Wine and chocolate—two of life's most indulgent pleasures. When paired correctly, they create flavor combinations that transform an ordinary evening into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a chocolate connoisseur, wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique date night, these nine destinations offer some of the most exceptional wine and chocolate pairing experiences in America.
From the Texas Hill Country to New York's wine regions, we've curated this list of venues where expert chocolatiers and winemakers collaborate to create memorable tasting journeys. Each location brings something unique—whether it's bean-to-bar chocolate made onsite, exclusive wine selections, or immersive educational experiences that deepen your appreciation for both crafts.
1. Hill Country Chocolate – Fredericksburg, Texas
What Makes It Special: Named "Best Chocolate Shop" by Fredericksburg readers, featuring nationally acclaimed bean-to-bar chocolates paired with exclusive DKM Cellars wines in the heart of Texas wine country.
Nestled in Fredericksburg, the epicenter of Texas wine country, Hill Country Chocolate has earned recognition as the premier chocolate experience in the Texas Hill Country region. The 2025 Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post Readers' Choice award confirms what chocolate enthusiasts traveling from around the world already know—this is where artisanal craftsmanship meets wine pairing excellence.
Hill Country Chocolate's Premiere Wine and Chocolate Experience has earned over a hundred 5-star reviews from guests worldwide, establishing it as a nationally acclaimed destination. Unlike venues that source chocolates from elsewhere, everything here is crafted onsite in their working chocolate factory, ensuring absolute freshness and quality control. The experience showcases both European-style and American-style confections, each meticulously crafted with premium ingredients.
The Premiere Wine & Chocolate Experience takes place in an elegant tasting room and features handcrafted bonbons and confections paired with carefully curated wines from DKM Cellars. The experience includes sparkling wine, artisanal charcuterie, and their signature "Wall of Bacon"—innovative chocolate and bacon pairings that challenge expectations about both ingredients.
What to Expect:
- Bean-to-bar chocolate crafted fresh onsite
- Exclusive wine selections featuring Texas and international varietals
- Elevated pairing experience with multiple courses
- Educational component about chocolate-making artistry
- Factory tours showing the complete chocolate-making process
- Direct online reservations and private tasting options
Best For: Couples seeking a romantic Hill Country getaway, chocolate enthusiasts wanting to see authentic craftsmanship firsthand, corporate groups looking for unique team experiences, or anyone visiting Fredericksburg who wants to understand why Texas Hill Country has become a destination for artisanal food and wine.
Pro Tip: Book the experience that includes the masterclass. Watching skilled chocolatiers work with chocolate from creation to finished confection adds context that makes every bite more meaningful. Plus, you'll understand why certain chocolates pair better with specific wines based on their production methods and ingredient selection.
Media Recognition: Featured in Texas Monthly and D Magazine
Location: Industrial Loop, Fredericksburg, TX (90 minutes from Austin, 70 minutes from San Antonio) Reservations: Required; available online at hillcountrychocolate.com
2. MarieBelle New York – SoHo, Manhattan
What Makes It Special: Exclusive "SoHo Wine & Chocolate Experience" with expertly paired wine flights and signature ganache chocolates in the heart of Manhattan.
MarieBelle has built a reputation as one of New York City's premier chocolatiers, and their wine pairing experience lives up to the brand's luxury positioning. Located in the trendy SoHo district, this intimate tasting offers carefully curated flights of both red and white wines paired with MarieBelle's signature ganache chocolates—known for their artistic presentation and complex flavor profiles.
The experience focuses on balance and complexity. Each chocolate is selected to either complement or contrast with wine characteristics, teaching guests the principles of successful pairing. The knowledgeable staff guides you through each combination, explaining why certain flavor profiles work together and helping you develop your own pairing palate.
What to Expect:
- Curated flights of red and white wines
- MarieBelle's artisan ganache chocolates with artistic designs
- Intimate setting in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood
- Expert guidance on pairing principles and flavor theory
- Available on select dates (advance reservations required)
- Premium chocolate retail selection for post-tasting purchases
Best For: NYC residents looking for a unique evening activity, tourists wanting an authentic Manhattan food experience, luxury chocolate enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates artisan confections in an urban setting.
Location: SoHo, New York City Reservations: Required; available on select dates through their booking system
3. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery – Finger Lakes, New York
What Makes It Special: Themed chocolate and wine events with curated menus by notable chocolatiers and chefs, combining sweet and savory courses with award-winning wines.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is legendary in American wine circles for pioneering vinifera grape growing in the Finger Lakes region. Their chocolate and wine pairing events match that pioneering spirit by creating immersive experiences that go far beyond simple tastings.
These aren't casual drop-in events—they're full dining experiences where award-winning wines are paired with multiple courses designed by notable chocolatiers and chefs. The menus blend sweet and savory elements, showing how chocolate can work in unexpected ways when paired with the right wine. Each event is educational, with winemakers and chocolatiers often present to discuss their craft and answer questions about pairing theory and execution.
What to Expect:
- Multi-course pairing menus
- Both sweet and savory chocolate applications
- Award-winning Finger Lakes wines showcasing regional terroir
- Educational component with winemakers and chocolatiers
- Themed seasonal events throughout the year
- Beautiful Finger Lakes wine country setting with vineyard views
Best For: Serious wine enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of pairing principles, foodies interested in innovative chocolate applications, or anyone planning a Finger Lakes wine country trip who wants a standout experience that goes beyond typical winery visits.
Location: Hammondsport, NY (Finger Lakes region) Reservations: Required for special events; check their event calendar online
4. Beringer Vineyards – St. Helena, California (Napa Valley)
What Makes It Special: California's oldest continuously operating winery offering the "Taste of Beringer Experience"—a 90-minute journey through wine history, culinary pairing expertise, and exclusive reserve wines in the iconic Rhine House.
Beringer Vineyards stands as one of the oldest and most iconic wineries in Napa Valley, with over 140 years of winemaking tradition. Their wine and chocolate pairing experiences leverage this deep heritage while showcasing contemporary culinary innovation. The historic Rhine House, built in 1883, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the stunning backdrop for their premier tasting experiences.
The "Taste of Beringer Experience" is an immersive 90-minute journey featuring six wines thoughtfully paired with five seasonal culinary creations crafted by their on-site culinary team using ingredients from Beringer's own organic garden. What sets this apart from typical wine country tastings is the emphasis on exclusive and reserve wines that showcase Napa Valley's best terroir, combined with chocolate desserts that elevate the pairing to an art form.
During the experience, a Beringer wine expert guides guests through not just the wines, but the principles behind food and wine pairing—covering concepts like balance, terroir, and tasting techniques. The intimate setting accommodates a maximum of 18 participants, ensuring personal attention and ample opportunity to engage with wine experts.
What to Expect:
- Six premium wines including reserve selections and Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Five seasonal pairings featuring chocolate desserts made fresh in Beringer's kitchen
- Walking tour of the historic estate and sensory gardens
- Expert-led education on pairing theory and Napa Valley winemaking
- Tasting in the elegant Rhine House tasting salon
- Seasonal menu changes showcasing fresh, often estate-grown ingredients
- Special Valentine's Perfect Pairing events throughout February
Best For: Wine enthusiasts who want to combine history with luxury, couples celebrating special occasions, anyone interested in understanding how California's oldest winery stays relevant through innovation, or chocolate lovers who appreciate when desserts are crafted specifically to enhance wine rather than compete with it.
Pro Tip: Sessions are available year-round with menus changing seasonally. At $95 per person (discounted for Beringer Club Members), book 2-4 weeks ahead for popular dates. The spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for the walking tour portion.
Location: St. Helena, Napa Valley, California Reservations: Required; book online through Beringer.com
5. Raaka Chocolate – Brooklyn, New York
What Makes It Special: "Wine & Chocolate Pairing Class" workshop format where you learn tasting and pairing principles while sampling single-origin chocolates with biodynamic wines.
Raaka takes a different approach than traditional wine-and-chocolate venues by offering hands-on educational classes rather than just tastings. Their workshop format teaches you the actual principles behind successful pairings, so you can apply what you learn to your own chocolate and wine selections at home.
The focus is on single-origin chocolates paired with biodynamic wines, emphasizing how origin and processing affect both products. You'll taste chocolates side-by-side to understand how the same cacao can produce vastly different flavors based on fermentation and roasting, then learn which wine characteristics complement or contrast those flavors. This analytical approach appeals to people who want to understand the "why" behind what makes certain combinations work.
What to Expect:
- Workshop-style educational format with interactive learning
- Single-origin chocolate tastings from multiple cacao-growing regions
- Biodynamic wine selections that emphasize terroir
- Learn-by-doing approach to understanding pairing principles
- Brooklyn factory setting with behind-the-scenes access
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention and discussion
- Take-home knowledge you can apply to future pairings
Best For: People who want to understand the "why" behind pairings (not just enjoy them), craft chocolate enthusiasts interested in bean-to-bar processes, home entertainers who want to host their own pairing events, or anyone who prefers educational experiences over passive tastings.
Location: Brooklyn, New York Reservations: Required; classes offered on scheduled dates
6. Aquila's Nest Vineyards – Newtown, Connecticut
What Makes It Special: Special pairing events featuring award-winning chocolates with estate-grown wines in an intimate Connecticut vineyard setting.
Aquila's Nest proves you don't need to travel to California or Europe to find exceptional wine and chocolate pairings. This Connecticut winery has built a reputation for creating intimate pairing events that showcase both their estate wines and carefully selected award-winning chocolates from acclaimed chocolatiers.
The events typically feature seasonal themes, with chocolate selections that reflect the time of year and complement wines from Aquila's Nest's own vineyards. The intimate scale means you get direct interaction with both winemakers and chocolatiers, creating a personal experience that larger venues can't match. It's this accessibility and genuine connection that makes the experience memorable beyond just the quality of wine and chocolate.
What to Expect:
- Estate-grown wines from their own Connecticut vineyards
- Award-winning chocolates from notable regional chocolatiers
- Seasonal themed events throughout the year
- Intimate setting with personalized attention from staff
- Educational focus on both winemaking and chocolate craft
- New England wine country charm with scenic vineyard views
- Support for local artisan food producers
Best For: New England residents looking for local wine experiences without traveling to Napa, couples seeking romantic getaways within driving distance of NYC or Boston, or anyone curious about the growing and increasingly respected East Coast wine scene.
Location: Newtown, Connecticut Reservations: Required for special events; check event calendar online
7. Grace Winery – Pennsylvania (Near Philadelphia)
What Makes It Special: Peaceful vineyard settings with scheduled pairing events featuring acclaimed Pennsylvania and regional chocolatiers.
Grace Winery brings wine and chocolate pairing experiences to the Philadelphia region, offering scheduled events throughout the year that pair their wines with chocolates from acclaimed local and regional chocolatiers. The winery is known for its peaceful, scenic setting—a welcome escape from urban intensity while remaining accessible to Philadelphia-area residents and visitors.
These events often feature Pennsylvania-made chocolates, supporting local artisans while showcasing how regional products can create distinctive pairing experiences. The relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation and experimentation, with staff helping guests discover their personal preferences rather than dictating "correct" pairings. This approachable philosophy makes the experience inviting for both novices and experienced tasters.
What to Expect:
- Pennsylvania wines paired with regional artisan chocolates
- Scenic vineyard settings that change with the seasons
- Seasonal pairing events with themed selections
- Strong support for local food artisans and producers
- Relaxed, educational atmosphere without pretension
- Accessible location near Philadelphia metropolitan area
- Opportunities to meet both winemakers and chocolatiers
Best For: Philadelphia-area residents, people exploring Pennsylvania's growing wine region, or anyone who values supporting local food artisans while enjoying quality pairing experiences that don't require expensive travel to traditional wine regions.
Location: Pennsylvania (easily accessible from Philadelphia) Reservations: Recommended for scheduled events
8. Biltmore Estate Winery – Asheville, North Carolina
What Makes It Special: Red wine and chocolate tastings in the iconic clock tower of America's largest privately-owned home, pairing estate-produced wines with custom-made artisan chocolates by local chocolatier Timothy McGuire.
Biltmore's Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting is hosted within the winery's iconic clock tower, where guests are welcomed into an elegantly appointed space with a glass of Biltmore sparkling wine before experiencing a delightfully decadent pairing of handcrafted red wines with locally-produced artisan chocolates custom-made by chocolatier Timothy McGuire. Biltmore
This experience combines the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate—America's largest privately-owned residence—with the sophistication of wine and chocolate pairing. The setting alone sets this apart: few venues can match the historic elegance and architectural beauty of the Biltmore Winery's clock tower. But it's the thoughtful pairing of estate-produced wines with chocolates crafted specifically for this experience that makes it truly exceptional.
Throughout the tasting, guides share insights about Biltmore's estate-based production facilities and what it takes to craft consistently exceptional wine from vineyard to bottle. The focus on luxurious flavors, scents, and textures creates a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond simply tasting wine and chocolate—it's about understanding how craftsmanship in both domains creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
What to Expect:
- Sparkling wine welcome in an elegantly appointed clock tower setting
- Estate-produced red wines showcasing North Carolina terroir
- Custom-made artisan chocolates by acclaimed chocolatier Timothy McGuire
- Educational component about estate-based wine production
- Historic setting within America's largest private home
- Access to Biltmore's extensive estate (requires daytime ticket or annual pass)
- Combination of luxury experience with Southern hospitality
Best For: History enthusiasts who appreciate pairing experiences in significant settings, Asheville visitors who want to add sophistication to their mountain getaway, couples celebrating special occasions who want memorable ambiance, or anyone interested in discovering North Carolina's emerging wine reputation.
Special Note: To participate in this tasting, guests must have a Biltmore daytime ticket, Annual Pass, or overnight stay at one of the estate's lodging properties, making this experience part of a larger estate visit.
Location: Biltmore Estate Winery, Asheville, North Carolina Reservations: Recommended; minimum age 21 Website: Biltmore.com
9. River-Sea Chocolates Wine Pairing Experience – Chantilly, Virginia
What Makes It Special: Intimate bean-to-bar chocolate and wine pairing experience led by knowledgeable chocolatiers who explain the conservation efforts and cacao farm partnerships behind every bar, creating connections between craft chocolate and ethical sourcing.
River-Sea Chocolates offers a wine and chocolate pairing experience where guests learn about the chocolate-making process while tasting exceptional craft chocolate paired with carefully selected wines. The experience includes demonstrations of how chocolate bars are made, with knowledgeable guides explaining the sourcing from sustainable cacao farms and conservation efforts. Tripadvisor
What distinguishes River-Sea from larger venues is the intimate, educational approach. You're not just tasting—you're learning about where cacao comes from, how it's grown, the farmers who cultivate it, and the conservation work that protects cacao-growing regions. This context transforms the tasting from simple indulgence into a deeper appreciation of the entire supply chain that brings fine chocolate to your palate.
The chocolate samples showcase distinct flavor profiles ranging from cherries to flowers to mocha, demonstrating how different cacao origins and processing methods create dramatically different tasting experiences. The wine pairings are carefully explained to highlight how they bring out new flavors in the chocolate.
The experience includes watching demonstrations in their production area, seeing the bean-to-bar process firsthand, and understanding the care and craftsmanship that goes into every piece. Guides field questions throughout, creating an interactive experience rather than a lecture-style presentation.
What to Expect:
- Bean-to-bar chocolate tasting from multiple cacao origins
- Carefully selected wine pairings that enhance chocolate flavors
- Educational component about cacao farming and conservation
- Live demonstrations of chocolate bar production
- Small-group format ensuring personalized interaction
- Behind-the-scenes access to production facilities
- Connection between ethical sourcing and exceptional quality
- Located in Chantilly, convenient to Washington DC metro area
Best For: Ethically-minded consumers who care about supply chain transparency, craft chocolate enthusiasts interested in single-origin cacao, wine lovers seeking unique pairing experiences in the DC area, or anyone who wants to understand the complete journey from cacao farm to finished chocolate bar.
Pro Tip: The small-group format fills quickly, especially for weekend experiences. Book well in advance and come prepared with questions—the guides are passionate about chocolate and eager to share their knowledge about everything from cacao varieties to fermentation techniques to conservation partnerships.
Location: Chantilly, Virginia (accessible from Washington DC metro area) Reservations: Required; book through Viator or contact River-Sea directly Special Note: Frequently sells out; booking 2-4 weeks in advance recommended