Thursday, December 5th
2024 Chocolate Store Reviews
Gearharts Fine Chocolates
- Small family-owned chocolatier
- Signature line of hand-dipped chocolates includes novel flavor pairings
- Selection also includes chocolate bars, truffles, candied nuts, and more
- Great for gift-giving
- Free shipping on orders $75+
- $12.50 flat-rate shipping on orders under $75
- Save 10% on your first order when you sign up for the mailing list
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Over 1,000 5-star reviews
- In business since 2001
When Tim Gearhart founded Gearharts Fine Chocolates in 2001, artisan chocolate was a rarity in the United States. Drawing from his extensive culinary background, including training at The Culinary Institute of America and experiences in professional kitchens across the globe, Tim established his Charlottesville shop. Today, Gearharts Chocolates is celebrated for its distinctive artisan creations enjoyed by customers near and far.
16 incredible flavors
Gearharts' flagship product is the 32-piece assortment of their signature line chocolates, priced at $68. Start browsing the flavor list of the 16 different types of chocolate and you'll feel that "wow” factor right away. There are some more traditional selections, like Maple Pecan or even Vanilla Bean Brulee, but most of the flavors will have you wondering why you ever settled for a boring supermarket-shelf assortment. You won't find Tequila Lime, Apricot Brandy, Earl Grey, or Pistachio Toffee Orange in those boxes, that's for sure. Gearharts Fine Chocolates also allows you to create a custom assortment for $1 more; the flavor possibilities are the same, but you can opt to leave any of them out if they're not to your liking. Enter any quantity requests in the comment box (maybe you want 5 Michigan Cherry pieces instead of just 1 or 2).
Spend $75 to get free shipping
Gearharts has a wide range of specialty chocolates and chocolate-adjacent items to choose from as well. Popular options include the Chocolate-Dipped Pistachio Toffee ($12), Chai-Spiced Chocolate Dipped Pecans ($10), Brownie Mix ($12), and even a UVa Cavalier chocolate assortment ($30). You may want to add one of those to your 32-piece assortment, if that's what you're ordering, so that your order meets the $75 threshold to qualify for free shipping.
2 gift arrangements
If you're looking to give Gearharts Fine Chocolates as a gift, but you don't have the time to select each item one by one, look in the Gift Box section. Both options come with an assortment of the signature line chocolates and several selections from the specialty collection; your only decision is if you'd like to send the regular gift box ($125) or the large one ($175).
Get discounts when you sign up for emails
When you sign up for the Gearharts Fine Chocolates email list, you'll be notified of special events and promotions, and you'll get a 10% discount on your first order. We saw comments from customers who had gotten even bigger discounts at different times of the year, so it's worth it to subscribe to the mailing list if you're thinking of ordering chocolates from Gearharts sometime in the future.
Has a very loyal following
People are enthusiastic and effusive in their praise for Gearharts Fine Chocolates. Over 1,000 independently-verified reviews, this chocolate store has earned an impressive average of 4.92 stars, with 99% of customers offering their most positive recommendation. From the Maya Drinking Chocolate to the Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey Truffles, there's nothing but love: reviews often use superlatives like "best I've ever found” and "most delicious we've ever tasted”. One of our favorite comments was "this company is a good friend to know for ALL husbands”, from a customer who gives his wife these chocolates every year. Compliments also extend to the packaging - "beautiful presentation”, "gorgeous bow” - and the delivery that ensures that the chocolates arrive on time and are still well-chilled.
30-day satisfaction guarantee
And, even though you probably won't ever need it, Gearharts Fine Chocolates offers a 30-day refund policy, giving you a refund or replacement if anything isn't right with your order. They do prefer that you reach out right away, though, so that they can fix the problem sooner rather than later.
Fantastic chocolate store
Gearharts Fine Chocolates is one of our new favorites. We love the incredible variety of flavors in the signature selection, the specialty products definitely caught our attention, and the chocolatier's reputation is practically flawless. If you're ready to take your love of chocolate to the next level, you won't want to miss what Gearharts delivers.
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Where Can You Find the Best Chocolate?
Chocolate is more than just a sweet treat; it's a global phenomenon deeply entrenched in cultures worldwide. Its popularity transcends borders and generations, captivating taste buds for centuries. But what makes chocolate so beloved, and what factors contribute to its widespread appeal?
First and foremost, chocolate's allure can be attributed to its irresistible taste. The combination of sweetness, bitterness, and creaminess creates a sensory experience like no other. This flavor profile stems from the main ingredient: cocoa beans. These beans undergo a complex process of fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding to produce cocoa solids and cocoa butter, the building blocks of chocolate.
Chocolate Store FAQ
Continued from above...
Nowadays, chocolate production and consumption are staggering. According to the International Cocoa Organization, global cocoa production recently reached over 4.8 million metric tons, with the top producers being Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Indonesia. As for consumption, Switzerland tops the charts, with an average annual consumption of over 8.8 kilograms per capita.
Furthermore, chocolate is associated with indulgence and comfort. Many people turn to chocolate during times of stress or as a reward for a job well done. Its mood-boosting properties are attributed to various compounds, including phenylethylamine, which is believed to promote feelings of happiness and euphoria.
From a cultural perspective, chocolate holds significant symbolism. It's a staple in celebrations and rituals worldwide, from Valentine's Day to religious holidays like Easter. Additionally, chocolate has a rich history intertwined with ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs, who revered cocoa as a divine gift.
As for trends in the world of chocolate, several exciting developments are worth noting. Consumers are increasingly interested in the bean-to-bar process, where chocolatiers oversee every step of production, from sourcing beans to crafting the final product.
There's also a growing demand for artisanal and craft chocolates made in small batches with high-quality ingredients. These chocolates often showcase unique flavor combinations (like spices, herbs, and exotic fruits) and innovative techniques. And, with a renewed focus on wellness in general, there's a rise in demand for healthier chocolate alternatives, such as sugar-free, dairy-free, and vegan options made with alternative sweeteners and plant-based milk.
Luckily for the sweet tooth in all of us, it's never been easier to access the world's best chocolates. All it takes is a few clicks and you're there. But, when purchasing chocolate online, there are several factors to consider to ensure you're getting the best quality and smoothest shopping experience:
- Overall selection. The greater the variety of chocolates, the more likely you are to find something you just can't resist.
- Cocoa content and bean origin. Higher cocoa content typically indicates better quality chocolate. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for a richer flavor and health benefits. Also, pay attention to the origin of the cocoa beans. Single-origin chocolates offer unique flavor profiles, showcasing the terroir of the region where the beans were grown.
- Fair trade and sustainability. Support brands that prioritize fair trade practices and sustainable sourcing. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ to ensure ethical production.
- Gift-giving options. With chocolate being one of the most popular ways to say, "I love you” or "Congratulations”, choosing a chocolate store that offers easy ways to send treats to your loved ones can make your life easier (and their life sweeter).
- Reviews and reputation. Before making a purchase, read customer reviews and research the brand's reputation. Trusted chocolatiers often have a loyal following and positive feedback. The stores with the best reputation often have a solid satisfaction guarantee, offering a refund or exchange if something doesn't arrive in perfect condition.
Chocolate's enduring popularity is a testament to its irresistible taste, cultural significance, and mood-boosting properties. The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have meticulously evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular chocolate stores, to help guide you on your journey towards an exceptional chocolate experience. We hope you'll enjoy discovering new flavors and savoring traditional favorites!
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