When you think of Switzerland, what comes to mind? Perhaps the Swiss Alps, noted for their natural beauty and abundant ski resorts. Or maybe your mind’s eye brings fine, handcrafted clocks and watches into focus.
But if you have a sweet tooth, another image likely comes to mind… and promotes drooling: fine Swiss chocolates. And there’s no better place to experience this stylish Swiss treat than the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in the town of Broc.
There, a guided tour provides a complete overview of Cailler, its history and its products. Presentations cover the different stages in the Cailler chocolate production process — from roasting to crushing to milling to milk processing to mixing to grinding to conching to tempering to molding to packaging.
The past comes to life through a selection of photographs that trace the factory’s history from its humble origins in 1898 up to the 1960s.
Appetites whetted, visitors can then visit a specially designed shop that sells the entire range of Cailler of Switzerland chocolates. Then they can rest their feet with a specialty coffee or chocolate drink in the Cailler café — a relaxing way to conclude a visit to a renowned purveyor of stylish chocolates.
So what is a story about Swiss chocolate doing in a wine blog? Because wine and chocolate can make wonderful pairing partners, as people discover each year when they take part in the Wine and Chocolate Weekend presented by the estates of California’s Madera Wine Trail. You can read about the 2015 event here: http://www.maderawinetrail.com/february.htm
You probably won’t find any Cailler chocolate at that event, but I can guarantee that your sweet tooth will be satisfied.
