Chocolate: From Bean to Bar

Follow chocolate’s journey from cacao pod to finished bar in this in-person culinary arts tasting class at Longwood Gardens. Participants will see a fresh cacao pod opened, sample roasted cacao beans, and taste chocolate at different stages while learning how genetics, fermentation, processing, and expert craftsmanship influence flavor.

The class is led by chocolate sommelier Estelle Tracy, who founded 37 Chocolates after discovering the world of bean-to-bar chocolate. Each participant will also take home a single-serving bag of cacao tea.

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Showtimes: 1:30–3:00 p.m.

Venue: Longwood Gardens

Location: Grove Studios 104 & 105

Format: In-person culinary arts class

Instructor: Estelle Tracy, a Kennett Square–based chocolate sommelier, author, and founder of the chocolate education company 37 Chocolates

Experience: Learn about cacao and bean-to-bar chocolate through a guided tasting featuring carefully selected craft chocolates. The class explores how cacao genetics, fermentation, roasting, and chocolate-making expertise shape the flavors in the finished product.

Take-home item: Each participant receives a single-serving bag of cacao tea.

Tickets: $65; $58 for Longwood Gardens members and Innovators

Registration deadline: October 25, 2026

Cancellation policy: Registrations may be canceled up to two weeks before the event for a refund of the registration fee minus a $30 processing fee. Cancellations can be submitted by email or by calling 610-388-5454.