See how the chocolate is made! For dark chocolate-loving tweens, teens, and adults, the interactive TCHO (Pronounced with a long ‘O’, like Cho) Chocolate Factory Tour in Berkeley could only be more delightful if there were real Oompa Loompas singing songs. This experience was very close to my personal idea of heaven, but it is not for everyone.
See more of Violet’s experience at the TCHO Factory @theTasteBud >
Take a guided tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at how TCHO’s award-winning chocolate is made from raw ingredients to finished products. You’ll learn loads about TCHO’s chocolate-making process, responsible sourcing methods (TCHO Source), the unique production facility, and walk through the bean-to-bar flavor laboratory.
All components of the tour are guided by a knowledgeable representative of TCHO. Our tour guide told us all about the process and various machines as we walked through the small factory workstations. I got the impression that people further away from her couldn’t hear all her remarks because it was noisy inside. The smell is amazing.
Pro tip: Younger kids who really think “chocolate factory” means Oompa Loompas will be disappointed and fidgety. The TCHO staff invites children as young as eight, but as always, you know best if your kid would be interested in a manufacturing lesson!
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Make advance reservations to tour the chocolate factory because walk-ins are not welcome. As of this writing, tours are only offered on Wednesday and Thursday; however, that may change over time.
Pricing and logistics:
- Tours are offered most Tuesdays and Thursdays at various times.
- Reservations are required; Book your tour online.
- Admission is $15 for all humans over age 8; parking is free or metered. There is also a paid lot off 67th ($3/hour)
- Visit TCHO online.
- Make sure to note restrictions before you show up, including NO jewelry, close-toed shoes, and long pants. Masks are required at this time. Lockers are available for no additional charge.
- Address: 3100 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley. Plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of time. From San Pablo Ave., head west onto Folger Ave. and look for a glass door with “3100” on the wall above and “TCHO” on the glass door.
Bottom line: a ton of fun for chocolate and factory lovers (me times two!). Recommended for ten and up; plan to bring children with the attention span for a chocolate lesson and a curiosity about machines.
Did you have a great time? Let us know in the comments.
[Photos by the 510families team and TCHO as noted]
