Design your own chocolate box and craft custom chocolates in Santa Barbara with Menchaca Chocolates. Enjoy a hands-on, creative session perfect for chocolate lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities
Wildlife
History
Menchaca Chocolates reflects Santa Barbara’s rich artisan heritage, combining fine craftsmanship with locally inspired flavors.
Conservation
Menchaca Chocolates prioritizes sustainability by using ethically sourced cocoa and environmentally responsible packaging.
Menchaca Chocolates
Design your own chocolate box and craft custom chocolates in Santa Barbara with Menchaca Chocolates. Enjoy a hands-on, creative session perfect for chocolate lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
Menchaca Chocolates is a craft chocolate studio and workshop host that blends artisanal chocolate making with hands-on creativity. Located in a cozy underground factory, Menchaca Chocolates offers a range of guided and self-paced experiences where guests design, create, and personalize chocolate treats and keepsake boxes. Each session focuses on craft chocolate techniques, flavor pairing, and decorative finishing so participants leave with edible art and practical skills.
Workshops include creating a wooden keepsake box filled with handcrafted chocolates, building custom chocolate bars, painting trays and designing chocolate bark, and touring the small-batch production space. Participants choose between dark or milk chocolate, select from multiple toppings (including twenty topping options for the keepsake box experience), and customize packaging or wrappers with supplied art materials. Sessions are suitable for individuals, couples, families, and small groups seeking a memorable gift-making activity.
Menchaca Chocolates emphasizes quality ingredients, hands-on learning, and an inviting atmosphere. The factory setting doubles as a creative studio where participants can slow down, experiment, and leave with a finished product ready to gift or enjoy.
Booking options accommodate private events, public workshops, and walk-in 'bark only' activities. Clear descriptions, step-by-step instruction, and a focus on craftsmanship help build trust with first-time guests and repeat visitors. Sessions include all materials, art supplies, and step-by-step guidance; guests hand-paint wooden trays, personalize wrappers, and select from curated flavor pairings. Menchaca Chocolates accommodates groups for private bookings, corporate team-building, birthday parties, and creative dates. Advance booking is recommended for weekend slots and special events. Book early.
Experiences
5 Experiences
Hands-on workshops to choose from
Factory
Underground Factory
Cozy, creative studio setting
Toppings
20 Options
Customize flavors and textures
Suitable For
All Ages
Great for families and groups
Reserve a workshop to craft custom chocolate bars, bark, or a keepsake box—perfect for gifts, dates, and team events.
Arrive Early to Explore
Arrive a bit early to browse the shop’s artisan chocolate selections and gain inspiration before your session starts.
Notify of Allergies
Inform staff ahead of any nut, dairy, or other allergies to customize toppings safely.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Wear comfortable, washable clothes as chocolate crafting and painting can be a bit messy.
Bring a Small Cooler
If you want to keep your chocolates fresh for longer, consider bringing a small cooler for transport home.
Comfortable Clothes
Wear clothes that you don't mind getting a bit messy during chocolate crafting and art activities.
Reusable Tote Bag
Handy for carrying your finished chocolate box and any extra purchases.
Small Cooler Bag
Helps keep chocolates fresh if you’re visiting during warmer months.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture your creative process and the final beautiful chocolate box to share with friends.