So many gifts have become cliché on Valentine's Day: flowers, dinner, and chocolates. Ho-hum. But combine those expectations with local companies—say, chocolates from Roberta's [2] paired with wine from Bonacquisti Wine Company [3]—and you’ve got an inspired present.

Roberta's, which operates from a small, pleasantly crowded shop in Highland, specializes in handmade truffles. I'm a fan of the dark cherry bomb, a dark chocolate truffle surrounding a not-too-sweet maraschino cherry, as well as the smoky spice truffle made with a smoked red pepper blend from Denver’s Savory Spice Shop. [4]

The cherry bomb pairs exceptionally well with Bonacquisti's velvety Old Vine Zinfandel, and the smoky spice truffle is tamed nicely by a chilled glass of Bonacquisti White Merlot.

Tip: Pick out your own truffle-wine pairing Saturday and Sunday at Bonacquisti's sixth annual, on-site, Wine and Chocolate weekend [5].

Roberta's: 4840 W. 29th Ave., 303-824-2069

Bonacquisti: 4640 Pecos St., Unit I, 303-477-9463