Napa Valley is synonymous with many indulgences, such as luxurious retreats, fine wine, gourmet fare, and more. Not the least of such hedonistic endeavors is an homage to the art of fine chocolate that entices silky confection lovers from far and away. Chocolate fusions have reached an unheard-of level of intricacy, versatility, and flavor complexities. The visual feast combined with an exotic range of flavors is nothing short of extraordinary.

More good news – chocolate has several properties beyond the obvious palatal pleasures – rich in caffeine, minerals, and the ever-popular antioxidants. In other words, indulging may not be such a guilty pleasure after all. 

Several “can’t miss” shops in Napa Valley are well worth a visit. Most are single proprietor or family-owned – legacy and passion-driven endeavors that are staples of this tight-knit community.

 

 

ANETTE’S CHOCOLATES

Ever since Anette’s Chocolates opened in December of 1991, Anette Madsen Yazidi, her brother Brent Madson, and Mary Stornetta have worked together to share their passion for creating a fantastic ensemble of handmade, artisan chocolates, truffles, brittles, dessert sauces and ice cream. Their award-winning chocolates are made with the finest ingredients, are locally sourced, and are known for their rich flavors and smooth textures.

Since opening their original location on 1st Street in downtown Napa, Anette’s expanded to a second location in the Oxbow Public Market, which carries a condensed menu of the shop’s most coveted items. Among the most popular are the Chocolate Truffles, available in a wide selection of flavors, the most popular being the wine truffles infused with cabernet, port, and brandy.

Anette’s award-winning brittles offer the perfect juxtaposition of salty and sweet flavors with exciting combinations, including nuts, seeds, coconut, and tortillas, and in wine country style, Chardonnay, Beer, and even Tequila.

And if ever a quandary was to be posed, it would be which of Anette’s delectable chocolate sauces to try on your ice cream, cheesecake, fruit, or as a chocolate martini ingredient. Along with the traditional Belgian Chocolate Fudge and Salted Caramel flavors, the Merlot, Cabernet, Amaretto, raspberry, or espresso-infused options pose a decision-making dilemma. // www.anettes.com

 

 

EARTH AND SKY CHOCOLATES

Christian Parks partnered with Robbie Schmidt, a brilliant chocolatier and a business development tour de force, to create Earth & Sky Chocolate. After switching from a real estate career to training as a pastry chef, Parks helped open several chocolate shops and subsequently founded his own – Earth and Sky. It launched in 2006 and has been gaining notoriety ever since. The ethos is to provide delicious and luxurious products with sustainability and sensibility in mind, thoughtful indulgence fused with a greater purpose of preserving the planet.

Earth and Sky celebrates the bounty of superb local ingredients. The proximity of the sources of high-quality ingredients serves as the impetus for the finest flavor confections. Bookending the valley, the two locations – Napa and Calistoga, are known for vegan and non-vegan bonbons, bars, caramels, and brittle.

The Napa location is a collaborative project with the Buena Vista Winery—offering a tasting room and Earth & Sky Chocolates experience. The majestic chocolate displays from Earth & Sky Chocolates and a tasting area and wine bar invite guests to enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon tastings alongside a decadent assortment of Earth and Sky chocolates. With flavor infusions such as apricot, bourbon, chai, jasmine, passion fruit, Earl Grey, cardamom, and many more, these creations are as distinct as they are delectable. // www.earthandskychocolates.com

 

 

FLOURISH CHOCOLATE

Chef Holly Peterson was on a passion-fueled mission to execute the most delectable, visually indulgent food served in the ultimately elegant environment, which led her to create Flourish. She studied at a prominent Parisian culinary school and developed an affinity for French cuisine, particularly “le chocolat.” She launched her business in 2018 after supplying her stunning creations to a charity event and realizing how well-received they were. From her kitchen in the tiny town of Calistoga, known for its spa treatments, she built a dedicated following that includes many distinguished clients. Holly’s one-of-a-kind, ultra-fresh, and delicate creations were included in corporate gift programs, weddings, and high-profile events. She uses the finest African cocoa bean to craft the silky smooth, handmade, hand-painted creations that are edible works of art. The staple is Robin’s Eggs, which made Holly famous, but dozens of other classic and eclectic flavors exist. There are a variety of shapes, from stars, golf balls, and fish to flowers, fleur-de-lys, and wine barrels. Nurturing oneself never sounded so good, especially in Napa Valley, a mecca for cultivating body and spirit. // www.flourishchocolate.com

 

 

KOLLAR CHOCOLATES

A local celebrity, Chris Kollar, personifies the definition of an artisan who has been collecting awards and accolades since the inception of his brand. Chef first, chocolatier second, he has in-depth insight into the world of flavor and crafts an array of impossibly elegant, flavor-forward, inspired, and artful selections that are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.

Seemingly contradictory, a visually stimulating symphony of shape and color can also be a source of comfort. It takes a special touch to achieve that. A classically trained savory chef, Chris was an executive chef at a prominent winery when he discovered his fervor for all things chocolate. He set out to execute his vision of creating singularly delicious chocolates that represent palatal luxury via locally sourced finest and often esoteric ingredients and quickly became a hit with the local community. Almost everything Kollar creates is exquisitely presented, whether it be his avante garde, colorfully decorated Bon Bons with unique flavors such as Fennel Pollen, Lavender, or Espelette Chili with Dark Chocolate Grenache, the whimsical “PB&J Pillbox,” filled with peanut butter and house-made raspberry jelly, or whiskey dark chocolate truffles made with Hanson distillery double barrel whiskey.

And how about this for transparency of the process? His Yountville shop features an open kitchen separated from curious onlookers, and customers can observe the process through a sheet of glass. If that does not compel one to pop in, the irresistible aroma will. // www.kollarchocolates.com

 

 

VINTAGE SWEET SHOPPE

The four-decade-old Vintage Sweet Shoppe lives up to its name, as it evokes nostalgic vibes and satisfies the sweet tooth; it also features wine and chocolate pairings and shopping for an ideal gift for a wine lover. The owners also happen to grow grapes, so they are experts at a perfect marriage of wine and chocolate. Located in the historic Napa Mill on the waterfront, Vintage Sweet Shoppe features a wide range of handmade chocolate creations and wine-themed gift items, such as chocolate-dipped wine bottles. A wine bottle of choice gets shrink-wrapped and dipped in chocolate, and voila- a favorite Chardonnay or Cabernet now comes with a huge bonus. Their most popular item is caramel pecan clusters, and there are some fantastic holiday seasonal treats, such as peppermint bark and peppermint truffle. // www.vintagesweetshoppe.com

 

 

WOODHOUSE CHOCOLATE

Woodhouse is a family affair that spans three generations of the native Napa Valley Anderson/Wood family. Their large assortment of artisanal chocolates is made in a historic 19th-century building in the heart of St Helena. Rooted in European traditions and infused with California wine country inspirations, it features rich, decadent, flavor-forward chocolates that both locals and tourists love. The shop’s idea was born while owners Tracy and John were studying in Europe. There, they discovered the allure of French chocolates and were determined to replicate it in all their glory and authenticity. The family values sustainability and ethically and locally sourced ingredients. The décor mimics the upscale vibes, with a gorgeous signature blue-box packaging that channels the allure of European boutiques.

Woodhouse Chocolate is dedicated to one core idea: the creation of the finest chocolates is an art that requires not only the skills of a chef but the eye of an artist, so every handmade confection is not only a treat for the tastebuds; they are also a feast for the eyes. Every piece of hand-crafted chocolate is beautifully displayed in their St. Helena chocolate shop but is also available to order or gift in a hand-wrapped box. Whether it be one of the milk or dark chocolate candies, a Fleur de Sel Caramel, a toffee bar, a peanut butter cup, or a coveted milk chocolate S’more, one can customize a chocolate experience or enjoy a wide selection of cookies or a piping cup of delicious hot chocolate. // www.woodhousechocolate.com