FETZER HOSTS 15TH ANNUAL RED WINE AND CHOCOLATE SPECTACULAR

Hopland, Mendocino County (January 11, 2000) - In honor of Valentine's Day and all things romantic, the 15th Annual Red Wine & Chocolate Spectacular will be held at the Fetzer Tasting Room & Visitor Center in Hopland on Saturday and Sunday, February 12 and 13, from 11 AM-4 PM.

Pairing red wine with chocolate is a subject of debate in certain culinary circles; however, Fetzer Vineyards Culinary Director John Ash is willing to share the delicious secret of matching these two tastes. "A Pinot Noir might not be gutsy enough to stand up to chocolate," says Ash, a noted author and TV and radio personality, "but a rich Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon (wines that often have more concentrated, ripe fruit) contains flavors that will complement chocolate, especially dark chocolate."

With that in mind, the Fetzer winemaking staff will be pulling samples of current releases and yet-to-be-released wines right out the barrel, to be paired with plenty of samples of Scharffen Berger Chocolates, Ghirardelli Chocolates, and a selection of chocolate-dipped strawberries and homemade truffles. There will also be fresh cut flowers and live music, along with a showing of local art. Guests will also enjoy special "Red Wine & Chocolate Weekend" pricing on wines throughout the event.

The Fetzer Tasting Room & Visitor Center is located at 13601 Eastside Road and Highway 175, one mile east of Hopland. Hours for the two-day event are 11 AM-4 PM. Admission is free; however, there will be a $10 charge for five tasting tickets. The tasting fee includes a commemorative wine glass. For more information, please call
(800) 846-8637.

Contact:
Sid Goldstein 415/444-7441 or 800/945-9463, x7441
Sid_Goldstein@B-F.com
or Sara Moore Cummings
415/444-7426 or 800/945-9463, x7426
or Sara_Cummings@B-F.com