By JULIE HARBIN/Community columnist

Love is in the air at Vizzini Farms Winery as they prepare for their annual Valentine’s Day Dinner. Nestled just off of Interstate 65 at the Shelby County Airport exit, Vizzini Farms Winery is an unexpected find in Calera.

Not only is there a working winery that is open for tasting and tours daily, there is also a Bistro that is open for lunch on weekdays, as well as Saturday for brunch. It is also a popular venue to host weddings, special events and corporate parties.

Founded in 2005 by Tom and Deborah Vizzina, Vizzini Farms Winery’s goal is to bring premium quality wines to Central Alabama. Tom continues to be responsible for the winery’s day-to-day activities.

“This is our ninth year to host a Valentine’s Day dinner,” Vizzina said. “Valentine’s Day is our most popular holiday.”

Chef Tom Cholakis has put together a four-course menu for the dinner, with three options for the entree.

“I want to build a menu that is well balanced, but also shows value,” Cholakis said. “That’s why we chose Lobster bisque as our soup starter, and crepes Fitzgerald as our dessert.”

Cholakis has been working in a kitchen his entire life.

“I left school when I was 12 years old to begin culinary training,” he said. “My cooking style is French influenced.”

Cholakis also offered wine pairing suggestions for the dinner entrees.

“With the pork tenderloin, I would recommend our pinot noir. For the grilled salmon, the pinot grigio. As for the lasagna, it could be enjoyed with our cabernet sauvignon.”

The Winery Bistro will be open for the Valentine’s Day dinner from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 14. There will be seating in the main dining room, as well as the veranda. The main dining room boasts a fireplace and will feature live music from an acoustic duo.

The four-course menu for the dinner is $59 per couple, and reservations are required. To see the full menu, visit Vizzinifarmswinery.com. For reservations, call the Winery at 205-685-0655.