Wine and chocolate get cozy again at Pechanga

Wine drinkers and foodies with an affinity for sweet and savory treats can indulge in an array of flavor pairings as the Wine Festival & Chocolate Decadence returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula on March 4.

The event features a combination of chocolates and other eats with a wide selection of local wines. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited 2-ounce samples of wine and spirits and unlimited finger food offerings. The food spread will be provided by the casino's restaurants: Paisano's Italian, Journey's End, Kelsey's, 1882 Cantina, Pechanga Café, Temptations Food Court, Garde Manger Kitchen, Blazing Noodles and the Pechanga pastry kitchen. Many of the food items are exclusive to the festival like bourbonglazed salmon, port-braised short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes and wagyu meatballs.

Andre Pinto, executive chef at Pechanga, said he and the other chefs chose menu items that would pair well with the beverages served.

“Our chefs usually pair the wine, so we have a selection of Asian, Italy and steakhouse flavors,” Pinto said. “We have two different finger foods and we balance one group with white wine, and the other is paired with red. You're going to have a lot of fun. We have a selection of amazing wine and food.”

Wineries participating in this year's festival include Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Wilson Creek Winery, Callaway

Vineyard & Winery, Maurice Car'rie Vineyard and Falkner Winery. Europa Village, the Temecula winery inspired by grapes from the traditions of France, Spain and Italy, will have a booth. It will offer three wines: a pinot grigio with a fruity finish; a syrah 2019 red with a bold, spicy finish; and a sweet red poco rojo.

Derek Smith, a sommelier at Europa Village, said that since everyone's palate for wine is different, it's all about finding that balance between sweet and bold flavors.