Wine Tasting and Chocolate on a Sunday Afternoon

What better way to spend a gloomy Portland Sunday afternoon wine tasting and chocolate treats! After church and a delicious brunch at Manzanas, we drove to Newburg to Natalie Estates Winery for their Wine and Chocolate event. It's such a beautiful drive, no matter what time of year.  Lovely dark and milk chocolate treats awaited, paired with Pinot, and Zinfandel wines (among others).

These little tartlets were amazing!

It must be no accident that red is the color for February, when you need a major pick me up!  Red tulips and heather are such a great combination!

Dear daughter took a break for studying to join us. She's starting to write for a Lifestyles Blog that incorporates food and wine, so it was perfect! 

On our way to check out , we found ourselves behind this crazy rooster.  He insited on being right in front of the car.  Everytime he walked to the side of the road, and we tried to pass, he came right back to the middle of the road.  We all had a good laugh!

At the Torii Mor Winery, we found this unusual display of wine barrels, and some great reds.

The views are so spectacular.  They reminded me of Ireland.

Wine ageing in oak barrels.

What more chocolate?  We couldn't resist buying some homemade vanilla, toffee, and ...

 of course, Truffles to go with the wonderful Port we found here!

Oregon is the major producer of Hazelnuts, also known as Filberts.  There's many orchards like this nestled among the grapevines in Yamhill County.