Wine and chocolate - decadent indulgence

If wine and chocolate is your thing, then you're in luck. Area wineries are opening their doors to welcome sweethearts in honor of Valentine's Day with special treats and pairings.

Galen Glen, 255 Winter Mountain Drive, Andreas, will host chocolate and wine pairing weekends all month.

Like romantic affairs and perfectly partnering humans, pairing wine and chocolate requires similar attentiveness and consideration.

The winery is offering two separate chocolate treats for to pair with a glass of your favorite wine.

Whether you select the chocolate and peanut butter brownie from local bakery Mama C's, or the three handcrafted chocolate truffles from Lancaster chocolatier Steve Evans, the winery's staff will act as your "matchmakers" to get the most exciting pairing.

February can be a cold and dreary month but chocolate can release endorphins making one feel happy, together with wine double that passion.

For more information about the winery, visit www.galenglen.com or call 570-386-3682.

If you feel like taking a ride, the Berks County Wine Trail, invites you to visit all 11 wineries along the wine trail during the annual "Chocolate & Wine Pairing Event Weekend" taking place Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. both days.

Ridgewood Winery, the newest entree on the wine trail menu will be tempting sweethearts with a selection of blackberry wine paired with locally made blackberry chocolates from Lorah's of Mohnton.

Nearby, trail lovers will further sweeten the day with Manatawny Creek Winery's decadent brownies drizzled with raspberry wine ganache paired with raspberry wine.

Stoudt Country Winery will be sharing bites of love with hand-dripped, chocolate-covered strawberries paired with their strawberry wine.

Other wineries along the trail will be sharing and pairing as well.

For more information visit www.berkscountywinetrail.com.