Celebrate with Local Chocolate

Candinas has been selling its signature boxes of chocolates on the Capitol Square since 1994. Founder Markus Candinas learned the craft as an apprentice in Switzerland. Favorites like champagne, ginger and hazelnut truffles ship throughout the U.S. in days.

CocoVaa Chocolatier founder, Syovata Edari, is a criminal defense lawyer turned international award winning chocolatier. While operating a small business has its challenges, Edari says that ”being a micro business has allowed me to build direct relationships with the ingredient providers in our value chain.” She takes a trip to Sassy Cow Creamery in Sun Prairie each week to get her cream and gets her 83% fat European butter from Grasslands Dairy in Greenwood, owned by the Wüthruch family. She often incorporates J. Henry & Sons bourbon in her recipes and sources other spirits from Yahara Bay Distillery. Plus she sources herbs from local farmers. CocoVaa Chocolatier is located at 1815 East Washington in Madison.

Gail Ambrosius left behind a career in cartography to become a full-time chocolatier and we are so glad she did. Her travels to South American cacao farms inspire chocolate flavors and techniques that preserve and honor the star ingredient. Her new location on Atwood Avenue (across from her former location) showcases ancient chocolate-making artifacts.

Madison Chocolate Company on Monroe Street is a treasure trove of gluten-free treats and innovative truffles. The London Chew features housemade caramel between gluten-free graham crackers and toasted coconut white chocolate curry. The Wall of Chocolates features international holiday delights as well as the best pure chocolate bars from countries like Vietnam and Brazil.

Roots Chocolates owner and fourth generation farmer Lisa Nelson crafts single-origin chocolates from fruits and herbs of the farmscape surrounding Wisconsin Dells. Award-winning chocolates include her chocolate mint basil and quince truffles. Find Roots at the Dane County Farmers’ Market.

WM. Chocolate is Madison’s go-to for dark chocolate bar lovers. Founder William Marx is committed to sourcing organic, whole-food ingredients from as close to Madison as possible. Find Dark + Salt with sea salt crystals harvested in the U.S. and Extra Dark bars at retailers like Good Day Shop.