Having officially opened their doors on April 12, 2019,
Barossa Valley Chocolate Company (
BVCC) made history by becoming the first chocolaterie and cellar door of its kind to add to the glorious wonders of the wine-loving region of the Barossa Valley.
The rainbow packaging of chocolate (photo by Fatema Sitabkhan)
Located just over an hour away from Adelaide and surrounded by a picturesque view of the vineyards that supply some of the finest drops in the State through
Vineyard Road, the 5.5 million dollar project that has been in the making for the last 5 years marries an impeccable design and structure by the collaborative efforts of local architect Jamie Gladigau (
JBG Architects) and
Ahrens.
As you walk through the chocolate store that is adorned in rainbow packaging of different chocolates throughout their space, customers can also see a real-time production of chocolate being made in the signature chocolate kitchen. There is also a private cellar, an amphitheatre and a landscaped area for fun and frivolity to prevail in abundance throughout the estate, so there's something for everyone to enjoy in this family-friendly establishment.
The chocolate kitchen, where the magic happens (photo by Fatema Sitabkhan)
With a team of 57 employees (30 full time, 27 casual) across construction, retail, and hospitality,
BVCC hopes to provide their customers with a one-of-a-kind chocolate experience to bring the most prime of flavours of chocolate that are inspired by CEO
Chris Day & wife Sandy's travel adventures around the world, including places such as Bariloche (Argentina), Florence (Italy), Napa Valley (USA) Bruges (Belgium), and Daintree (Australia).
Seven chocolatiers, including Head Chocolatier
Amy Sajinovic, are in charge of creating the versatile range of over 250 flavours of chocolate (including the ever-so-rare ruby chocolate that is sourced from Sydney), which has been created and perfected over the last 12 months.
(photo by Fatema Sitabkhan)
No chocolate factory is complete without a chocolate fountain and
BVCC delivers in that aspect by allowing customers to be welcomed by an overflowing feature fountain that undoubtedly won the hearts of adults and children alike. There is also
Benni's Cafe, which has been named after their mascot - an adorable koala - and can accommodate around 150 people at one time and serves locally sourced and produced meals and drinks. There's also an icecreamery with freshly-made Gelato, which is particularly refreshing to enjoy on a warm day.
Fresh cauliflower-based dish (photo by Fatema Sitabkhan)
Pizzas galore (photo by Fatema Sitabkhan)
Whether you're a local of the Barossa Valley region or are looking to make the most of your trip to the beautiful wine region,
BVCC has your culinary and chocolate-fuelled needs covered, by offering
ChocVine-A-Late Pairings for $20 per person! True to its name, customers can enjoy five forms of chocolates (white, ruby, milk, and 2x types of dark chocolate) that are eloquently paired with five of
Vineyard Road's handcrafted wines. There are also plans to offer customers with chocolate-making classes and the opportunity to host private functions at the estate over the next couple of months.
Chocolate-vino pairings, but with a lot more wine (photo by Fatema Sitabkhan)
Complementing the stunning views of the vineyards of
Vineyard Road with freshly-made chocolate from their state-of-the-art chocolate kitchen and seriously delicious grub that will satisfy your hungry bellies, there's no question that the visit to
BVCC will, indeed, be 'fun for all'.
Couldn't resist purchasing a few slabs for myself (photo by Rachael Sia)
Tema was invited as a guest.
