WINE FESTIVAL & CHOCOLATE DECADENCE
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
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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. When it comes to food, he suggests people eat light meats such as turkey breast with a pinot noir because it complements the flavors of the meat and doesn’t overpower the taste of the food.
“Some wines are more universal and will go with just about anything, and some are more geared to certain types of food,” he said.
As for chocolate desserts, the Pechanga pastry kitchen will be offering a mix of sweets to go with the various wines such as pops, macaroons and brownies in different flavors. Deden Putra, the executive pastry chef at Pechanga, said he and his team combined dark, milk and white chocolate with several fruit flavors.
“You will see a lot of colors and textures on the deserts with a mix of flavors like citrus and raspberry,” Putra said.
Although he recommends that white wine drinkers stick with the milk and white chocolate, he doesn’t think there is a wrong combination.
“All chocolate pairs well with wine,” Putra said. “You just need to match the balance of the base of the chocolate and wine.”
Tammy Marine, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, will also be on hand, since proceeds from the event and silent auction will be donated to the nonprofit to help with housing in southwestern Riverside County.
Marine said the organization has been working with the casino since 2007 at this event, and she’s excited to be back among volunteers helping serve wine and treats.
“Pechanga puts on topclass events, and it’s wonderful to see people come out and engage with the decadence of chocolate and wine while supporting a charity at the same time,” she said.