In the cold of winter there are two weekends destined to warm your heart on Whidbey Island. Feb. 9 and 10 and Feb. 16 to 18 are the dates for the eighth annual Whidbey Island Vintners Association’s Red Wine & Chocolate Tour.

Chase away winter blues and celebrate Valentine’s Day with two favorite things — exceptional handcrafted red wines and luscious handmade chocolate treats.

While the wines age to perfection in barrels and tanks over the winter, the vintners are busy sampling chocolates to create the perfect pairing of that decadent treat to their handcrafted wines.

Four of the island’s wineries will open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for participants, who, with a souvenir glass in hand, will visit their tasting rooms to see what is in store for them. Some tasting rooms also feature work by local artists, live music with local musicians and food. Some tasting rooms are at the wineries, and some grow their own grapes so you can tour the vineyards and farms.

Tickets are available at Blooms Winery Taste for Wine & Art at the Bayview Corner, Spoiled Dog Winery on Maxwelton Road, Holmes Harbor Cellars on Honeymoon Bay Road and Comforts of Whidbey on Witter Road, or from www.brownpapertickets.com/event/316256.

For more information, visit whidbeyislandvintners.org.