It’s a dreamy mix — wine and chocolate — and the city of Lodi dedicates an entire weekend to the delectable pairing. More than 45 wineries throughout the appellation will participate in the delicious fun Feb. 7-9, with wine and chocolate pairings curated by each. Get your tickets — $45-$65 — at https://lodiwineandchocolate.com, then plot out your itinerary. Here’s our guide to a perfect weekend.

Party Friday

For the first time in this festival’s 23-year run, several wineries are starting the celebration early with five exclusive events. Separate tickets ($100 each, advance purchase by Jan. 23 required) are needed for these VIP dinners and tastings, which include an All White Valentine Night Acquiesce Winery, which is known for its all-white wine portfolio, a dessert-only adventure at M2 Wines, a vertical port tasting paired with chocolate foods at St. Amant Winery, and a winemaker dinner and barrel tasting at D’Art Wines.

Chocolate and wine are a sublime pairing at the 2020 Lodi Wine & Chocolate fest, but some wineries go all out with savory bites, too. (Courtesy Codi Ann Backman for the Lodi Winegrape Commission) 

Start Saturday with brunch

It’s always a good idea to fill your stomach before filling your glass, especially when it comes to a long wine-tasting weekend like this one. One of Lodi’s newest hot spots is Bubbles ‘n’ Birds, a chic, chandelier-adorned Champagne bar with brunch service that starts at 10 a.m. on weekends. Don’t miss the fried chicken and waffles ($18) served with a grilled watermelon salad — and, perhaps, a glass of bubbles. Details: Open for weekend brunch and dinner Wednesday-Saturday at 117 W. Elm St. in Lodi; https://bubblesnbirds.com

Sample seven

It’s impossible to fit all 45+ wineries into one weekend, of course, but some of this festival’s wine and chocolate experiences are just too tempting to pass by. Add one or two (or seven) of these to your weekend itinerary.

d’Art Wines: This winery goes all out for wine and chocolate weekend with the promise of chocolate chili. That may sound strange, but we know it will channel the flavors of Mexican molé. While you’re there, sample the Lodi Love red wine blend and try a few wines straight from the barrel. Details: 13299 N. Curry Ave., Lodi; www.dartwines.com.

Visit the wine country during Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate festival and you can taste Michael David Winery’s Freakshow Zinfandel paired with Freakshow brownies and raspberry coulis. (Michael David Winery) 

Cellardoor by Michael David Winery: This downtown tasting room offers wines from both Michael David and Van Ruiten. Stop by to pair the famous Freakshow Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon with Freakshow brownies finished with raspberry coulis. There will be live music, too. Details: 21 N. School St., Lodi; https://michaeldavidwinery.com.

Estate Crush: Come by when you’re ready for lunch. This winery will be serving tri-tip with a port reduction, as well as doing wine-tastings. And this weekend gives everyone not only honorary club member status, but club member discounts, too. Details: 2 W. Lockeford St., Lodi; http://estatecrush.com

Grace Vineyards: Another hearty stop for the lunch crowd, this winery is going savory with cabernet demi-glace meatballs and basil mashed potatoes. And chocolate, of course. Details: 28001 N. Nichols Rd., Galt; http://gracevineyards.net

Langetwins Family Winery & Vineyards: Burn some calories and learn to line dance from a pro (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday) before chowing down on brie-chocolate-basil paninis. Details: 1525 E. Jahant Road, Acampo; https://langetwins.com

Lodi’s LangeTwins is run by a fifth-generation Lodi winegrowing family. (Jackie Burrell/Bay Area News Group) 

Prie Winery: Speaking of adding an interactive, non-wine element to the day, stop by Prie and check out the decorate-your-own cookie bar. Details: 15629 Alpine Road, Lodi; www.priewinery.com

Bokisch Vineyards: Don’t miss this winery, which is celebrated for its Spanish-style wines and gorgeous view. They’ll be serving hot churros and thick, Spanish-style hot chocolate, a nod to the winery’s Spanish roots. Insider tip: Make this your last stop of the day and you can kick back at a fire pit and watch the sun set over Lodi’s vineyard-dotted hills. Details: 18921 Atkins Road, Lodi; www.bokischvineyards.com

Take a DD

Stay safe! Wine & Chocolate weekend offers designated drivers hot chocolate bars and plenty of alcoholic-free sweet treats to enjoy, too. If you don’t have a DD in your group, consider booking a ride with Sip Shuttle, which offers winery tours and transport; https://sipshuttle.com.