Specials, specials, and more specials

My select group of tasters and I covered two categories for you: wine and chocolate. Not a bad way to to business, I'm thinking...The chocolate was Trader Joe's organic. We tried both dark and milk chocolate varieties. Have to say both were unimpressive, with little flavor. Have to find something better there.We had better luck with the wine, a shiraz called Natural Blonde. This is from Fetzer in Mendocino County. You might notice the screw top before anything else. (Not up on screw-top news? Here's an article to start with; you will probably be seeing more and more of them.) A downside of screw tops is they can result in a rotten-egg smell when you open them, which can be cured by decanting. No such problem with this wine, the nose was fine, and the wine was pleasant, kind of a lighter weight wine. This one I'd have again.

In Australia, check out Definitely Chocolate. They have several selections of gift packages of organic chocolate, in a range of prices.

Actually, if I were buying for someone in Australia, I'd look at Rainbow Designs. Sure they have chocolate, but they also have gift packages including stuffed animals, bubble bath, all kinds of things that last longer than flowers.

In the U.S., try Mission Orchards or Hickory Farms for fruits and nuts, if your Valentine isn't a choc-aholic. Hickory Farms is offering 15% off your entire purchase through February 28 - just use promotion code 15OFF.

Of course, whatever your heart desires, so to speak, Amazon.com is always a good place to look. If there's nothing you like in the storefront itself, follow the Search option or the Go to Amazon link on the top right to access everything Amazon has. Try Belgian chocolate truffles ($22) or a truffle assortment from Sjaak's Organic Truffles ($7.93.) I even found a dark chocolate heart filled with vegan chocolates!

Coffee drinkers: CoffeeAM has introduced two new coffees, Organic Fair Trade Bolivia and Organic Fair Trade Guatemala to their lineups. Both are lighter roasts. With every CoffeeAM order, you currently get a free half-pound of chocolate mint coffee too.

Meat eaters: In the UK, Save the Bacon is so confident that you'll like what they send you that they'll waive shipping charges on all orders placed by 9am next Monday, 5 February.

And in the US, Lindauer Farms will send $20 of tenderloin tips as a gift when you purchase any steak pack.

Accessories: International Wine Accessories is offering free shipping on any of their glasses or decanters, as well as 20% off their new Schott Zwiesel Tritan Diva line of glasses.

Wine Enthusiast is offering 75% off decanters and decanting accessories. Why decant? Decanting mature wines removes bitter sediments, while decanting young wines softens tannins and develops aromas. Hurry on this one - it's only till February 5. They have a lot of other items on big sale too.

KegWorks is offering $10 off its Deluxe Portable Bar Set and much more, through February 28. Check this one out if you're having a party - they have all the high-end bar items plus the little party goods.

Wherever you are, you always have a good source of organic tips and tricks in Ideal Bite. Check out their Web site for a sample tip and give their newsletter a try - it doesn't cost anything, and you just might like it!