THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join chocolatier Gail Ambrosius at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin estate for a hands-on weekend workshop in chocolate making. Experience the rich flavors of cacao amidst historic architecture and rolling Wisconsin hills.
Join chocolatier Gail Ambrosius at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin estate for a hands-on weekend workshop in chocolate making. Experience the rich flavors of cacao amidst historic architecture and rolling Wisconsin hills.
Book with Taliesin Preservation
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Taliesin Preservation · Spring Green, Wisconsin
Set against the striking rural landscape of Spring Green, Wisconsin, the "Chocolates and the World of Cacao Workshop" offers a rare opportunity to explore both the craft of chocolate making and the historic legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin estate. This immersive two-night experience invites chocolate aficionados and curious adventurers alike to dive deep into the world of cacao with renowned chocolatier Gail Ambrosius, whose acclaimed work has earned recognition from Martha Stewart Living, Bon Appetit, and the Food Network.
The workshop unfolds within the inspiring spaces of Taliesin, a landmark that blends architecture, art, and nature in ways uniquely American. Frank Lloyd Wright designed Taliesin to harmonize with its surroundings, and visitors can feel this ethos as they navigate the hilly terrain and terraced gravel paths of the estate. From the moment you arrive at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center—your home base for instruction and dining—you’ll gain a tangible sense of this place’s historic weight and creative spirit.
Over three days, participants will learn the craft and science of chocolate: from tasting techniques that engage every sense to hands-on sessions in bonbon and dessert creation. Gail Ambrosius, who studied chocolate making extensively in France and the U.S., guides you carefully through the nuances of flavor development and chocolate formulation. By the end, you’ll leave not only with new skills but with some of your own crafted chocolates to savor or share.
Accommodations are rustic yet comfortable, located within Taliesin Fellowship dwellings across the property. Shared bathrooms and kitchenette access complement the authentic atmosphere, encouraging connection among participants in a setting that emphasizes the link between people, architecture, and land—a guiding principle of Taliesin Preservation.
Beyond the workshop, Spring Green offers enriched cultural experiences and a welcoming small-town environment to explore. The estate itself is a historic gem recognized by UNESCO, making this a unique blend of culinary adventure and architectural pilgrimage.
This workshop is designed for adults 18 and older, requiring mobility over uneven paths and stairs without handrails; potential participants should contact the organizers regarding accessibility concerns. Meals—breakfast and lunch—are provided on-site, while evenings offer the opportunity to sample local artisanal fare independently.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer seeking an extraordinary blend of food, culture, and history, this workshop provides a singular experience. Immerse yourself in chocolate artistry amid architectural innovation at one of the Midwest’s most captivating destinations.
easy.
2 nights.
Moderate mobility required to navigate uneven outdoor terrain and stairs; suitable for most adults with basic physical fitness.
No prior experience is needed. The workshop welcomes beginners and seasoned chocolate lovers alike.
Yes, shared accommodations on the Taliesin estate are included for the two-night workshop duration.
Comfortable layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and any personal items you need for an overnight stay. A notebook is helpful but optional.
Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner is not provided, giving you freedom to explore local restaurants.
The property has uneven terrain and stairs without handrails; please contact the organizers to discuss accessibility needs.
Group size details are not specified; early booking is recommended to ensure availability.
Taliesin was established in 1911 as Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio, and architectural laboratory, embodying his design philosophy.
Taliesin Preservation maintains the site’s natural and built environments with a focus on sustainable practices and cultural stewardship.
Taliesin Preservation stewards the historic Taliesin estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin, preserving and sharing the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright through guided tours, specialty workshops, concerts, and seasonal events. The organization operates a variety of public and ticketed experiences on the 800-acre property, including multi-hour Estate Tours and Highlights Tours that showcase key structures like Hillside, Taliesin, and Tan-y-Deri. Taliesin Preservation also programs focused offerings that place visitors in close contact with the site’s architecture and landscape—photography workshops led by Andrew Pielage, intimate house concerts such as a solo performance by Grammy® Award-winner Mike Block, and culinary experiences like the Bread Baking Lab with Bazile Booth. Seasonal and one-day events include birthday celebrations for Frank Lloyd Wright, farm and garden tours tied to the Savor Farm and Food Tour, and holistic weekends exploring Japanese Kokoro practices. Taliesin Preservation presents experiences guided by knowledgeable staff and guest experts, providing historical context, practical instruction, and opportunities to engage with the property’s agricultural and cultural programs. Tours note the estate’s architectural significance and include light refreshments on selected longer itineraries. As the steward of a site that includes structures recognized for their cultural value, Taliesin Preservation focuses on conservation, education, and authentic experiences that connect visitors to Wright’s work and the Driftless Wisconsin landscape.
Book with Taliesin Preservation