Wine Country is home to more artisan chocolate makers than you might expect, offering another reason to savor the region’s food scene.
Several chocolate makers operate in an industrial area of Windsor known as the Windsor Chocolate Block. Their creations go well beyond the ordinary candy bar, combining carefully sourced cacao, inventive flavors and meticulous craftsmanship.
Here are some of Sonoma County’s standout chocolate makers.
Many Sonoma County chocolates are also available at specialty grocers, including Oliver’s, Fircrest or Pacific markets.
Fleur Sauvage
Husband-and-wife team Robert and Tara Nieto opened Fleur Sauvage’s Windsor storefront in 2021, showcasing Robert’s artistic approach to chocolate. A former pastry chef at Madrona Manor, Bouchon Bistro and Jackson Family Wines, he creates the chocolates while Tara runs the shop, where customers can also order espresso drinks, lattes and hot chocolate.
370 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-892-2162, fleursauvagechocolates.com
Volo Chocolate
Jeff and Susan Mall discovered their passion for chocolate while living and working as chefs in Mexico. They began experimenting with flavors, developed a bean-to-bar chocolate recipe and, after returning to Sonoma County, launched their own business. Volo uses sustainably sourced cacao from farmers in Guatemala and Haiti to make its bars by hand. The chocolates are available at local retailers and online.
707-536-6764, volochocolate.com
Sonoma Chocolatiers & Tea House
The European-style drinking chocolate at Sonoma Chocolatiers bears little resemblance to a packet of Swiss Miss. Made with chocolate shavings and hot milk, with chile and almond milk available as additions, it is a rich, slow-sipping indulgence. Settle in with a cup on a rainy afternoon, or browse the shop’s extensive selection of bars from small-batch artisan chocolate makers.
6988 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-829-1181, sonomachocolatiers.com
Eye Candy Chocolatier
Sonja Schluter, a local ophthalmologist and trained chocolatier, launched Eye Candy in 2016 after years of making chocolate for friends and colleagues. Particularly fond of truffles, she trained at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Ecole Chocolate in San Francisco and the Callebaut Chocolate Academy. Her caramels and assorted truffles are available online and at a self-service kiosk outside the shop, which is open daily.
6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-888-0568, eyecandychocolatier.com
Steinhouse
Eric Dewit spent more than two decades working as a contractor after an early stint at the Côte d’Or chocolate factory in Brussels. Eventually, his passion for chocolate led him to open a shop in Mendocino, specializing in locally made truffles and imported Belgian confections. Today, he sells Belgian chocolate and other sweets at Steinhouse, a quirky, European-inspired shop in downtown Santa Rosa. The shelves also hold an eclectic mix of pantry goods, including French jams, Napa Valley honey and vintage-style beer steins.
631 Fourth St., Suite 18, Santa Rosa, 707-852-4083, steinhousechocolates.com
Mad Chocolates
Made in Petaluma, Mad Chocolate’s bonbons are sold exclusively at Barber Lee Spirits. Flavors include bergamot tea, blood orange and seasonal maple miso. For a more spirited confection, try the Manhattan-inspired dark ganache, made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters.
120 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-971-7107, madchocolates.com
Wine Country Chocolates
Betty and Caroline Kelly, a mother-and-daughter team, make truffles and other chocolates incorporating local wines, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port, as well as regional fruit. Popular flavors include Cappuccino-Tiramisu, Fresh Orange and Dulce de Leche.
14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 2, Glen Ellen; 414 First St. E., Sonoma. 707-996-1010, winecountrychocolates.com
Ora Cacao
Formerly known as Firefly Chocolate, Ora Cacao sources cacao from farmers around the world to make ceremonial cacao, a traditional drinking chocolate. Based in Graton, the company offers 100% cacao varieties, including Boundless Belize and Glowing Guatemala, alongside blends featuring spices and mushrooms such as reishi, chaga, cordyceps, maitake and shiitake. The cacao can be prepared with nut milk and incorporated into communal gatherings and personal rituals.
9101 Graton Road, Suite 102, Graton, 707-861-8504, ceremonial-cacao.com
The Chocolate Cow
This family-run shop in Sonoma’s Mercato shopping center has been serving housemade truffles, fudge, ice cream and other sweets for more than 30 years.
452 First St. E., Suite F, Sonoma, 707-935-3564, thechocolatecowsonoma.com
Rainy Day Chocolate
Rainy Day Chocolate produces award-winning nib-to-bar chocolate and offers weekend tastings and factory tours at its facility in western Sonoma County. Its chocolates are also available at select farmers markets, with delivery throughout Sonoma County and shipping nationwide.
6492 Mirabel Road, Forestville, 707-366-0420, rainydaychocolate.com
And Don’t Forget…
See’s Candies
A Bay Area favorite for more than a century, See’s Candies remains a reliable stop for traditional chocolates and boxed assortments. Local stores include locations at Montgomery Village and Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa, Lakewood Village in Windsor, Mountain Shadows Plaza in Rohnert Park and Washington Square Center in Petaluma. sees.com
Discover the sweeter side of Sonoma County by exploring its artisan chocolate makers, local shops, and distinctive food destinations. From handcrafted truffles to bean-to-bar creations, these local businesses are part of what makes Wine Country special.
Thinking about making Sonoma County home? Excellerate Real Estate is here to help you find a home and community that match your lifestyle. Learn more at Excellerate Real Estate.
