Private Workshop in Chocolate Artistry
Experience the unattainable: An exclusive afternoon in a private chocolate lab!
Curious about what it takes to make fine chocolates? Forget what you know about store-bought sweets. This is an invitation into the inner sanctum of chocolate alchemy. Your party of up to 5 guests will step into Nanou’s Private Chocolate Lab, a hidden gem nestled in the Oakland hills, for an immersive, hands-on journey into the world of fine cacao.
Curious about what it takes to make fine chocolates? Forget what you know about store-bought sweets. This is an invitation into the inner sanctum of chocolate alchemy. Your party of up to 5 guests will step into Nanou’s Private Chocolate Lab, a hidden gem nestled in the Oakland hills, for an immersive, hands-on journey into the world of fine cacao.
Under Nanou’s expert guidance, you will transform from an admirer to a creator, using the same professional tools and techniques used by artisan confectioners.
During this hands-on experience, you will be introduced to every step of the chocolate-making process and actively participate throughout. Your journey begins by polishing your mold and creating custom decorations for the chocolates you will take home. Nanou will then demonstrate how the chocolate shells are formed, giving you insight into this essential stage.
After a coffee or tea break—allowing the shells time to set—you will select from a variety of fillings and learn how to pipe them into your chocolates. The final production step is capping the chocolates, which Nanou will carefully demonstrate.
While the molds cool for approximately one hour, guests may enjoy a short walk to take in sweeping views of San Francisco from the East Bay or relax in the lab while preparing boxes, discussing chocolate, and participating in a guided tasting.
To conclude the experience, you will unmold and box your chocolates—your own handcrafted creations from start to finish.
The entire workshop lasts approximately three to four hours and offers an engaging blend of hands-on learning, sensory exploration, and chocolate-filled enjoyment. Best of all, you will leave with a deeper understanding of the science behind chocolate-making and a beautifully boxed set of 24 artisanal chocolates you created yourself.
This rare opportunity is the ultimate indulgence for the creative spirit, an unforgettable afternoon that ends with the sweetest souvenir imaginable.
Inclusions:
- A private workshop with Nancy “Nanou” Philippine, owner of ItCanBeVegan.com at her chocolate lab in Oakland Hills to experience the basics of artisan chocolate making
- 1 box of 24 guests-made chocolates to take home
Limitations:
- INTL community only
- To be scheduled on a mutually agreed-upon date at least 1 month in advance
- Maximum of 5 participants
- Suitable for ages 12+ under the supervision of a parent or guardian. All minors must be accompanied by a guardian who is actively participating in the workshop. We kindly request a ratio that allows adults to assist younger guests (e.g., maximum 3 youths with 2 adults)
- No pets allowed
- Expires March 20, 2027
Donated by: Nancy Philippine