VIP pass: Make Your Own Chocolates Workshop with Tastings

If you’re visiting Brussels and have a sweet tooth, chances are you’ll come across plenty of chocolate tours. But one experience that really caught our attention is the VIP Make Your Own Chocolates Workshop with Tastings offered by The Belgian Chocolate Makers. While we haven’t done it ourselves, we’ve gathered enough details to give you a good sense of what to expect—so you can decide if it’s worth your time.

What we love about this experience is how it combines hands-on chocolate crafting with educational insights into the bean-to-bar process, plus the opportunity to taste premium chocolates from Haiti and other origins. The chance to create your own personalized chocolate bar and take it home is a definite bonus. On the flip side, some might find the workshop’s duration a bit tight, especially if you’re craving a more leisurely pace.

This experience seems suited for those who want to learn more about chocolate, enjoy tasting high-quality products, and leave with a unique, homemade souvenir. Whether you’re a dedicated chocoholic, a curious traveler, or just looking for a memorable activity in Brussels, this hands-on workshop offers a lot.

Key Points

• Authentic artisan experience with certified Belgian chocolate makers
• Educational and interactive, perfect for understanding bean-to-bar chocolate making
• Tastings of premium origin cacao, including fresh cacao beans and cacao liquor
• Create and take home personalized chocolates—bars, truffles, and mendiants
• High-quality and traceable cacao that respects fair farming practices
• Well-equipped and professional training center with multiple daily sessions

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Workshop

What’s Included and How It Works

This 1.5-hour workshop is hosted at The Belgian Chocolate Makers’ state-of-the-art training centre in Brussels, a spacious 150m2 facility designed specifically for chocolate education. It’s fully air-conditioned, which is a bonus considering the busy workshop environment. You’ll wear a hairnet and an embroidered apron (if you opt for the VIP upgrade), helping you feel like a real chocolatier.

Once you arrive, after a quick check-in at the booking desk near Gare Centrale, you’re handed your wristband, hairnet, and a quiz card that grants you a 20% discount in their stores for future chocolates. You’ll also be offered a welcome glass of champagne if you’ve chosen the VIP upgrade—a nice touch that adds a bit of elegance to the experience.

The Hands-On Making Process

During the workshop, you’ll work with handcrafted, high-quality chocolates sourced from Haiti’s Grand Anse region. The chocolates used are 100% traceable, ethically sourced, and free from industrial additives, making this a genuinely artisan experience. You’ll craft mendiants, truffles, and a personalized chocolate bar—all of which you get to take home.

The process is explained clearly by the guides, who are certified Belgian artisans. They’ll share insights about the journey from cacao bean to chocolate bar, including the importance of fair trade practices and sustainable farming. Several reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly the staff are, with one describing Elisabeth as a “warmly Chocolate Maker” who “knows a lot about kakao and chocolate.” That personal touch really elevates the experience.

Tasting and Educational Highlights

What makes this workshop stand out is the tasting component. You’ll sample several premium origin cacaos from different countries, along with cacao beans and cacao liquor—the pure chocolate paste that’s the core of all good chocolates. One reviewer described the cacao beans as “super bitter,” but that’s part of the learning process—understanding flavor profiles and the complexity behind your favorite treat.

You’ll also discover the taste of mucilage—the juice inside cacao pods—which is rarely experienced in typical chocolate tours. Plus, there’s a tasting of liqueur de cacao, a 100% dark chocolate liqueur without alcohol, adding another layer of flavor.

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What Makes the Experience Unique

Aside from the crafting, you’ll visit the bean-to-bar machinery after the workshop, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how the chocolate is made from raw beans. This insight helps deepen appreciation for the craft and the effort involved.

The workshop’s modern facilities allow up to 60 participants per session—meaning you’ll be in a lively, educational environment that fosters interaction and fun. Multiple sessions are scheduled daily at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM, catering to different schedules.

The Value of the Experience

The package is comprehensive, including all materials, tasting sessions, and the chance to create three different chocolates—a bar, truffles, and mendiants. Many reviews express satisfaction with how much they learned and how delicious the chocolates were. One reviewer summed it up, saying, “The process of making chocolate is well explained, and you get to make three different kinds. I would recommend it.”

The 20% discount in their stores is also a nice perk, encouraging you to explore their other products after the workshop.

Downsides and Considerations

A few travelers have noted that the workshop’s duration is somewhat tight for the number of activities packed in. One reviewer pointed out that the experience lasted less time than advertised, and some amenities (like gloves) weren’t available, only optional for purchase.

Since the workshop involves working with chocolate, it can get messy. If you’re particular about cleanliness or are in a hurry, keep that in mind. Also, the workshop isn’t suitable for kids under 6 and those with food allergies or intolerances, especially nuts or dairy.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This workshop is perfect for chocolate lovers who want to go beyond just tasting—those eager to understand the craft and create something personal. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate ethical sourcing and artisan quality and want to leave with a unique souvenir. The educational aspect also makes it appealing for anyone curious about how chocolate is made from bean to bar.

It’s not a casual, quick tasting tour; it’s a hands-on, immersive experience that pairs learning with creativity. If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind the age restriction; otherwise, adults and older teens will find it engaging and fun.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this VIP chocolate workshop offers a thoughtful blend of education, hands-on crafting, and tasting that appeals to a wide range of visitors. The staff’s expertise shines through, and the quality of the chocolates used makes the entire experience worthwhile. The chance to personalize your own chocolates and bring them home adds a memorable touch that many travelers will cherish.

While it may not be the longest or most leisurely activity, it’s packed with value—especially for those who want to learn about chocolate, taste premium products, and get involved in the process. The modern facilities and certified artisans create a trustworthy environment, making this an experience worth considering during your Brussels trip.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old, but older children and teens interested in chocolate may enjoy it. Keep in mind the workshop involves working with chocolate and wearing hairnets.

How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with multiple sessions available daily at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM.

Do I get to keep what I make?
Yes, everything you create—the chocolates, mendiants, truffles, and your personalized bar—is yours to take home.

Is the workshop accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the training centre is wheelchair accessible, and water dispensers and disabled toilets are available.

What’s included in the VIP upgrade?
The VIP option includes a glass of champagne, an embroidered apron, and a visit to the laboratory, plus priority access.

Are the chocolates used in the workshop ethically sourced?
Absolutely. The cacao comes from Haiti with a fully traceable supply chain that avoids deforestation, child labor, and ensures fair pay for farmers.

Can I visit the workshop without booking?
No, booking is required. It’s recommended to reserve in advance due to high demand.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and expect to wear a hairnet; the workshop may get a bit chilly as it’s fully air-conditioned.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve your spot with a “reserve now, pay later” option, allowing flexibility.

Is there a discount if I book multiple experiences?
The 20% discount in their stores encourages further exploration, but specific deals for multiple bookings are not mentioned.

To sum it up, if you’re passionate about chocolate or just want a fun and educational activity, this workshop is a solid choice. It offers a genuine artisan experience, high-quality ingredients, and a chance to craft something you’ll remember—and eat. Just remember to arrive on time, dress comfortably, and come ready to enjoy some serious chocolate fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: