Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Local Chocolate
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re going to gift chocolate, it might as well be really good chocolate. Instead of grabbing a last-minute box off a grocery store shelf, treat your Valentine (or yourself—we support solo snacking) to something handcrafted by a local Virginia chocolatier.
From elegant truffles to nostalgic toffee and show-stopping chocolate desserts, these local makers are creating some seriously delicious sweets. Here are a few of our favorite places to find treats made right here in Virginia!
Hand-Crafted Bean-To-Bar Chocolates
Who knew that enjoying a quality dark chocolate bar could be so rewarding? For those of us in love with rich, hand-crafted chocolates, finding a handmade bar of roasted cacao beans to nibble on is as much an art experience as it is a culinary experience. Fortunately for lovers of quality artisanal food, Virginia has several bean-to-bar makers to choose from.
Image: Potomoac Chocolate
Potomac Chocolate
For over 15 years, Potomac Chocolate has been crafting 100% organic, fair trade, single-origin chocolate bars. Committed to protecting the environment and improving communities, they source the organic compound from a supplier that uses traditional farming methods rather than outsourcing overseas. Every purchase of a bar of Potomac Chocolate supports its mission. Purchase online, in select shops, or directly from their retail location in Occoquan, VA.
Sweet Treats From Virginia Chocolatiers
Show your love with an over-the-top indulgence. Your sweetheart will appreciate these hand-crafted locally made chocolates from Virginia-based chocolatiers. Choose from bonbons, gift packs, and assorted boxes of chocolates, or mix up a special chocolate bar with your favorite flavors for a personalized treat that shows how much you care about someone.
Image: Gearharts Fine Chocolates
Gearharts Chocolates
When Tim Gearhart started Gearharts Fine Chocolates in 2001, artisan chocolate was a rarity in the United States. He brought a global vision of fine chocolate making, gleaned from years of experience in professional kitchens to his Charlottesville shop. Today, the team at Gearharts Fine Chocolates creates distinctive artisan chocolates enjoyed by customers in their local shop and online.
Image: Cocoa Mill
Cocoa Mill Chocolate
Founded by Stacey Graham, Cocoa Mill specializes in hand-crafted truffles and other decadent delights. This Richmond, Virginia company has received national recognition as a creator of exquisite fair trade chocolates. The Wall Street Journal chose Cocoa Mill’s Edible Chocolate Valentine Truffle Heart Box as “Best Overall.” Other accolades are from Bon Appetit, CBS Morning News, The Washington Post, Virginia Living, and many more.
Image: The Royal Chocolate
The Royal Chocolate
The Royal Chocolate makes ethically sourced, all-natural gourmet chocolates and gifts. They believe that quality handmade chocolate is one of life’s great pleasures. From gift boxes to freshly-made truffles, hand-dipped fruit jellies, and custom wedding favors, they offer an unparalleled selection of tempting treats for every occasion.
Image: Warfels Sweet Shoppe
Warfels Sweet Shoppe
Elaine Warfel Stauffer is a second-generation candy maker and a third-generation farmer’s market vendor. And, since 1993, she’s been offering fresh, quality chocolates and other sweets to those in the know in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Warfels candies are all made the old-fashioned way: in small batches from fresh ingredients.
Shenandoah Fine Chocolates
Using fresh, local ingredients and time-honored French methods, Shenandoah Fine Chocolates is on a mission to handcraft artisan chocolates that are as memorable as they are delicious, their desire is for each bite of handmade confection to be a luscious treat. If you’re near Winchester, Virginia, check out their chocolate cafe, too!
More Ways To Get Your Chocolate Fix In Virginia
Here are other small Virginia businesses that have chocolate treats for your sweeties.
- Odyssey Chocolate, Charlottesville, VA
- River-Sea Chocolates Factory, Chantilly, VA
- Cocoa Vienna, Vienna, VA
- Cocoa Manna, Culpeper, VA
- Artisan Confections, Arlington, VA
Don’t See Your Favorites? Let Us Know!
We need your help! If you think we’re missing someone who should be on this list, send us an email at info@vafoodie.com and let us know!
