Just when winter's snowy chill seems to last a bit too long, the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail presents a Wine and Chocolate Festival and Valentine's celebration over the weekend of Feb. 11-12. Twelve winery chefs will focus their talents on sumptuous desserts that celebrate the joys of wine and chocolate. Try some Double Chocolate Espresso Biscotti or fruit dipped in dark chocolate paired with a dry red wine or Port. Participants often spend the entire weekend visiting the wineries and spending the night in one of the many bed and breakfasts, inns or hotels in the area. Some choose to rent a limousine for a safe and carefree drive along the wine trail and back to their lodging. The local landscape is home to an array of lakeside and Victorian villages, restaurants and ski resorts. Antiques, gift shops, a spa getaway and sleigh rides around Chautauqua Institution add to the ambiance. Tickets for the event are $21, must be purchased in advance, and are good for the weekend. Each guest receives a commemorative wine glass and packet of recipe cards.
Details: 888-965-4800 or www.chautauquawinetrail.com