The 11th Annual Valentine's Wine Walk and Chocolate Tasting, sponsored by Main Street Tehachapi, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. This is the perfect time to join friends and sweethearts at the most romantic time of the year for a fun evening and a stroll around Downtown Tehachapi. Twenty-three host businesses will be providing appetizers in addition to the large selection of chocolates, so attendees can really make an evening of it.

The wine selections will include a wide range of white, red, dessert and sparkling which will be perfectly paired to compliment the chocolates made by Linda's Cakes and Things. As always, the chocolates will range from sweet to semisweet and dark and will be accented with fruit, nuts and other flavorings. Linda's chocolate truffles, which have been featured at past Valentine's Wine Walks, are always a big hit .

A special feature of this year's Wine Walk will be "Champagne on Main". Six of the pouring locations on Tehachapi Blvd. will be pouring six different flavored champagnes from Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. Rumor has it that the Depot may be pouring Sparkling Sangria.

As with the Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Walk in November, pre-sold ticket holders can pick up their glasses and maps at the Depot. Those who purchased their tickets online can pick up their glasses and maps at the future home of Stray Leaves Tasting Room located on the corner of F and Green Streets.

When attendees pick up their maps, they will note four brand new tasting locations along the route. Across the railroad tracks behind the Depot is Darlene's Real Swell Toys and across Green St. from them is the Tehachapi's Humble Collector. Be sure not to miss them. On F St. Oak Valley Appliance has been added and don't miss Go2Girlz on Curry just up the street from the Visitor Center.

Nick Smirnoff (NPPA)

Gale Caldwell prepares the Gallery and Gifts wine offering. Zinfandel from local Souza Family Winery.

Tickets are $30 each in advance and $35 on the day of the event. Advance tickets can be purchased online at http://www.mainstreettehachapi.org. In addition, tickets are available at the following downtown locations: Tehachapi Visitor Center, Get Dressed Boutique, Dressing Room, Dahlia's, Bliss Interiors and the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce. Checks or cash are accepted at all locations. You may pay by credit card online. On the day of the event, only checks and cash can be accepted.

The Valentine's Wine Walk and Chocolate Tasting is one of Tehachapi's more popular events so it is advised to purchase tickets early. The event has sold out in the past and Main Street does not want to turn anyone away. "We are really excited about the growth of the Wine Walks," said Main Street's Linda Pettit. "It means that we will be able to put more money back into the community."