Valentine’s Day alternative: A beer, wine and chocolate tasting event

Looking to get away from the usual date night vibe this Valentine’s Day? South Main Sweet Shop and Old Town Public House have just the thing: Pairings of wine, craft beers and, of course, deliciously decadent chocolate. Grab your date or your gals and you can taste the night away at the Valentine’s Day Chocolate + Wine/Beer Tasting.

Truffles and wine and craft beer, oh my! Here are my favorite choices:

(1) Snack: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. Sip: Coffee Porter.

Cozy up on a chilly evening with this perfect pair. The dash of sea salt and bitterness of the dark chocolate are perfect for the dark beer lovers

(2) Snack: Cherry Vanilla Truffle. Sip: Buttery Chardonnay.

On the lighter side, a smooth, buttery Chardonnay tastes delicious with a hint of vanilla and the brightness of sweet strawberries. Cut through the sweetness for the ideal bite!

(3) Snack: Raspberry Rose. Sip: Kölsch.

Love zesty, fresh flavors? This raspberry rose truffle is tart with just a hint of the floral flavor. A mild, light bodied Kölsch (sometimes with a hint of fruit) will definitely hit the spot.

(4) Snack: Thin Mint. Sip: Pinot Noir.

Mint is a difficult flavor to pair to begin with. Throw some chocolate in and things get even more wild. A mild Pinot Noir with not too much sweetness or dryness is going to be perfect.

Grab your tickets to this Cornelius event fast, space is limited. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

All the details

What: Valentine’s Day Chocolate + Wine/Beer Tasting

When: Feb. 14, 5-10 p.m. (with live jazz from the The Brian Burton Trio from 7-10 p.m.)

Where: Old Town Public House at 21314 Catawba Ave., Cornelius

Cost: $20

Photos: Claire Kuhlkin

This story was originally published February 12, 2017 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Valentine’s Day alternative: A beer, wine and chocolate tasting event."