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6 Chocolate Experiences to Enjoy in Mendoza This Winter

Hot chocolate, artisan bonbons, and chocolate pairings with wine and olive oil in Mendoza.

Federico Juarros
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Some flavors seem made for winter. Chocolate is one of them. Whether served hot in a mug, crafted into bonbons, turned into ice cream, or paired with wine and olive oil, its versatility means there's always a new way to enjoy it.

In Mendoza, chocolate goes far beyond the traditional chocolate shop. From mountain cafés and factories open to visitors to artisan chocolatiers and unique culinary experiences that pair chocolate with some of the province's most iconic products, this guide brings together six delicious ways to celebrate International Chocolate Day.

1. Hansel & Gretel Café y Chocolate: Mendoza's Most Famous Hot Chocolate

Just minutes from the mountain village of Potrerillos, Hansel & Gretel has become a must-stop for anyone looking for a sweet break surrounded by spectacular scenery. Inspired by the classic fairy tale, this cozy wooden café offers one of Mendoza's signature winter experiences: a rich cup of hot chocolate served with churros, waffles, or homemade cakes while overlooking the Cordón del Plata mountain range.

More than just a café, it's a place designed to slow down. Its warm atmosphere, breathtaking views, and the hospitality of its owners have made it a favorite among both travelers and locals looking to make the most of a mountain getaway.

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Good to know: Besides its famous hot chocolate, the café also makes artisan chocolates and sells regional products and local crafts—perfect souvenirs from Potrerillos.

Where: Piedras Blancas Av del sol  2836. Potrerillos, Luján de Cuyo.

2. Chocolezza: Step Inside a Chocolate Factory

Some experiences go beyond tasting something delicious, and this is one of them. Chocolezza opens the doors of its factory so visitors can discover the world of chocolate from the inside, on a tour that blends history, family tradition, and the irresistible aroma of cocoa. What sets the brand apart isn't just the quality of its products—made with 100% cocoa—but also its fully integrated production process, something few chocolate makers can proudly showcase.

The visit is a true behind-the-scenes experience: walk through the factory, watch raw ingredients become alfajores and chocolates, learn about every step of the process, and discover the craftsmanship behind each creation. Everything takes place in a carefully designed space where tradition meets innovation.

And, as with any great tour, the best part comes at the end: a tasting featuring chocolates and alfajores that capture the essence of a brand recognized both nationally and internationally. Chocolezza has participated in events such as the World Alfajor Championship, the National Alfajor Festival, and Kilómetro Argentino del Alfajor, cementing its place as one of the country's leading chocolate makers.

Good to know: Factory tours are free every day of the week at 11am and 6pm for groups, with no reservation required.

Where: Coronel Díaz 343, Mendoza City.

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3. Dante Soppelsa: Chocolate Ice Cream Turned Into Art

Talking about Dante Soppelsa means talking about one of Mendoza's most iconic ice cream parlors. Led by Flavio Soppelsa, every scoop is transformed into a visual masterpiece, where chocolate shines through bold flavors and beautifully crafted presentations. Personalized service and the chance to sample different flavors before choosing make every visit unique.

You may also like: Flavio Soppelsa, the ice cream maker who turns every scoop into a work of art

Instead of ordering a classic chocolate flavor, dare to try one of the shop's more creative creations. Varieties like Dark Chocolate Olive, chocolate with Malbec, and other unexpected combinations reflect the spirit of a true flavor laboratory, where tradition and innovation meet in every bite.

Good to know: Every serving is shaped into the brand's signature rose using a handcrafted technique created by Flavio Soppelsa himself.

Where: Lavalle 24, Mendoza City.

4. Habas Negras: Fine Chocolate With a Mendoza Identity

At Habas Negras, chocolate is treated like fine dining. Every bonbon is handcrafted using premium couverture chocolate imported from Belgium and France, without industrial fillings, preservatives, or artificial flavorings. The result is a collection of chocolates where every texture, color, and flavor is the product of a meticulous process that can take two to three days.

The difference lies in every detail. The colors decorating each bonbon are hand-mixed by founder Miguel Romano. The nuts come from Mendoza, the pistachios from San Juan, while ingredients like Madagascan vanilla and Indonesian coconut complete a carefully curated selection that always lets the cocoa take center stage. More than a chocolate shop, Habas Negras offers an artisan approach to chocolate.

Good to know: According to Miguel, the best way to appreciate the quality of the chocolate is by tasting the solid chocolate bars, which highlight the unique characteristics of each of the brand's six cocoa varieties.

Where: Av. Perú 1052, Mendoza City.

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5. Corazón de Lunlunta: Where Chocolate Meets Olive Oil

At Corazón de Lunlunta, chocolate becomes much more than dessert—it takes center stage in a sensory experience. During the "Roots & Flavors" tasting, a 70% dark chocolate is paired with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Mendoza wines, proving that products from completely different worlds can create remarkable harmony.

The tasting invites guests to explore new textures and flavors through chocolate spoons, olives, and stuffed grapes while learning how to identify the qualities of a great olive oil and how each ingredient transforms the perception of the next. It's an experience that's as original as it is unexpected.

Good to know: The experience was created by Gabriel Guardia, the only master olive oil maker in Latin America, together with winemaker and chocolatier Silvina Pastorutti, founder of El Chocolatorio.

Where: Franklin Villanueva 3826, Lunlunta, Maipú.

6. Chocolatorio Mendocino: The Lab Where Chocolate Becomes an Experience

For Silvina Pastorutti, chocolate isn't candy—it's a storytelling tool. Under the concept of "Art, Science & Territory," she created Chocolatorio Mendocino, a project that develops sensory experiences where cocoa meets wine, olive oil, spirits, and other regional products to reveal new ways of discovering Mendoza's culinary identity.

Instead of traditional bonbons, visitors encounter olives, grapes, corks, and other chocolate figures made with 70% Ecuadorian cocoa and filled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, vermouth, or Mendoza wine. Every experience is designed specifically for the venue where it takes place: Silvina develops the products, designs the journey, and trains each team to share the story behind every piece.

Alongside these tailor-made experiences for wineries, olive oil producers, and gastronomic projects, Chocolatorio Mendocino also offers its own collection of artisan chocolates, available nationwide through its online shop. Every collection follows the same philosophy: transforming chocolate into an experience that reflects the region.

Good to know: In addition to being a chocolatier, Silvina is also a winemaker. She incorporates concepts from science and laboratory research into her creations, resulting in one of Mendoza's most innovative artisan chocolate projects.

Where: Experiences are created on demand and can be booked via WhatsApp. Products are also available through the online store.

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