VIP pass: Make Your Own Chocolates Workshop with Tastings

Dive into Belgium’s Finest Chocolate Crafting Experience

The VIP pass: Make Your Own Chocolates Workshop with Tastings offers an engaging and educational journey through the world of Belgian chocolate. Located in Flanders, Belgium, this 1.5-hour workshop is hosted at the The Belgian Chocolate Makers training centre in Brussels, a city famous for its high-quality chocolates.

This experience is ideal for those eager to learn bean-to-bar craftsmanship, craft their own truffles, mendiants, and personalized chocolate bars, and enjoy premium tastings. The workshop’s reputation is strong, with a 4.7/5 rating based on 32 reviews, highlighting both its educational value and fun atmosphere.

While the activity offers a rich chocolate experience, be aware that the workshop is suited for visitors aged 6 and above, and its fully hands-on approach means participants should be ready to get involved in the chocolate creation process. The experience also includes exclusive discounts on chocolate collections, making it a sweet deal for chocolate lovers.

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Key Points

• Hands-on chocolate making: Create mendiants, truffles, and a personalized chocolate bar to take home.
• Premium tastings: Taste several origin cacaos from different countries and fresh cacao beans.
• Expert guides: Certified Belgian chocolate makers lead the class, sharing in-depth knowledge.
• Exclusive discounts: Enjoy 20% off all chocolates in store after the workshop.
• All materials included: Receive an embroidered apron and a box to carry your chocolates.
• Accessible and well-equipped: The 150m² air-conditioned workshop has facilities like water dispensers and disabled toilets.

The Location and Meeting Details in Brussels

The workshop begins at Place de la Justice 5, near Gare Centrale and Mont des Arts. Check-in at the booking desk, where you are issued a hairnet, wristband, and a quiz card that gives a 20% discount in the stores.

Participants are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure smooth entry, as late arrivals are not accepted once the workshop begins. The tour includes a priority access feature, allowing for a seamless experience.

Once checked in, guests are guided to one of the two nearby stores—Rue Lebeau 7/11 or Rue de Namur 6—where the workshop takes place. The session starts at 11AM, 2PM, or 5PM, depending on availability.

Unique Aspects of This Chocolate Workshop

This Belgian chocolate workshop is distinguished by its focus on craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. The cacao used is 100% traceable, sourced from small farmers in Haiti, and the process avoids industrial chocolate, deforestation, or child labor.

Participants see and understand the entire process of chocolate making, from bean to bar, with a visit to the machinery after the activity. The certified artisan status of The Belgian Chocolate Makers guarantees a high-quality, authentic experience. The workshop is designed to be interactive and educational, with guides explaining each step clearly.

Making Your Own Chocolates: What You Can Expect

During the 1.5-hour class, you will craft three types of chocolates: mendiants, truffles, and a personalized chocolate bar. All items you make are yours to take home. The guides provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of experience.

The workshop includes tastings of premium origin cacaos from different countries, allowing a comparison of flavors. You’ll also taste cacao liquor, made from pure cacao mass, and the mucilage (cacao pod juice).

For a seasonal touch, guests enjoy hot chocolate in winter or chocolate granita in summer. If the VIP upgrade is chosen, participants also receive a glass of champagne and an embroidered apron.

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The Expert Guides and Their Impact

The workshop is led by certified Belgian chocolate makers who have a reputation for friendly, knowledgeable guidance. Reviews praise guides like Elizabeth for making the class both informative and fun. The guides share insights about cacao varieties, the bean-to-bar process, and ethical sourcing, enriching the experience.

Guests appreciate that guides are deeply experienced, with some reviews mentioning their warmth and expertise. This helps create a relaxed, engaging environment where questions are encouraged, and participants feel comfortable experimenting with their chocolates.

The Workshop Venue: A Modern, Well-Equipped Facility

The training centre spans 150m² and is fully air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the activity. The space is clean, bright, and designed for an interactive experience. Facilities include water dispensers and disabled toilets.

Participants are required to wear hairnets for hygiene reasons, and apron use is part of the VIP package. The workshop can accommodate up to 60 participants, keeping the group lively but manageable.

Indulge in Premium Cacao and Tasting Experiences

All chocolates used during the activity are crafted from organic, ethically sourced cacao from Haiti, guaranteeing traceability and a fair revenue for farmers. The taste tests of cacao beans and liquor are highlights, giving insight into the bitter, complex flavors of different cacao origins.

The hot chocolate or granita adds a delightful seasonal element, enhancing the overall sensory journey. Guests also receive 20% off on any chocolate collections in the stores, making it easy to bring home more Belgian sweetness.

Visiting the Bean-to-Bar Machinery and Process

The post-workshop visit to the machinery offers a behind-the-scenes look at each step in chocolate production. Experts explain how beans are roasted, ground, conched, and tempered—the entire bean-to-bar process.

This technical insight adds depth for those interested in artisan chocolate making, emphasizing the authenticity and care involved in every stage.

Accessibility and Practical Tips for Participants

The workshop is wheelchair accessible and suitable for children over 6 years. It is important to arrive on time and dress appropriately—the space can be cool due to air conditioning.

Guests with food allergies or intolerances should inform staff at check-in, as toppings contain nuts, and only dark chocolate is vegan or lactose-free. The activity is not suitable for pets, smoking, or large luggage.

Comparing This Experience with Other Brussels Chocolate Tours

Unlike some other workshops, this artisan-focused experience guarantees no industrial chocolate is used. The certified craftsmanship and ethical sourcing stand out among Brussels’ many chocolate activities. The small group size and personalized guidance make this a memorable, educational journey.

While some reviews note that refreshments are limited (no gloves or extra snacks are provided during the session), the value lies in hands-on crafting and tasting of premium chocolates.

Who Will Most Appreciate This Workshop?

This VIP chocolate workshop is ideal for adults and children over 6 who are passionate about chocolate, curious about artisan processes, or seeking a creative activity in Brussels. The interactive nature and educational content make it suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends.

Those looking for an authentic, ethical experience with high-quality ingredients will find this tour particularly satisfying. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers wanting to bring home personalized creations and learn from certified Belgian artisans.

Final Thoughts on the Belgian Chocolate Makers Workshop

The VIP Make Your Own Chocolates Workshop combines hands-on crafting, premium tasting, and ethical sourcing in a well-equipped, accessible setting. Its strong reputation and positive reviews showcase its appeal for chocolate enthusiasts eager for an authentic Belgian experience.

While the duration is concise, the depth of information and quality of the chocolates offered make it a worthwhile activity. The inclusion of discounts and special extras, like champagne and aprons, adds value for those seeking a luxurious, immersive experience.

This workshop is best suited for those who want to deepen their appreciation for chocolate, enjoy interactive activities, and take home custom-made chocolates as souvenirs. It’s a delightful way to spend time in Brussels, pairing education with indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the workshop suitable for children?
Yes, children over 6 years old can participate, making it a family-friendly activity.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should know about?
The workshop uses dark and milk chocolates from Haiti. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, only dark chocolate is available. Toppings contain nuts.

What should I wear during the workshop?
Participants must wear hairnets and are provided with aprons if the VIP option is selected. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing suitable for crafting.

Can I buy chocolates after the workshop?
Yes, all chocolates made during the class are yours to take home, and you receive a 20% discount on store collections.

How long does the workshop last?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

What are the start times?
Workshops are scheduled at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM, depending on availability. It’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby