That's an interesting phrase your friend used, "doctrinal issues." Mainstream Christians leave one denomination in favor of another over doctrinal issues all the time. They are not sinning (well, not any more than usual, lol) they are not offended, nor are they lazy. They simply disagree with their former church's doctrine, while finding a better fit with a different denomination. So I would say that the use of that phrase is very enlightened on the part of your friend. It bodes well!
Chocolate wine sounds gross. There's some chocolate liqueur that's worth trying, but you have to let me know if you progress on to the harder stuff before I start throwing out those recommendations.
Glad to hear you have some real friends. All the Mormons I know are the same way, but since I'm NOT a Mormon it would make sense that I would really only have the opportunity to make friends with the open minded and cool ones.