Optimistic White Heron owner rewarded with 20th anniversary

QUINCY — Chocolate and wine lovers will have a chance to indulge in their passions come Valentine's Day.

For the sixth year in a row, White Heron Cellars Winery is joining other area wineries in holding Red Wine & Chocolate, as well as celebrating the 20th anniversary of White Heron wine with a vertical tasting of four different years of Pinot Noir.

White Heron owner Cameron Fries said in a statement his winery would be working with Cascade Catering, one of the guest chefs it paired with for the winery's guest chef night over the summer, "for the voluptuous pairing of rich red wine and silky dark chocolate."

For Red Wine & Chocolate, the winery's 2003 Pinot Noir will be paired with bittersweet chocolate and raspberry triangles. The 2002 Cabernet Franc will be poured with a chocolate nut praline covered with chocolate mousse.

For the vertical tasting, the winery will open bottles of Pinot Noir from 1988, 1990, 1993 and 1998.

"We'll only open two bottles of each of the older wines, so come by early to make sure you get a taste," Fries said in his release.

Of reaching the 20th anniversary, Fries said, "It happened so fast, I haven't really had a chance to do something about it." Noting that many people observe anniversaries during their 10th and 15th years, Fries added, "I figure we at least have to do something for the 20th."

The winery got its start not in its present location in Quincy, but out of an old gas station in George, which he said is now Snapco Electric. But Fries said he knew he would make it to his 20th anniversary, even back then.

"You have to be an optimist to go into this business," he said. "I actually figure, five generations from now, the family will still be running it."

The events will take place the weekend before Valentine's Day, Feb. 11 and 12. White Heron Cellars will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. There will be a charge of $5 per person for the chocolate and wine and a fee of $5 for the vertical tasting.

"For $20 a couple will enjoy a truly gourmet experience," Fries said, adding other wineries in the area will also be pairing red wine and chocolate. Visit www.columbiacascadewines.com for more information.