Chocolate & Wine Festival News

"Cheers to a Growing Tradition in Montrose"

Chocolate lovers, wine lovers, and those who love both, rejoice! The scenic little town of Montrose celebrates both passions at the Chocolate and Wine Festival on May 15th--the only one of its kind in the county.

The Festival takes place from 3pm to 7pm on Chestnut Street in downtown Montrose, which is easily accessible from I-81. Admission gives you access to unlimited tastings from half-a-dozen local wineries, which will also have wines by bottle for sale. There will be live music and areas to sit and chat. If you're interested in making your own, or just fascinated by the process, don't miss the wine-making demonstration. Local vendors of gourmet foods set up booths where you'll be able to sample and buy all kinds of products like artisanal cheeses, grass-fed meats, handcrafted mustards and dips, and baked goods. Other local products like soaps and decorative crafts will also be featured.

Montrose has become a lively home for artists and artisans of all types, and the Chocolate and Wine Festival brings together many fine creative talents. A juried art show will be on display at the Butternut Gallery and Second Story Books, in the historic Truman Lacey building. Prizes include $250 from the Festival for the best depiction of either chocolate or wine, awards from other community organizations, and $1,000 for best in show, so the show should be truly spectacular. Artists should contact the Butternut at 570-278-4011 for the Call for Entry form.

Once again, a unique Chocolate Quilt designed and stitched by Philippa Follert will be raffled, and other local quilts will be on display. The Chocolate Recipe Contest awards prizes to the best local bakers and cooks. Judging takes place at the start of the Festival, and the entries are a treat for the eyes as well as the palate--and as an attendee, you'll get to sample the winning entries.

Best of all, by attending the Festival you are supporting two deserving projects. Proceeds from the Festival go to the capital campaigns of Endless Mountains Health Systems (for a new hospital facility) and of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association (for a new library headquarters).

Come early to make a day of it and explore the lovely town of Montrose, fast becoming a favorite tourist destination in the Endless Mountains. Other activities related to the Festival include chocolate crafts for kids at the Library from 1pm-3pm, and tours of the chocolate factory at Chocolates by Leopold. Tours take place on the hour from 1pm to 5pm and include behind-the-scenes access and a chance to sample the most popular products. Specialty shops, antique stores, and restaurants fill the town, which was recently beautified with a new streetscape design.

This is a special year for Susquehanna County, which was founded 200 years ago. To honor the bicentennial, Chocolates by Leopold is producing commemorative chocolate bars. Each Festival attendee will receive one, along with a commemorative engraved wine glass to use and keep. Tickets are only $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Visit the Festival's website, www.chocolatewinefestival.com, to order tickets and get more information. You can also buy advance tickets at some of Montrose's charming businesses: The Butler's Pantry, Butternut Gallery & Second Story Books, and of course Chocolates by Leopold. For more information, please call 570-278-1230 or visit www.chocolatewinefestival.com.