Valentine’s week along the Wine Road offers both savory and sweet deals, some for them are available the entire month of February.

The Yin & Yang of Wine & Food Pairings

When cruising through the list of possibilities during the Valentine’s week and weekends, foodies will score along the Wine Road. Let’s start with a few of the sweet offerings and move on to the savory.

Sweet Pairings

Pedroncelli Winery is coupling Valentine’s Day with American Fortified Wine Day (think Port). They will feature their current release 2012 Four Grapes Vintage Port, and also pour their 2001 Four Grapes Vintage Port, pulled from their wine library. This tasting duo will be available from February 7-14. On the weekend of February 10-11, the tasting room will have a complimentary Port and chocolate pairing. If you haven’t tasted Pedroncelli’s renowned Four Grapes Port, here is your chance.

From February 10 – 14, Pellegrini Wine Company has an inspired chocolate and wine pairing, featuring artisan chocolates from Sonoma Chocolatiers, a small local company that creates luscious hand-made chocolates using organic ingredients. Cost is $15 for Wine Club members, $30 for non-members. Reservations are recommended: 707-545-8680 ext. 1 or visit@pellegrinisonoma.com.

Chocolate treats and a bottle of Pellegrini Pinot Noir

West Wines offers complimentary tastes on February 10th & 11th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. of their sparkling Seafoam Blanc de Blancs and Late Harvest Viognier dessert wine paired with delicious sweet treats.

Savory Pairings

If you like savory bits paired with sips of outstanding wine, the Wine Road members have it covered.

From February 14th to 18th, C. Donatiello Winery invites you to enjoy a complimentary cheese plate for two when you purchase a tasting for two. With the purchase of every three bottles, two tastings are complimentary, so buy a little wine and enjoy the tasting and the pairing for free. If you purchase six or more bottles of their wine, they will include complimentary shipping, too.

Gustafson Family Vineyards invites you to eat and drink in celebration of Valentine’s Week. They’re pairing their latest releases with specially crafted delicacies from the Healdsburg SHED. Normally $30 per person, on February 10 – February 12, and again on February 16 – February 18, this pairing will only be $20 per person. At least a 48 hour in advance reservation is required. This offer is available at both of the Gustafson tasting room locations.

Wine and food pairing set up at Gustafson Winery.

Wine pairing offering at Gustafson Winery

Medlock Ames Winery is offering a romantic Wine, Cheese & Charcuterie pairing, including their long awaited Rosé! Held at their Alexander Valley tasting room the weekend of February 10th and 11th, the cost is $40 per person, $20pp for Club Members. Seatings are at 10 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Reservations required.

If it is Rosé you are seeking, Papapietro Perry will also being releasing their 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir on February 17th, and pouring their current release Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels. JK’s Catering will be on hand to offer up raw and barbequed oysters ($3 each) and fish tacos with mango salsa ($3.50 each) to enjoy with the wines. Weather permitting, the festivities will be held on their patio.

During February, every day is Valentine’s Day at Paul Mathew Vineyards in Graton. They’ll be celebrating with their Gold Medal winning 2014 Syrah and other current releases paired with small bites—Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Zoe’s salumi, and bittersweet chocolate shortbread. The cost is $25 per person and reservations are not required unless you have a group of six or more.

A Little of Both

Several wineries are mixing it up, offering both savory and sweet treats. At Martorana Family Winery on February 10th from 11 a.m. -5 p.m., treat yourself and your sweetheart to gourmet cheese and charcuterie paired with their wines. Finish with dark chocolate sea salt brownies paired with their newly released 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Cost is $15 per person, complimentary for Wine Club members. Space is limited, so please RSVP to info@martoranafamilywinery.com or 707-433-1909.

On February 17th & 18th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Family Wineries of Dry Creek, which includes Collier Falls Vineyards, Dashe Cellars, Lago di Merlo Vineyards & Winery, Mietz Cellars, and Philip Staley, will be serving Wild Mushroom Bisque and a Chocolate Truffle to their guests. The bisque includes Black Trumpets, Yellow Foot, Chanterelles, Porcini, and Cremini mushrooms in a vegetable stock puree. The cost is $25 per person and includes five tastes. Complimentary for Wine Club members.

Family Wineries of Dry Creek's tempting savory and sweet delights

Family Wineries of Dry Creek’s tempting savory and sweet delights

Mounts Family Winery encourages you to “listen to your heart” and join them for a decadent wine, chocolate, and cheese event that will satiate your senses. Cost is $25 per person, complimentary for Wine Club members. This event is February 10th from 12 noon until 4 p.m.

Stuhlmuller Vineyards is pairing five of their current vintage wines with local artisan cheeses, plus for the grand finale, savor a barrel tasting of their fortified Cabernet Sauvignon (think dessert wine) with macaroons from Moustache Baked Goods in Healdsburg. Each couple with also take home a special gift, which shall remain a mystery until revealed. This special pairing is offered February 14 – 18, with seatings between 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and the cost is $75 per couple (Wine Club discount applies).

Sweet 116 Valentine’s Event

On Saturday, February 10th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wine Road members along or near Highway 116 around Sebastopol invite you to join them for delicious wines paired with decadent treats. Guests will get to choose their logo glasses hand painted by local El Molino High School students. Each glass is a unique keepsake.

Tickets are $50 per person, $45 for Wine Club Members, and $20 for Designated Drivers, and can be purchased online or at participating Wine Road wineries – Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Char Vale Winery, Dutton Estate Winery, Ektimo Wines, HANNA Wines, Harvest Moon Estate & Winery, Hook & Ladder, Jigar Wines, Occidental Road Cellars, Taft Street Winery, and Wine Guerrilla.

Loving wine along the Wine Road

With so many options to pick from, you are certain to find something entertaining, tasty, and romantic to do during February along the Wine Road.

Happy Sipping!

#AlongTheWineRoad @TheWineRoad #ValentinesDay

Posted by Rebecca Germolus

Rebecca Germolus, co-owner of Maximum Value Marketing, loves Sonoma County and playing along the Wine Road. Rebecca daily immerses herself in wine country by providing cost-effective marketing and writing solutions to wineries and restaurants.

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