DISCOUNT WINE CELLARS

Right on a beautiful stretch of river, frequented by swans and many other birds, in the quiet village of Mara is the Mara Station Retreat Centre. Here residential retreats are offered for people living with life-threatening illness and their partners or caregivers. Participants learn pain management techniques, meditation, nutrition and much more. The idea is to live with joy and meaning throughout life, no matter how little time one might have left.
The cost of retreats is high because of the professionals running seminars, the resources, the organic foods etc. The Society is non-profit. That's why they do fundraising, including a Chocolate and Diamonds Gala this Saturday the 13th in Salmon Arm, BC, at our elegant art gallery. There will be chocolate tasting, ballroom dancing, wine sold by the glass or the bottle by Recline Ridge (who are also donating a silent auction basket), a live auction, music, and the chance to win a diamond pendant.
I'm definitely going, but not because of the diamond pendant (worth $500 and donated by Enderby Jewellers), but because I'm on the fundraising committee and will be liasing with the MC, my friend Ron Langridge. I will also be dressing-up which is always fun, even when you're not a kid anymore. In fact, moreso because I hardly ever have cause to dress in anything but jeans and my favourite hoodie. I'll be wearing a low-cut strappy black dress, but don't let that scare you.
The communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby, Mara and others have been very generous in donating items for the silent and live auctions, plus goodies to taste. Most people relate to the Society's purpose since hardly anyone has not been touched by cancer, MS, Alzheimers or some other terrible disease. But even though the topic is serious, that doesn't mean we can't have fun, buy some great wine for our cellars, indulge in chocolate, or win a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for someone (just in the nick of time).
Which timing is usual for Valentine's Day, isn't it?

Labels: 96 bottle instant wine cellar, British Columbia, chocolate, diamonds, Discount Wine Cellars, Valentines Day wine charms, wine cellars, wine charity

The dreaded Valentine’s Day will be upon us soon. I am not bitter about the holiday but I don’t it see as much more than another day to stroke egos or make others feel bad because they don’t have a significant other. The only good thing to come out of the day is chocolate. This time of year chocolate comes in all different shapes, sizes, flavors and colors.

Matching wines and chocolates is an art. Some argue that chocolate distracts from the wine while others say it enhances it. It is recommended that the wine is as sweet as or sweeter than the chocolate you are serving it with. If not, the wine may end up tasting bitter or sour.

If you enjoy milk chocolate look to pair it up with a pinot noir, merlot, or a riesling. Champagne and sparkling wines go well with milk chocolate. Also consider making chocolate-dipped strawberries to kick it up to the next gourmet level.

If dark chocolate it more your style, match it with a cabernet or zinfandel. Pinot noir and merlot will also work well.

Next time you pull that special wine out of your wine cellar consider these pairing ideas and see what works best for your taste buds.

Labels: chocolate, Discount Wine Cellars, wine cellar, wine tasting