La Dolce Vita: Tuscan Chocolate Walk

• PHOTOS

Tuscany, in addition to being one of the world's major purveyors of delectable wines, cheeses and meats, is also home to a thriving artisinal chocolate community. Companies like Amedei, Slitti, Catinari and Paul de Bondt have made Tuscany a destination for global chocolate enthusiasts and are routinely awarded top honors and critical acclaim that recognize the exceptional quality of cioccolato toscano. This special foodie event, led by a local culinary expert, will visit a few of the boutiques and workshops that churn out native varieties of cocoa products.

We begin in the Sant'Ambrogio area, home to the city's most dynamic and exciting food scene (including the best food market in the city and a handful of superb and innovative dining spots). We will visit the workshop of a master chocolatier and learn about the history of chocolate in the region and what sets it apart from its fellow Italian and European counterparts. Tastings will follow – with a special nod to chocolates using lo

Tuscany, in addition to being one of the world's major purveyors of delectable wines, cheeses and meats, is also home to a thriving artisinal chocolate community. Companies like Amedei, Slitti, Catinari and Paul de Bondt have made Tuscany a destination for global chocolate enthusiasts and are routinely awarded top honors and critical acclaim that recognize the exceptional quality of cioccolato toscano. This special foodie event, led by a local culinary expert, will visit a few of the boutiques and workshops that churn out native varieties of cocoa products.

We begin in the Sant'Ambrogio area, home to the city's most dynamic and exciting food scene (including the best food market in the city and a handful of superb and innovative dining spots). We will visit the workshop of a master chocolatier and learn about the history of chocolate in the region and what sets it apart from its fellow Italian and European counterparts. Tastings will follow – with a special nod to chocolates using local ingredients, from rosemary and saffron to Chianti and Brunello.

After a quick stroll through the center of town and a quick espresso at a local café, we will head to a few boutiques that specialize in local chocolate, from the most lauded companies in the province of Pisa. This unique culinary event is a sensorial and delectable delve into the very sweet life, or dolce vita, of Tuscan gastronomy.