pepin: Fast Food My Way" is probably the best cooking show ever invented. It is the lazy afternoon equivalent to Bob Ross' painting show, in that you are slowly lulled into a sweet nap. But, as an added bonus, you also get to learn fast and simple cooking ideas! Jacques Pepin, you are a genius. A delicious, evil genius. I look forward to an invitation to your house for one of your incredible meals.