TASTE

Taste lots of chocolate! Several authors have written about the practice of tasting. See our book list for texts that offer tips on how to explore.

 

VISIT

Visit a local chocolatier or retailer to find chocolate and learn from them. Many chocolatiers offer tours or classes; some are even available for consulting or apprenticeship opportunities. See our map to locate one near you.

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SHOP

Shop online or at a local chocolate shop.

 

See our map for ideas.

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The Academy of Chocolate, Good Food Awards, and International Chocolate Awards all provide starting points for exploring fine chocolate. Each awards program has different criteria and judging protocol if you want to get geeky and explore the variety. Judge the products for yourself by tasting through a sampling of the finalists or winners.

 

ATTEND

• A guided tasting event. Stay tuned for more details on how and where to find one

• A Fine Chocolate Industry Association meeting

• The Chocolate Makers Unconference and Northwest Chocolate Festival

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CONNECT

The Chocolate Life and the Well Tempered Facebook group provide online forums for discussion and are frequented by chocolatiers.

 

STUDY

• Ecole Chocolat’s online Professional Chocolatier Program

• L’École Valrhona Professional Classes

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