Sometimes these writing assignments for Woman Around Town can be downright grueling for a reporter. Take the recent “wine and chocolate” lecture held at Historic Boscobel, 90 minutes or so north of Manhattan, a house-museum which sits majestically on the Hudson River. Local chef and chocolatier, Oliver Kita, owner of a chocolate shop in nearby Rhinebeck, was the guest lecturer on a recent Saturday and took the appreciative crowd along on an entertaining tour of the where’s and how’s of the chocolate-making process.

Cocao beans, I learned, came from the cocao fruit. Now, I’d always known about the beans, and wondered how they managed to stay long enough on the vine to get picked. Weren’t there monkey-chocoholics about? Now I know better. They’re found INSIDE the cocao fruit which grows in countries near the equator, Venezuela and Brazil, for example. The beans are pulled from the fruit and then go through an arduous series of steps to be cleaned, roasted, shelled and crushed. (Another bit of trivia: the Swiss “crush” their beans longer, creating that “melt in your mouth” sensation. I always did like the Swiss.)

As we sat around lecture room, located in the lower level of the main house, we tasted various samples of chocolate, and a selection of wines. Some complemented the chocolate perfectly while others didn’t quite make the cut. We sipped a sparkling wine, a Zinfandel, a Pinot Noir, a Porto and a Sherry. Kita’s extensive knowledge of each of their strengths and weaknesses gave the crowd something to think about as we tasted and savored. The wine, we learned, brings out some of the layers of the chocolate taste, and vice versa. Some of the phrases used were difficult to comprehend, and led me to think that further investigation was warranted. A wine’s “nuance,” for example, is a hard concept to get, as well as its “aromatic note.” They are terrific terms, and probably do their job well. A few in the crowd seemed to get it and asked interesting questions, while others, like myself, were simply interested in how the two tastes blended together. What’s fascinating is that no two people will taste something the same way. It’s a very individual sport, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer or comment.

I don’t quite remember what combinations I liked the best. I enjoyed the afternoon, and frankly, lost my notes. I know that Oliver Kita knows his stuff, that he is a wonderful and entertaining speaker. The staff at Boscobel were gracious and welcoming, and you can’t ever go wrong by spending a day here. The views, the gardens, the history, and when you’re lucky, a bit of chocolate and wine. Just a terrific afternoon.

Their lecture series continues with more historic subjects. Though some have passed, they are still worthy of note, and something to mark for next year. On April 10, the subject was “George Washington’s Spy Ring,” presented by educator and writer Elizabeth Kaplan; April 17, “Local Tories” was discussed by Reverend Francis H. Geer from St. Philips Church, Garrison; and upcoming on April 24, learn about Benedict Arnold and his desire to bring down the cause for American freedom in “Rendezvous with Treason.” (This lecture is free, and begins at 10am. No reservation necessary).

In order for us to understand our country, and our world, it’s helpful to hear about these pieces of our history. It’s great to watch a television special on PBS, but it’s another be where the events took place, having the ability to ask questions, and enjoy it with like-minded history buffs. Don’t let these events at Boscobel pass you by.

Coming July 4 to the Boscobel Exhibition Gallery: CURRIER & IVES “On the Hudson.” www.Boscobel.org

Visit Oliver Kita’s shop at www.oliverkita.com