Chocolate tastings, classes offer sweet experiences around metro Atlanta

Ray Bitzel opened his 7,000-square-foot chocolate factory in Suwanee last January, complete with gelato, a chocolate path, and glass walls that showcase the chocolate-making action.

For a romantic date night, consider booking a chocolate and wine pairing class. Over the course of about two hours, participants work through five to six chocolate and Georgia wine pairings with an explanation of flavor notes, Bitzel said. In the past, they’ve included caramel chocolate, Belgian white chocolate and even the distinct ruby and gold chocolate varieties.

For those who prefer to make their own chocolate, the Oompa Loompa experience is “just all fun,” Bitzel said. This event is all about dipping strawberries, making chocolate truffles and maybe stealing a few bites here and there, and it’s more suitable for families with children 10 years and older.

People who have a passion for chocolate will be interested in the Chocolate 101 class where they can learn the science behind these magical desserts and go through the process in more technical terms — expect to hear words like “temper” and “bloom.” Participants will still dip strawberries, but they’ll learn how to do it like the professionals. This class also offers hands-on opportunities to use some of the actual equipment. “If you’re a foodie or a culinary person, they tend to like that a little bit more,” Bitzel said.

$69-$89 per person. 453 Northolt Parkway, Suwanee. 770-758-1550, bitzelschocolate.com/pages/experiences-tours

Credit: Courtesy of Xocolatl

Credit: Courtesy of Xocolatl

Xocolatl

This small-batch chocolate shop from husband-wife duo Matt Weyandt and Elaine Read operates a storefront at Krog Street Market where it sells chocolate bars, bonbons, coffee and hot chocolate. For an inside look at the bean-to-bar process, guests can book a chocolate tasting at Xocolatl’s chocolate factory. The hourlong experience walks attendees through its single-origin dark chocolate collection as well as the process of farming, processing and trading cacao.

$27 per person. 7 p.m. Fridays. 2 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 448 Ralph D Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-333-8562, xocolatlchocolate.com/pages/chocolate-events

Credit: Courtesy of Chamberlain's Chocolate

Credit: Courtesy of Chamberlain's Chocolate

Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory

Gather some friends and bring a bottle of wine for this adults-only chocolate class. Attendees don their chef hats and begin the class with a seven-piece chocolate tasting. Throughout the two-hour experience, expect to make chocolate bark, chocolate covered strawberries with toppings and six truffles using Chamberlain’s handmade ganache.

For a more family-friendly experience, consider the Make Your Own Chocolate Bar event, which is open to people of all ages. Participants make a large chocolate bar with fillings, toppings and their own candy wrapper. The class is about 90 minutes long and also includes four chocolate tastings.

Both events occur one evening per month and can accommodate people with many food allergies as long as guests notify Chamberlain’s ahead of time.

$70 per person for adult class, $30 per person for family class. 1575 Old Alabama Road, Roswell. 678-728-0100, chamberlainschocolate.com/pages/events

Credit: Courtesy of Jardi Chocolates

Credit: Courtesy of Jardi Chocolates

Jardi Chocolates by Jocelyn

Pastry chef Jocelyn Gragg has devoted her life to the delicate, colorful bonbons she makes at her workshop in Chamblee. This two-hour private class for ages 16 and older offers a condensed glimpse into the life of a chocolate maker.

Attendees learn about the techniques Gragg uses to color and design the vibrant chocolate shells, then each person receives a mold with 21 holes that they paint, coat with chocolate and pipe with a filling.

Gragg selects and prepares four different fillings for guests to use before the class. She said she tries to include a few fruity fillings as well as some dark chocolate and white chocolate flavors. After filling the molds, the chocolate sets in the refrigerator while Gragg walks the group through a tasting and description of various chocolates.

Finally, participants design their boxes and remove the chocolates from the mold, which will usually result in about 12-20 successful pieces they can take home, she said. While Gragg can’t provide alcohol, she does have wine glasses on hand if customers choose to bring their own, and she can suggest pairings for the chocolates.

To book a class, fill out the contact form on Gragg’s website and provide a few date and time options.

$95 per person. 3400 W. Hospital Ave., Chamblee. jardichocolates.com/pages/chocolate-making-classes

Credit: Courtesy of Temo Foods

Credit: Courtesy of Temo Foods

Temo Foods

Chocolatier Thomas Numprasong, owner of Temo Foods, offers a range of private cooking classes, including a chocolate-making experience. Numprasong brings the chocolate factory to your house with a minimum of four attendees required.

During the three-hour class, Numprasong leads guests in making hand-rolled chocolate with toppings like cocoa nibs or toasted nuts. Participants also create molded chocolates with different fillings and airbrushed shells using paint brushes and colored cocos butters. At the end of the class, guests take home a box of 15 chocolates.

During the session, attendees learn how chocolate is made, try a range of chocolate samples and enjoy the small charcuterie plates Numprasong provides for a savory snack.

“You really learn from firsthand experience how to do something very artisanal,” he said.

To book a class, fill out the contact form on Temo Foods’ website and Numprasong will contact you directly.

$125 per person. temofoods.com/services

Sign up for the AJC Food and Dining Newsletter

Read more stories like this by liking Atlanta Restaurant Scene on Facebook, following @ATLDiningNews on X and @ajcdining on Instagram.