Charles Chocolates
Upon entering the factory/retail store, we were greeted with a table full of samples (triple chocolate hazelnuts, triple chocolate almonds and orange twigs). Our tour started on time and lasted about thirty minutes. Our guide kicked things off with Charles' story (a self-taught confectionist who caught the bug after buying a bar of chocolate from Williams-Sonoma). She then proceeded to talk us through the steps of Charles' Chocolates from start to finish. We were able to see various machines and belts through large windows similar to those found at most Krispy Kreme locations. The chocolates are blended, poured into molds, cooled and then specially treated by hand. For an additional $10, you can participate in a tasting tour (We passed on this after munching on all those free samples!)
Scharffen Berger Chocolates
Scharffen Berger isn't a confectionery company. They make their chocolate from scratch, meaning they buy the cacao beans then roast, grind and blend them to make a number of different chocolate products. Founded by two men, Robert Steinberg and John Scharffenberger in 1996, their primary focus was on dark chocolate. The tour went into great detail about where cacao beans are grown as well as how they are harvested and treated before arriving at the factory. Once at the factory, the beans are processed left and right - ultimately resulting in chocolate perfection. We were able to see up close Scharffen Berger's method - the roaster, winnower, melangeur, conche, tempering unit and finally the molding line. Samples were given throughout the tour by staff that were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I am now a believer in Scharffen Berger Chocolates and recommend everyone (chocolate lovers and non-chocolate lovers alike) to take a tour today!
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