As snow fell outdoors, a wood-burning stove warmed the rustic hardwood interior at McLaughlin Vineyards on Sunday, February 8. Spreading a different kind of warmth were the chocolate and wine pairings, as guests sipped and sampled various flavor combinations during the season’s first Wine & Chocolate Pairing wine education class with Sommelier Lee Gentile.

As guests arrived at the front door after crossing a snow-covered gravel walk, passing mounds of snow covered seats and round tabletops on an outdoor patio, and stomping their shoes off, they entered the main room of the Alberts Hill Road vineyard building. Passing the wood stove with its flames aglow, they turned a corner and found a seat. Attendees last weekend, from Newtown and surrounding towns including Shelton, Bethel, Brookfield and Danbury, soon grabbed a spot at small tables set with sparkling wine glasses and plates of chocolates.

After learning about the wine tasting that day, Shelton residents Kathy and Rich Meehan said the event “sounded like something nice to do on a Sunday afternoon,” despite the day’s wintry forecast. Soon with a wine glass in hand and a glance at the snow outside, the Meehans and other groups of friends turned their attention to Ms Gentile, the vineyard’s general manager Dee Dee Lynn, and others including assistant Rocco Laudadio and wine consultant Art LiPuma. The four spoke with guests Sunday. Also with them was Donelle Toner from Grandma Jose’s, who presented the chocolates that day.

Grabbing a table facing the small wine bar were Margaret Lord and her son Colin Cote of Bethel. In a small room behind them were friends Meg Vertollo of Danbury, Melissa Fattibene of Sandy Hook, Southbury resident Alison Washington, and Kerly Fattibene of Brookfield. The four raised their glasses together for a brief toast. The chocolates available at each table included chocolate chips, chocolate covered potato chips, and chocolate clusters.

McLaughlin Vineyards regularly hosts public events for all ages. For additional information call 203-426-1533, send email to info@mclaughlinvineyards.com, or visit mclaughlinvineyards.com.