Featuring “Wine & Chocolate Trail” February 12-13 and Feb 19-20, Statewide Event features chocolate pairings, special events & more
Cream Ridge, NJ (February 7, 2022) – This February, every day will be Valentine’s Day in New Jersey Wine Country when the Garden State Wine Growers Association presents the “Wine & Chocolate Celebration” at participating wineries throughout the state.
During the month-long celebration, patrons will be able to visit wineries throughout February and experience wine and chocolate pairings, special dinners, samplings and tastings, live music and many other wine related activities.
The highlight of “Wine & Chocolate Celebration” will be the annual “Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail” presented by the Garden State Wine Growers Association. This year the event will be celebrated on two weekends Feb 12 – 13 and Feb 19-20 from noon to 5 pm at participating wineries in the state.
On the Trail Weekends you can experience leading New Jersey wines paired with chocolates supplied by local chocolatiers, live music and much more, as the world’s perfect pairing, wine and chocolate is celebrated.
Not all wineries will schedule special events on both weekends. For updates and schedules visit www.newjerseywines.com/events-by-winery/
Here are just some of the highlights for “Wine & Chocolate Celebration” featuring the “Wine & Chocolate Wine Trail”.
In Hammonton, Plagido’s Winery will celebrate with a special Wine & Chocolate Tasting on both weekends. The wine and chocolate tasting is $20 and includes 3 wines (choose dry or sweet) paired with 5 truffles for a most delightful experience. On February 12 there will be live music by Robin Gazzara and on February 19 by Amy Dorflinger. Seating is limited and tables are reserved for 1.5 hours. Reservations are required at 609-567-4633
Tomasello Winery is also participating on February 12 & 13. At their Lambertville and Cranford tasting rooms take part in the Valentine’s Sweetheart Tasting featuring a Riedel tasting including 6 wine samples of your choice, a Riedel Degustazione wine glass, 3 gourmet chocolate truffles, and an artisan cheese board. Call 1-800-666-9463 ext. 7 to reserve your spot now! Seating is limited, reservations required. Pricing varies by location. On February 12 join Tomasello Winery in Hammonton for a romantic night of “wine-ing,” dining, and dancing! Treat your Valentine to an exquisite gourmet dinner prepared by their on-site executive chef and enjoy a love potion from our fully stocked cash bar. Menu includes: Orecchiette with Fresh Basil & Vodka Blush Sauce, Mixed Greens with Blue Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Roasted Pistachios, & TW Champagne Vinaigrette, Grilled Mongolian Marinated Flank Steak or Herb-Encrusted Salmon with Asparagus & Heart-Shaped Dauphinoise Potatoes, Chocolate Torte with Mixed Berry Compote & Fresh Whipped Cream. Tickets are required, seating is limited. Call 1-800-666-9463 x1 for more information. On February 13 in Hammonton spend the afternoon with your special someone enjoying 4 sweet truffle pairings, a scrumptious lunch menu, and our intoxicating Love Potion cocktail! Indulge in gourmet chocolate truffles and award-winning wines for just $20.
2 SEATING OPTIONS
Session 1: 12:00pm – 1:30pm Session 2: 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Each ticket includes admission, 4 truffles, and 4 one-ounce samples of wine. Gratuity is not included. Reservations required, limited space available. *All food and
Sharrott Winery will provide three different ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Wine & Chocolate Weekend-February 12-14. There’s nothing more romantic than wine and chocolate for Valentine’s Day! Winemaker Larry Sharrott has created a special tasting that pairs their award-winning wine with delicious chocolates. What could be more decadent? Wine tasting is $16.99 per person and includes 5 samples of award-winning wines and chocolate pairing. Reservations highly recommended. To make your reservation Online, choose the Wine Tasting option. At checkout, select Valentine’s Weekend Wine & Chocolate Tasting upgrade. Or call 609-567-WINE (9463). Or enjoy a Valentine’s Evening Prix Fixe Dinner-February 14 starting at 6 pm. Executive Chef Ian Evans and Winemaker Larry Sharrott have created a three-course wine and food experience. Each course was created to pair perfectly with award-winning wines, including dessert! So grab that special someone (or a group of wine-loving friends) and let Sharrott Winery wine and dine you. Prix Fixe menu is $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Tickets and reservations are required. Full menu available at sharrottwinery.com. Reservations available Online or call 609-567-WINE (9463). In addition, you can enjoy Valentine’s Weekend 2022-February 12-14.
Treat your Valentine to a romantic date at Sharrott Winery! Enjoy a Trio of Decadent Desserts created especially for Valentine’s Weekend. Plus try a Wine & Chocolate Tasting (while supplies last). Finally, celebrate Valentine’s evening with a 3-course Prix Fixe Dinner. And don’t forget live music all weekend long! Reservations highly recommended for live music and our Wine & Chocolate Tasting. Reservations required for Valentine’s Evening Prix Fixe Dinner.
At White Horse Winery enjoy a special wine and gourmet hand crafted chocolate tasting February 11th – 13th. All weekend taste award winning White Horse Winery wines paired with Sweet Mary’s chocolates. Wine & Chocolate pairings are $21. On Friday, February 11 enjoy music from Brooke DiCaro. On Saturday, February 12 there is music by TJ Fry along with food by The Crabby Chef. Sunday, February 13 will feature Jimmy Dunn live with the MooCheez food truck. Call 609-270-1411 for reservations.
At Bellview Winery in Landisville love is in the air. Come out to the winery with your Valentine, or your Galentines, to celebrate love with wine and chocolate. On February 12th and 13th from 12pm-5pm they will be offering special chocolate flights, cheese and chocolate boards, a food truck, and special wine cocktails. On February 19th and 20th they will be offering special cheese and chocolate boards, wine cocktails, and red wine hot chocolate. Highlights include: Love Potion, everyone’s favorite season wine is back on tap; Red Wine Hot Chocolate available by the glass; two specialty wine cocktails by the glass, Weekend of February 12th and 13th only, they will be offering a special wine and chocolate pairing. Working with other local businesses, they are offering a flight of four wines and four special treats; Top Shelf Mobile Cuisine will be on site February 12th and 13th; special chocolate and cheese platter available these weekends only. All tables are first come first served. There is no fee to get into the event.
For more details, please check their website and social media.
4 JGs Winery in Colts Neck may be closed for the winter season (reopening in April) but they do have a Valentine Wine Gift Page on their web site for curbside pick up of wine, wine gifts and gift cards.
Brook Hollow Winery in Columbia offers three special events from February 12 – 14. Choose from:
Girl Scout Cookie and Wine Pairing-Sat, Feb 12, 12:00 PM – Sun, Feb 13, 6:00 PM. Enjoy our unique flight board that takes 5 Fan Favorite Brook Hollow Wines and pairs them with 5 of the most popular Girl Scout Cookies (Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Do-Si-Dos, Samoas and Trefoils). No specialty tasting would be complete without dessert, so they top their flight board off with samples of their Merlot Milkshake Trifecta (Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla). $15 advance ticket $20 at the door. Also join them
Sat, Feb 12, 12:00 PM – Sun, Feb 13, 6:00 PM (FREE) as they host fan favorites! Chocolate Lover’s Emporium specializes in premium truffles and gourmet fudge. Silvery Moon Jewelry and crafts specializes in hand crafted beaded jewelry. Romance novels, book signings and more! Roz Lee, along with other romance novelist will be at Brook Hollow Winery! Bring your special someone to Brook Hollow Winery’s
Valentine’s Day Dinner on Mon, February 14 from 7pm – 9pm |at $150/couple. Join them at Brook Hollow Winery and Event Facility with that very special person in your life for a relaxed evening of soft music by Alex Kerssen, great wine, and a 5 course food menu that will span the whole evening at your own pace.
Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown has a special wine and chocolate pairing event each wine trail weekend from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00am – 5:00pm Sunday. For $20 patrons can select 4 out of 7 wine & chocolate pairings. Live music will also be provided.
Cedarvale Winery will be participating in the wine trail both weekends with wine tastings and live music. A $10 per person charge includes Wine Tasting, souvenir glass and complimentary chocolates.
Also in Cape May, Jessie Creek Winery will be offering wine and chocolate pairing spirals on February 12th and 13th. For $35, guests can enjoy a wine spiral of 5 wines paired with a variety of locally made chocolates by Bumblebee Sweets. Live music will be featured on the February 12 with Sara & Tom in the Barrel Hall.
Hawk Haven Vineyard will be participating this month with Wine + Chocolate Flights & Guided Tastings.
Offered Daily 10am-5pm thru Feb. 20th. Indulge in local chocolates from Éclat Chocolatier Christopher Curtin paired with six Hawk Haven wines, served as a flight to enjoy at a table or as a guided tasting at the bar with one of their friendly wine guides. $18 per person • Walk-In Only. In addition, Taste of Hawk Haven Flights & Guided Tastings are offered daily 10am-5pm. Enjoy at a table or as a guided tasting at the bar with one of their friendly wine guides. $12 per person • Walk-In Only. Also, Wine Lover Gift Sets
Available Online & In-Store. Is your Special Someone a wine lover AND a chocolate lover? Hawk Haven has you covered! They have curated the perfect lineup of gifts this Valentine’s. All you have to do is pick one!
Village Milagro Vineyards in Phillipsburg hosts their “Grand” Re-opening, Sat-Sun, Feb. 5-6, 11am-5pm
After a winter siesta, they are opening for the season. Admission $15 includes tasting of 6 wines served with a charcuterie sampler. For the first wine trail weekend, Villa Milagro hosts Valentine’s – Dia de Amor, February 12-13, 11am-5pm. Celebrate “El Dia de Amor” with the decadent taste of chocolate, the romantic twinkle of lights and delicious Villa Milagro wines. Sample “Besame” their “kiss me” wine for sweethearts! $15 admission includes tastings of 6 wines paired with handmade chocolates – including one made with Besame – – double kiss! The come for Wine & Chocolate Sat-Sun, February 19-20, 11am-5 pm. Valentine’s Day is passed but your passion for chocolate is alive! Come taste six wines paired with delicious handmade chocolates. Included is their Besame wine – a kiss of chocolate makes this wine deeply delicious and decadent! $15 admission includes wine tastings, handmade chocolates and a Besame Truffle. For complete details on all events visit www.VillaMilagroVineyards.com/valentine-s-date
Auburn Road Vineyards in Pilesgrove is celebrating Wine and Chocolate all month long. Beginning February 1, take part in their Wine & Chocolate Tasting for $27 that includes a preset wine flight (4 -2oz wine tastings) paired with 4 chocolate truffles. Also starting February 1, start off with a Valentine inspired Buddha basket and build your sweetie the perfect charcuterie. Then have some wine…End your experience with an espresso, cappuccino or our Ruby Port Hot Chocolate (Valentine’s style!)
Want more sweetness?? Enjoy an affogato or a Valentine’s Gelato & Brownie Al la Mode! Ravello WoodFired Flatbreads available Thursday & Friday 5-9pm. Ravello Woodfire Pizza available Saturday noon to 9pm & Sunday noon – 5pm. Make a reservation today by visiting www.auburnroadvineyards.com
At William Heritage Winery in Mullica Hill a special Wine & Chocolate Tasting Experience will be available starting Friday, February 4th through Sunday, February 27th. It includes 4-1.5 oz wine tastings and 4 hand-crafted truffles that have been paired with their wines for a most delightful tasting experience. Follow the links for Reservations for Mullica Hill or Reservations for Haddonfield
Wine Club Member Price $18 and Non-Club Member Price $24. This special offering is only available for inside seating reservations.
Monroeville Vineyard and Winery in Monroeville will be participating in the wine trail both weekends with wine tastings and live music. A $14 per person charge includes Wine Tasting, souvenir glass and complimentary box of chocolates or gourmet popcorn. No reservations required
Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown will be offering special Sweetheart Tastings beginning Wednesday, February 9, until Sunday, February 13. These tastings will feature an expertly curated list of seven wines paired with local artisan cheeses, cured meats, and truffles from the Fudge Shoppe. House staff will tend to guests tableside, taking them pour by pour through each pairing. These tastings will be offered at $50 per guest, and reservations are highly suggested, though they will accept a limited number of walk-ins as space allows. Reservations may be made through their website at https://BeneduceVineyards.com
Beneduce Vineyards will also be hosting live music during Group Therapy session, Saturday, 2/12, from 5-9pm, and Sunday, 2/13, 2-5pm. Catch C-Minor Trio singing & Local Harvest serving up brick-oven pizza on Saturday evening, and the melodic tunes of James Popik on Sunday. Reservations are highly suggested. Bring your sweetheart out for local wine and great music!
Old York Cellars in Ringoes has several special packages to celebrate the wine trail weekends. From February 12 – 14 choose from: WINE CABANA TAPAS EXPERIENCE–$100 for Two People.
Enjoy Valentine’s Day in one of their lovely Cabanas. Each Cabana has couches, chair, table, and fire-pit. Please dress for the weather. Reservation includes our Shareable Tapas Platter that includes charcuterie, dessert & Sparkling Wine Flight. Vintner’s Club guests will receive their discount on their entire reservation and chosen options when they sign into Tock; OUTDOOR TAPAS EXPERIENCE- $90 for Two People. Enjoy Valentine’s Day at Old York Cellars with one of their lovely outdoor tables. Tables include the patio and Adirondack chairs and each table includes a heater for your comfort. Please dress for the weather. Reservations include a delicious Sharable Tapas Platter from Chef José including a Sparkling Wine Flight. Vintner’s Club guests will receive their discount on their entire reservation and chosen options when they sign into Tock; INDOOR SPARKLING PRE-FIXE EXPERIENCE–$120 for Two People.
Vegetarian option available. Enjoy Valentine’s Day indoors in their lovely Vista Room which overlooks the vineyard and Sourland Mountains. You will be treated to a delicious Pre-Fixe Menu from Chef José complete with yummy dessert & Sparkling Wine Flight. Vegetarian Menu Option also available. ***Make sure to note your entree choice and/or Vegetarian Option in reservation notes***
Vintner’s Club guests will receive their discount on their entire reservation and chosen options when they sign into Tock. On February 19 & 20 Old York Cellars hosts: WINE, CHARCUTERIE AND CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE- 11:30 AM and 3:15 PM. Take your wine tasting to a new level with their Wine, Charcuterie and Chocolate Experience. Limited to four separated groups of up to six guests per seating in the Vista Room, a member of the winery team takes you through a selection of their award-winning wines expertly paired with a collection of artisan meats and cheeses, as well as hand-crafted chocolates from a local chocolatier. Cost: $30/person (Vintner’s Club Members $20/person, please sign in to apply your discount); CHEF JOSÉ’S WINE AND TAPAS EXPERIENCE- 12:45 PM and 2 PM. Chef José’s Wine and Tapas Experience is an INDOOR TASTING EXPERIENCE. The winery team and Chef José Diaz have put together a special tasting experience that ties together the beauty of Spanish Tapas and wine in perfect harmony. With the vineyards as a backdrop, guests will be treated to a guided wine tasting and deliciously prepared tapas, highlighting the components of the wine and the interplay with food. A treat for the senses. This reservation is for one hour, after which you may purchase wines to go. You may also sit outdoors, please dress appropriately for the weather. Vegetarian options available upon request. Cost: $40/person (Vintner’s Club Members $30/person, please sign in to apply your discount); Guided Wine Tasting Experience- Enjoy a more traditional Wine tasting experience next to the vines with one of their wine stewards. A Member of the team will taste through either our Favorites tasting or a Sweet Wine tasting with you and your friends. Table sizes are limited to 4 people. $20 per person includes a tasting of 6 different wines and a souvenir Wine glass. After your tasting, enjoy the rest of your reservation with an additional bottle, glass, and something delicious from Chef Jose’s food menu
Cream Ridge Winery will celebrate wine trail weekend on February 12th from 12:00pm – 6:00pm and February 13th from 12:00pm – 5:00pm with a release of their Cocoa Currant paired with some sweet treats. Tastings will be $15 for up to 10 tastes of wine, sweets from a local chocolatier and a souvenir glass.
Laurita Winery of New Egypt will be participating in both chocolate weekends. Love is in the air at Laurita on February 12 – 13 and February 19 – 20! Join them with your Valentine, your Galentines or just your friends and family and enjoy a whole lot of love! Three different slider specials and other goodies from the Marketplace! $6 Glasses of Sangria. The BEST Chocolate Therapy Wine! Best gift and we are the only winery that sells this incredibly amazing wine! Check out our website @ LauritaWinery.com and check the tab at the top for delicious recipes to make with our very own Chocolate Therapy! Wine Flights paired with Chocolate (8 piece selection of truffles and milk chocolate sea salt caramels) Sweet, White or Vintner Flights Three Chocolate vendors House of Cupcakes, Rocky Mountain Chocolate and Kierstan’s Creations. Live music each day 1-5pm!
Terhune Orchards in Princeton will be open both weekends from noon to 5 pm where guests can enjoy a special wine and chocolate pairing of locally made chocolates and Terhune wines. Chocolate pairing includes wine flight, chocolates and a souvenir glass. They have partnered with Pierre’s Chocolates of New Hope, PA known for their old world recipes and single origin artisan chocolates. Live music on Feb 6 with Rich Seiner from 1pm-4pm and Jerry Steele on the 13th.
Working Dog Winery in East Windsor will hold their Wine & Chocolate Trail event February 12 – 13.
For an entrance fee of $5, each guest of the winery will receive a box of homemade chocolates!
Appointments for Professional Wine Tasting can also be scheduled for $15 per person, which includes a Working Dog Winery souvenir wine glass, a bottle of water and a guided tasting of 5 wines.
Hope to see you at Working Dog Winery for a fun time with your significant other for our great live music and award-winning wines. Please call 609.371.6000 or visit our website: www.workingdogwinerynj.com for additional information.
Coda Rossa Winery of Franklinville will celebrate with special events on both weekends of the wine trail from 11:00am – 5:00pm. Love is in the air at Coda Rossa winery for the annual Wine and Chocolate Trail. Enjoy our full wine list with $10 tastings or our special wine and chocolate pairing for $15. We have selected four of our best wines to pair with handmade truffles from Van Holtens Chocolate and Sweet shop. Reservations required for groups of six or more.
Valenzano Winery in Shamong will be hosting a special chocolate wine tasting both trail weekends, which includes a deluxe box of chocolates and truffles produced exclusively for Valenzano Winery by LeBelge Chocolatier in Napa Valley, California. This special $20 tasting includes: LeBelge 85% Dark Chocolate & Cacao Nibs paired with Valenzano Cabernet/Merlot, LeBelge Dark Chocolate Drift with Valenzano Destinations Malbec, LeBelge Caramelized Pecan Truffle with Valenzano Shamong Labrusca, LeBelge Raspberry Rose Truffle paired with Valenzano Jersey Devil Port. No reservations needed to enjoy the special chocolate wine tasting! Stay for lunch, dinner or full-service wine tastings their wine pub.
Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville Cedar Rose Vineyards, Millville will be participating in both weekends offering a special wine and chocolate flight featuring 5 chocolates from local chocolatiers Barbera’s that will be paired with 5 wines. The flight will be $20, and reservations are encouraged.
Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere will begin the month on February 5 with a Grape Stomping from 1-4pm. The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one-of-a-kind experience; surely to intoxicate all your senses. It’s a unique opportunity you don’t want to miss! The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering dinner served with salad, bread and dessert. Four Sisters Winery award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle to enjoy with your meal. This delightful event includes an embossed souvenir glass, so you won’t go home empty-handed. After dinner, it’s off for a stomping good time! This event will surely be one that is memorable for years to come. So, put your best foot forward, jump in and stomp those grapes! Tickets are required and may be purchased by calling 908-475-3671
Cost is $42.50 per person, plus tax. The fun continues on February 12 with Sweethearts Trivia from 1-4pm. The event starts with a formal wine tasting followed by Baked Ziti with Meatballs, Salad, Bread & Dessert. And then the Trivia will begin! You will be guided through each question, testing how well you know your partner. The team with the most correct answers will become the “Trivia Sweethearts”. Select your team now and call to purchase your tickets. (Teams of 2 allowed). Seats are limited so don’t wait until the last minute.. Cost: $37 pp, plus tax. Keep in mind the event is for 21+ and older. On February 13 Four Sisters Winery hosts “The Love Triangle Murder Mystery”. It’s the month of romance and Four Sisters Winery has a murder mystery storyline just waiting to be solved. There’s a cast of characters, a murderer, a victim and detectives to unravel the storyline. Bring your sweetheart for a scrumptious dinner of Chicken Parmesan with sides. A formal wine tasting with a selection of Four Sisters Winery award-winning wines followed by dinner, the murder mystery, & a delectable dessert. The event includes a complimentary souvenir glass. $45 per person, plus tax and service fee. Call 908-475-3671 to purchase your tickets.
For the full list of participating wineries, costs to attend, and details of the special offerings at each location, visit https://www.newjerseywines.com/events/category/winery-events/
The GSWGA is a coalition of nearly 50 wineries and vineyards across New Jersey, dedicated to raising the quality and awareness of the New Jersey wine industry. For more information, please visit www.newjerseywines.com
