Anniversaries in Napa Valley often involve vineyards and vintages. This year, one of downtown Napa’s most enduring names is raising a toast with chocolate instead of wine. Vintage Sweet Shoppe, a beloved local institution, is celebrating 30 years in business.

Debbie Dever opened her shop in 1995—long before downtown Napa had the dining and retail scene it enjoys today. “When I started, there wasn’t much here,” she recalls. Her storefront quickly became an anchor, a place both locals and visitors could count on. “I never imagined it would become part of the community in the way it has.”

Among the shop’s most popular offerings are the chocolate-covered wine bottles, a signature item that’s been featured on The Today Show, The Travel Channel, Bay Area Backroads, and The Food Network. Playful yet elegant, these bottles have become go-to gifts for celebrations, weddings, and milestones. “The idea came from wanting to create something that really represented Napa,” Dever says. “Wine is such a big part of life here, and wrapping it in chocolate just made sense. People are always delighted when they see them.”

But Vintage Sweet Shoppe is also about meticulously crafted truffles, barks, and clusters, all inspired by Dever’s mother, who grew up in Newfoundland and, at 94, remains a steady source of support. “She was the first person I called when we decided to buy the store,” Dever says. “She helped me develop some of our recipes, using a French style of candy making with more fruits and nuts and less sugar. That foundation has shaped everything we do.”

Every piece reflects Dever’s belief that chocolate deserves the same respect as the region’s wines. “Chocolate has layers of flavor, just like wine,” she explains. “When you use the best ingredients and take the time to make it right, people can taste the difference.”

Thirty years of longevity in Napa is no small achievement. Restaurants, boutiques, and even wineries come and go. Dever’s ability to sustain her shop speaks to both her creativity and resilience. Locals stop in for a treat on their way home from work; visitors discover it while wandering Napa’s vibrant downtown.

The 30th anniversary is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. Dever has watched Napa transform from a primarily agricultural valley to a globally recognized lifestyle destination. Through it all, her shop has adapted without losing its essence. “The valley has changed so much,” she says. “But for me, the focus has always been on quality and connection. That doesn’t change.”

Looking ahead, Dever is exploring new flavors and collaborations—always with an eye on maintaining the integrity that built her reputation. For her, chocolate is not a sideline to Napa’s wine; it is a companion. As Vintage Sweet Shoppe turns 30, it stands as a reminder that Napa’s story is not only about grapes. It is also about artisans who shape the culture. And Dever’s achievement is sweet in every sense.

For more information www.vintagesweetshoppe.com

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// Vintage Sweet Shoppe