The year’s first Wine Walk adds chocolate to the menu

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

What better time to have a wine and chocolate tasting event than the weekend before Valentine’s Day? Benicia Main Street’s Wine and Chocolate Walk, the first of the three Wine Walks this year, is an opportunity for enthusiasts to sample vintages from California, Argentina, France and Italy — while also getting a good chocolate fix.

Twenty-one tasting stations will be set up in 22 downtown businesses for the Saturday event, said Deborah Meyer, Benicia Main Street event coordinator. And while there are familiar stops along the way for those who have participated in a Benicia Wine Walk — such as Roberto’s Fine Jewelry, Millinda Perry Salon and Angel Heart 4 You — there are a few new businesses, as well.

“New to participating are Timeless Memories, Chrysalis Skin Spa & Boutique, Dos Gatos Gallery and Luxe Hair Design,” Meyer said. “All are new businesses to First Street except Luxe.”

City artists have timed the opening of exhibits to the event, with Bonnie Weidel’s art on display at Jordan Real Estate, and Craig Britton’s work exhibited at Benicia Plein Air Gallery. In addition, Gallery 621, Dos Gatos Gallery, Lindsay Art Glass and Artcentric will give Saturday’s walking event an artistic flair.

Benicia Main Street works with a pair of wine brokers that also supply to local restaurants: Classic Wines and Henry Wine Group, the latter of which is located in the Industrial Park.

Participants in the Wine Walk, limited to 300, must sport a wrist band, and will be given a wine glass and punch card with a map of the locations of the wines.

An additional “sweet treat” is the pairing of chocolates with the wine.

Previous offerings, Meyer said, have been cookies, fudge, chocolates, truffles and fondues.

“Usually the treats are a surprise but our merchants do not disappoint,” she said. “Benicia Main Street will be offering See’s, of course.”

If You Go
Tickets to the downtown Wine and Chocolate Walk are limited to 300. Advance tickets, $25 for a single, $45 for a pair, are available at Benicia Main Street until 5:30 p.m. today, or 11:59 p.m. through the website, beniciamainstreet.org/benicia-events/wine-chocolate-walk/. Tickets will increase to $30 for a single and $55 for a pair, and will be available Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. at Benicia Main Street. All participants must be at least 21 years old.

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