easy
2 nights
Moderate mobility required to navigate uneven outdoor terrain and stairs; suitable for most adults with basic physical fitness.
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.
November 7-9, 2025 | Friday 12:30pm - Sunday 3pm | Ages 18+
Join renowned chocolatier Gail Ambrosius for an immersive workshop exploring the world of cacao. Learn the art and science of chocolate making, from tasting to crafting bonbons and desserts. Set against the stunning backdrop of Taliesin, this hands-on experience promises delicious creations and unforgettable memories in a historic atmosphere.
In this culinary workshop we will learn all about cacao. We will discover how and where chocolate is grown, how to taste chocolate with all of our senses, and then how to formulate chocolate into bonbons and decadent desserts focusing on the art and science behind the craft. This will be a hands-on workshop with participants where you will taste, savor, and return home with some of your creations. We will provide a list of what to bring and where to find supplies for the novice in advance of the class.
Gail Ambrosius studied the art and science of chocolate making in France and the US.
In 2004 she opened her business, Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier Madison. Since then she has been recognized in many magazines for her creations, (Martha Stewart Living, Bon Appetit, Midwest Living, Oprah, and the Food Network). In 2010 she was named one of the top 10 chocolatiers in North America. Her small business in Madison specializes in dark chocolate truffles. Gail Ambrosius
This one-of-a-kind weekend experience is designed to allow you to disconnect, immerse and explore. “Taliesin works like a charm on everybody that comes within its atmosphere,” writes Wright to his friend and client Darwin Martin in 1929. To experience Taliesin in its fullest, you will access a variety of historic spaces and the pristine rural landscape of Driftless Wisconsin; complementary housing is included in the workshop experience.
Please note that we are not aiming at being a hotel or resort but focus on carrying out the timeless elements of the Taliesin Legacy - connecting people, architecture, and the land. Each of you will be housed in a single room across the Taliesin estate in rustic Taliesin Fellowship dwellings, with shared bathrooms, access to a kitchenette, and living space.
Each workshop includes a welcome reception in the main residence and a tour of the buildings. Classroom instruction will be held in the kitchen of the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center and in other designated spaces across the Taliesin estate. Lunch and breakfast will be served at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, while dinner is a wonderful opportunity to explore the local artisanal community individually or as a group.
The workshop check-in will begin Friday afternoon at 2 pm. Please arrive at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center at 5607 County Rd C Spring Green, WI 53588, and walk into the building. Staff will welcome you upon arrival and usher you to your rooms.
Adult (Ages 18+): $1,500 per person Includes breakfast and lunches, workshop instruction, guided tour, guestroom on the estate and welcome reception in the main house.
Taliesin is acknowledged as the embodiment of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright's commitment to the creation of exceptional environments that harmonize architecture, art, culture, and the land.
As stewards, Taliesin Preservation's mission is to preserve the cultural, built, and natural environments that comprise the Taliesin property and to conduct public educational and cultural programming that provides a greater understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture and ideas.
Expect uneven gravel paths and terraced stairs without handrails; durable footwear is essential.
Check-in begins at 12:30 pm at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center to get settled before the first workshop session.
Spring Green weather can vary; layering keeps you comfortable during indoor and outdoor activities.
Breakfast and lunch are provided; dinners are on your own, so explore local dining or bring snacks.
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.
Necessary for navigating the estate’s gravel paths and stairs safely.
Weather in Wisconsin during spring can shift, so dressing in layers ensures comfort.
spring specific
Useful for tasting notes and chocolate-making tips during the workshop.
Stay hydrated while exploring the outdoor grounds and attending sessions.