While there will be many blustery days yet ahead, what better way is there to enjoy the season than to curl up in front of a fireplace with a glass of great local wines and some delicious chocolates?

OR…..

Who might be looking for a way to treat their sweetie with a visit to wine country as a pre-Valentines Day surprise?

The Chocolate is for Lovers wine trail is coming to offer an answer to either or both questions. Dates are Fridays and Saturdays, Jan.31, Feb. 1,7,and 8. Hours are noon til 6 p.m. each day.

Visitors will travel along the Wine Trail in northeast Ohio, and at each winery, will enjoy wine samples, appetizers and collect locally produced chocolates. Each traveler will also receive a candy dish and souvenir wineglass.

Advance reservations are required: at 800-227-6972 or OhioWines.org Cost is $50 a couple or $40 a single for a single traveler.

Several local lodgers are offering discounted room rates … and there are a number of livery services offering transportation services. Lists of hoteliers and livery services will be found at OhioWines.org under Trails and Events: Lodging and more.

Chocolate is for Lovers participating wineries:

Buccia Vineyards, Conneaut
Debonne Vineyards, Madison
Deer’s Leap Winery, Geneva
Emerine Estates, Jefferson
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Geneva
Goddess Wine House, Ashtabula
Grand River Cellars, Madison
Kosicek Vineyards, Harpersfield
Maple Ridge Vineyard, Madison
Old Firehouse, Geneva on the Lake
Old Mill Winery, Geneva
Lakehouse Inn & Winery, Geneva-on-the-Lake
The Winery at Spring Hill, Geneva
Virant Family Winery, Geneva