Say it with truffles

Selections from Artisan Confections, left, Co Co. Sala, top right, and Biagio Fine Chocolate. (Bill O'Leary - The Washington Post)

Assuming you can actually leave your house sometime during the next week, you may want to pick up a box of chocolates for your Valentine. While most people were adopting New Year's resolutions and slimming down in early January, Julia was out scarfing down sweets to bring you this brand new list of the best chocolate shops in town.

The Chocolate Lovers festival in Fairfax has been postponed until March 6-7, but there are more events coming next weekend for those who just can't pass up the good stuff.

The National Museum of the American Indian goes back to its roots with the annual, two-day Power of Chocolate festival celebrating early Aztec and Mayan innovations in chocolate. Set for Feb. 13-14, the festival features Peruvian dancers, talks about the tradition of chocolate and opportunities for kids to grind cacao beans and make hot cocoa. While supplies last, there will be candy giveaways, too, so get there early. Take the whole family, because admission is free.

For a chocolate event to do a deux, Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville is hosting chocolate and cabernet pairings on Feb. 13-14 in its intimate barrel room, which will be decorated with candles and roses for the occasion. For $30 a person, you'll get eight hearty pours of cabernet paired with exotic truffles and treats from Chocolaterie Wanders. It's a 45-minute tasting, so if you want to make a day of it, come early and stay for lunch or wine in the tasting room, or ask the attendant about nearby restaurants when you reserve your space. (800-492-9961).

-- Lavanya Ramanathan and Julia Beizer