5 Artisan Chocolatiers You Must Try at the Oregon Chocolate Festival 2026
If you’re a chocolate lover planning to attend the Oregon Chocolate Festival, you’re in for a treat! This festival is one of the biggest and most exciting chocolate events in the Pacific Northwest. Every year, dozens of artisan chocolatiers and small‑batch makers gather in Ashland, Oregon, to share their best creations — from classic truffles and bonbons to bean‑to‑bar chocolate bars, toffee, and unique flavored bars.
In this 1200‑word guide, we’ll explore five standout artisan chocolatiers you must try at the Oregon Chocolate Festival. We’ll also cover what makes this festival special, how the chocolate competition works, and tips for planning your tasting day. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a returning chocolate fan, this guide will help you get the most out of your festival experience.
What Is the Oregon Chocolate Festival?
The Oregon Chocolate Festival is an annual celebration of chocolate, taste, creativity, and craftsmanship. Held in Ashland, Oregon, for over two decades, this event brings together artisan chocolatiers, chocolate makers, wineries, and flavor creators from all over the West Coast. Festival highlights include:
- A two‑day marketplace of chocolate tasting and shopping
- Chocolate Product Competitions with expert judges
- People’s Choice Awards where attendees vote for favorite chocolatier
- Special events like chocolate dinners, cocoa & cocktails, and family activities
The festival celebrates everything from dark chocolate bars and flavored confections to bean‑to‑bar craft chocolate, handmade bonbons, and creative chocolate beverages. It’s a great place to discover new flavors and meet the artisans behind them.
How the Chocolate Competition Works
One major highlight of the Oregon Chocolate Festival is the Chocolate Product Competition. Chocolatiers submit their best products for blind judging. Awards are given in categories like:
- Best Chocolate Confection
- Best Bonbon
- Best Chocolate Beverage
- Best Chocolate Tablet
- Best Inclusion & Flavored Chocolate Bar
- Best in Show
After judging, festival attendees can also vote in the People’s Choice Award, making it a true community event.
Winners from recent years include Hygge Chocolates (Best Chocolate Confection), Branson’s Chocolates (Best Bonbon), Orinoco Chocolate Co. (Best Chocolate Tablet), and Holm Made Toffee Co. as a repeat People’s Choice Award winner.
1. Hygge Chocolates – Cozy and Comforting Flavors
Why Try Them?
Hygge Chocolates is a beloved artisanal chocolatier known for its cozy, comforting chocolate creations. The brand’s name is inspired by the Danish concept of hygge — a feeling of warmth, comfort, and peace — and that’s exactly what their chocolates deliver. Their confections often combine balanced flavors with rich texture and subtle sweetness.
What To Expect
At the festival, this maker often competes in the Best Chocolate Confection category and earns recognition for its rich truffles, creamy ganaches, and classic chocolate bites that appeal to every palate.
Whether you prefer milk chocolate ganache infused with vanilla or dark chocolate truffles with a hint of sea salt, Hygge Chocolates is one stand you won’t want to miss.
2. Holm Made Toffee Co. – Classic Toffee With a Pacific Northwest Twist
Meet the Makers
Holm Made Toffee Co. is one of the most recognized names at the Oregon Chocolate Festival. This family‑owned chocolatier from Bend, Oregon, has earned multiple awards at the festival, including the People’s Choice Award and Best Chocolate Candy.
What Makes It Special
Holm’s toffee is handcrafted in small batches using Oregon‑grown hazelnuts and high‑quality chocolate. Their signature flavors include classic hazelnut toffee, dark chocolate passionfruit hazelnut, and seasonal variations. Many festival visitors return year after year just to taste Holm’s toffee.
Whether you’re a toffee fan or a chocolate lover who enjoys texture and crunch, this booth is a must‑visit.
3. Branson’s Chocolates – Handmade Truffles & Bonbons
A Festival Favorite
Branson’s Chocolates is a well‑established artisan chocolatier based in Ashland, Oregon. Known for handmade truffles, bonbons, caramels, and flavored chocolates, Branson’s has won awards in the Best Bonbon category and impressed both judges and festival attendees.
What To Expect
At the festival, look for their:
- Classic milk and dark chocolate truffles
- Rich caramel pieces
- Seasonal flavored chocolates
Branson’s is especially good if you like soft‑center chocolates and elegantly balanced flavors.
4. Cocoa & Craft – Creative Flavored Chocolate Bars
Small‑Batch Innovation
Cocoa & Craft is another artisan maker with a reputation for flavored chocolate bars and creative inclusions. This brand often wins awards in the Best Inclusion & Flavored Chocolate Bar category at the festival.
Flavor Highlights
Their specialty bars blend chocolate with unique pairings like:
- Oregon hazelnut
- Dried fruit or berries
- Spices and sea salt
Cocoa & Craft is perfect for chocolate lovers who enjoy bold flavors, creative textures, and unique tasting experiences.
5. Orinoco Chocolate Co. – Standout Tablet and Bar Maker
Why It’s Worth Trying
Orinoco Chocolate Co. is an award‑winning chocolate brand recognized for its excellent chocolate tablets (bars). At past Oregon Chocolate Festivals, Orinoco has earned the Best Chocolate Tablet award — a big deal in chocolate competitions.
What Makes It Different
Unlike traditional confections, Orinoco focuses on pure chocolate tablets that celebrate the bean‑to‑bar experience. These bars let the chocolate shine on its own, without too many extras. If you love rich, focused chocolate flavor — especially dark chocolate — this is a booth you shouldn’t skip.
Bonus: Bean‑to‑Bar Makers and Specialty Chocolatiers to Explore
While the five above are great starting points, the Oregon Chocolate Festival also features other artisan makers worth checking out:
Bean‑to‑Bar Oregon Makers
- Woodblock Chocolate – Portland‑based bean‑to‑bar maker known for single‑origin bars and small‑batch chocolate craftsmanship.
- Ranger Chocolate Co. – Premium bean‑to‑bar chocolatier with creative flavors and sustainable sourcing.
- Creo Chocolate – Family‑run chocolate company offering bean‑to‑bar experiences and creative tasting events.
These makers highlight the craft side of chocolate making — from sourcing cacao beans to roasting, refining, and molding the final bar.
Tips for Your Oregon Chocolate Festival Visit
To make the most of your experience, here are some helpful tips:
Plan Ahead
- Check the festival schedule and note market hours, chocolate dinners, and special events.
- Pick up tickets early — popular sessions sell out.
Map Out Tasting Stops
Start with makers you’re most curious about, like the five highlighted here, then walk through other booths to discover new flavors.
Participate in Tastings
Attend the People’s Choice tasting if available — you might get to vote for your favorite chocolate creation.
Pair With Local Wine
Many vendors include wine, beer, or spirits pairings. Pairing dark chocolate with a bold red wine or a handcrafted spirit can elevate the tasting experience.
Capture Your Trip
Take photos of your favorite creations and share your top picks — it’s a fun way to remember which chocolatiers you loved most.
Final Thoughts
The Oregon Chocolate Festival is more than just a chocolate tasting event — it’s a celebration of craft, creativity, and community. From rich, handmade truffles to bold flavored bars, and from bean‑to‑bar chocolate makers to classic toffee artisans, there’s something for every kind of chocolate lover.
If you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another year, be sure to stop by these five must‑try artisan chocolatiers. Each one offers a unique taste experience that highlights why the Oregon Chocolate Festival is a must‑visit event for anyone who loves chocolate.
