Scharffenberger Chocolate Factory Tour
9 ratings since posting on Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Overall Rating  based on 9 ratings |
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Do they give free chocolate? Check. Do you get to look at cool chocolate making equipment? Check. Do you smell like chocolate when you leave? Check. Do you get to learn a little bit about how chocolate is made? Check. Do you get to ACTUALLY WATCH THE ENTIRE PROCESS OF THE BARS BEING PRODUCED from the pot of molten chocolate to the assembly line of smiling workers putting the newly pressed bars into their pretty wrappers? Yes! And you are only a foot away from it all so you really get the full experience. I was totally tempted to stick my hand out on the conveyer belt and grab a bar! :) - Ruthy , posted 04/06/06 |
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The chocolate factory tour is probably one of my favorite things in Berkeley. Aside from the fantastic chocolate smell, there's free tasting of the various chocolates during the tour! And since Scharfenberger is one of the *best* chocolates in the world, (IMHO) this is truly something! Check out the Scharfenberger Cafe around the corner too for some fantabulous sandwiches and desserts. - LadyKalessia , posted 04/08/05 |
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Dark chocolate equals love:P When I first read about Scharffenberger in The Berkeley Planet a few years ago, my love of bittersweet chocolate and it's healthy properties became an avocation. While French Artisan chocolatier Bernard Castelain makes my all time favorite bars, Scharffenberger has the best American made bittersweet by a country mile. To break open a bar alongside a few organic walnuts and a glass of organic milk is my way to start the day! The factory is also located in a charming industrial part of Berkeley not too far from lovely Aquatic Park...all that's missing is Oompa Loompas. - Super Amanda , posted 12/14/04 |
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Unsu...
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Chocolate and sex. Chocolate is better than sex, Scharffenberger is better than Chocolate...sex is still better than Scharffenberger but it's a photo finish..aahhh. - Unsubscribed , posted 12/12/04 |
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Don't forget to sample these raw unprocessed cocoa bits! My only complaint is that the store was out of them. Scharffenberger is the only chocolate I use to make my famous brownies. - Brian , posted 12/10/04 |
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It melts your taste buds by the smell! Been twice and loved it. Also work nearby and constantly get wonderful sniffs of chocolate heaven! - PenguinGrrl , posted 12/09/04 |
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This what life is all about-Schaffenberger. make sure you get the pure stuff and cut your next store bought brownie mix with it...the kid's love it and they're getting antioxidants too ;) - Cactus , posted 12/08/04 |
 The bay area has a lot of winery tours, but not too many chocolate factory tours are offered. This one in Berkeley can be a lot of fun. After the tour you can go next door to the cafe Cacao and enjoy lunch or brunch along with your chocolate. 914 Heinz Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710 - Emmy , posted 10/12/04 |
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Because the tour is free and because Scharffenberger Chocolate is the best chocolate the United States has to offer, their tours get booked well in advance. I lucked out and got their on a Monday holiday when they happened to be open and had room for a walk-on like me. The tour started out in a room where you are told botanical and historical facts about cacao to the accompaniment of visual aids. You are also able to taste liberally of chocolate in its various stages, including cacao nibs. (Tasty!) Then you walk through the factory and see the various machines and processing stations. I was lucky that it was a holiday when I went through - the machines were silent. I'm told it's quite loud there when everything's in swing. I learned a lot on the tour and it's highly recommended for chocoholics. - Spidra , posted 10/06/04 |
