Workshops & Talks 2020
Access included with the purchase of Oregon Chocolate Festival ticket or multiday pass.
Top Ten Reasons Why Chocolate is the Ultimate Yummy Superfood
Presented by Julianne Soteriou
Saturday, March 7th from 12:00pm – 12:30 pm, Cosmos Ballroom
Delve into the latest research on the astounding health benefits of chocolate. Learn from Julianne Soteriou, practicing Clinical Nutritionist with 22 years of experience and Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Bridgeport University in Bridgeport, CT. Experts are discovering more and more great reasons to include chocolate in your diet, from cardiovascular health, brain health to longevity enhancement. Through this workshop, explore the radiant health giving properties of cacao and creative ways to incorporate into your daily healthy lifestyle!
Wine & Chocolate Pairing and Tasting
Presented by Amira Makansi of Irvine & Roberts Vineyards
Saturday, March 7th from 1:00pm – 1:30 pm, Cosmos Ballroom
Join Amira Makansi of Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, and author of “Literary Libations.” Sample 2017 Estate Pinot Noir (newly released on March 1st, 2020). Tease your senses with one of the best Southern Oregon wine and mouthwatering chocolate. Book signing available.
Limited to 72 participants per session (first come first serve basis).
Before We Enjoy Chocolate, there is a Tree
Presented by Nathan Rogers
Saturday, March 7th from 2:00pm – 2:30pm, Cosmos Ballroom
Sunday, March 8th from 12:00pm – 12:30pm, Cosmos Ballroom
Join Nathan Rogers of Cacao Kingdom for an informative and exciting presentation on the basics of cacao such as the habitat including growing and harvesting processes. Learn differences between 3 types of cacao: the Criollo, Trinitario, and Forester. Leave the best for last and watch skilled chocolatier how he opens numerous fresh cacao pods and sample fresh cacao beans!
Fresh cacao pods used in this presentation origin from Ecuador and Puerto Rico. Follow the Equator and you will find cacao. Top 10 cacao producing countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Peru.
Guided Garnacha Dessert Wine Tasting with Dark Chocolate
Presented by Naumes Suncrest Winery
Sunday, March 8th from 1:30pm – 2:0pm, Cosmos Ballroom
Join Naumes Suncrest Winery on a guided tasting of their Garnacha Dessert Wine. Savor delicious dark chocolate and learn how it pairs beautifully with the vintage.
Limited to 72 participants per session (first come first serve basis).
Around the World of Chocolate Tasting
Presented by Charlie Douglass
Saturday, March 7th from 2:30pm – 3:15pm, Galaxy Ballroom
Sunday, March 8th from 2:30pm – 3:15pm, Galaxy Ballroom
We have once again searched the world of chocolates and come up with a delightful world tour selection of taste. Join Charlie Douglass (festival judge and with over 50 years of experience in the food industry) on a journey around the world of chocolate! Put on your traveling shoes and dust off your taste buds as we savor our way around the equator.
Limited to 35 participants per session (first come first serve basis).