What happens when a winemaker and a chocolatier come together—and invite their teams to share expertise? The result is a thoughtfully crafted pairing, designed with intention from first sip to final bite. Welcome to a unique styling headed by local winemaker Steven Bowen for Charleston Peak Winery and local chocolatier Jean-Marie Auboine.
“We were inspired after seeing wine and chocolate pairing experiences in New Jersey,” said General Manager Jennifer Sela Bowen. “We tried theirs first, then searched for a local chocolatier and were thrilled to find Jean-Marie, who offers 40 to 50 flavors. We tasted so many. The process was enjoyable and a great experience for both our team—cellar, restaurant and tasting room staff—and Jean-Marie’s team.”
“Our vineyard is about 45 minutes away, and we also manage another in Northern Nevada,” Jennifer continued. “We moved here from Napa and brought our passion with us. Visitors are really enjoying the pairing, and beyond the tasting options, we also offer additional chocolates for sale along with a pairing guide.”
This Valentine’s Day, or any day you choose to celebrate with a loved one, take a scenic drive through mountain vistas, with snow often crowning Charleston Peak, before arriving at the expansive and welcoming Charleston Peak Winery. Here is what they have to offer in the pairing, and more:
Menu for White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc with Elysse—a Honey Saffron Ganache in Milk Chocolate
Symphony Moon with Valencia—Almond Praline in Milk Chocolate
Riesling along Passione—a Passion Fruit Caramel in Milk Chocolate
Desert Blush and Saigon—a Cinnamon Caramel Ganache in Milk Chocolate
Menu for the Red Wines
Left Bank Blend is paired with a Double Sea Salt Caramel—Sea Salt Caramel, Sea Salt Ganache and then enrobed in Dark Chocolate
Amargosa Blend with Calm—Turmeric and Orange Ganache in Dark Chocolate
Desert Moon with Rouge—Cassis and Red Berry Tea, Black Currant in Dark Chocolate
Malbec with Frida—Mexican Vanilla Bean Ganache in Dark Chocolate
Winery team members note that the dark chocolate selections are a favorite, as they work well for dairy-restricted diets. All chocolates are handmade and hand-painted.
For those who want more, there are four more chocolates to explore, and with the help of winery staff, more pairings. For those that prefer a bite before the sweets know that the owners of Charleston Peak Winery also own Amari Italian Kitchen so there is a special curated menu of dishes to go with wines by the glass or flight. Overall, the wine tasting menu includes two sparkling wines, five whites, two rosé, four reds, wine cocktails, and mocktails.
Charleston Peak Winery
3810 Winery Road
Pahrump, NV 89048
Open 11 AM to 7 PM daily, closed Tuesdays.
charlestonpeakwinery.com
Think you know wine and chocolate pairings? Think again. These curated matches—evaluated by the combined expertise of Charleston Peak Winery’s team and Las Vegas chocolatier Jean-Marie Auboine—redefine how red and white wines can complement chocolate.