Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour — San Francisco, California

Discover the Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour in San Francisco

The Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour in San Francisco, CA, offers an intimate and immersive look into the art of bean-to-bar chocolate making. Located in the heart of the Mission District, this celebrated craft chocolate company opens its doors to visitors eager to see — and taste — how cacao beans are transformed into award-winning single-origin chocolate.

During the guided tour, guests follow the chocolate’s journey from raw cacao beans to smooth, finished bars. You’ll see roasting, grinding, and tempering in action while learning about sourcing, fermentation, and ethical trade practices that define Dandelion’s approach. Each visit includes a guided tasting of several single-origin chocolates, letting you savor the unique flavor profiles of cacao from around the world.

Why it’s special:
Unlike large-scale chocolate producers, Dandelion Chocolate crafts its bars entirely in-house — one small batch at a time. This tour offers an authentic, sensory-rich experience that combines craftsmanship, sustainability, and pure indulgence.

History/Story of Dandelion Chocolate

Founded in 2010 by Todd Masonis and Cameron Ring, Dandelion Chocolate began as a small San Francisco workshop dedicated to the simple mission of making chocolate from just two ingredients: cacao and sugar. Inspired by transparency and craftsmanship, they helped pioneer the bean-to-bar movement in America, emphasizing direct sourcing and minimal processing.

Today, Dandelion Chocolate is internationally recognized for its ethical sourcing practices, distinctive flavor profiles, and immersive visitor experiences — from tastings and classes to its state-of-the-art factory at 16th Street and Alabama in San Francisco’s Mission District.

What You’ll See & Do on the Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour

• Walk through Dandelion’s working chocolate factory in San Francisco.

• Learn how cacao beans are fermented, roasted, ground, and refined into chocolate.

• Watch chocolatiers temper and mold chocolate bars by hand.

• Discover how Dandelion sources cacao directly from small farms around the world.

• Taste multiple single-origin chocolates, each with distinct flavor notes.

• Explore the café and shop for exclusive chocolate bars and gifts.

Hands-On Elements: Tasting session, sensory exploration of cacao beans and nibs, aroma comparisons.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in designated viewing and tasting areas.

Souvenirs & Extras:

• Dandelion Chocolate gift shop with limited-edition bars, books, and accessories

• On-site café serving hot chocolate, pastries, and desserts made from factory-fresh chocolate

Pricing of Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour

• Factory Tour & Tasting: ~$20–$25 per person (includes tasting flight)

• Private Group Tours: Custom pricing available for corporate or educational groups

• Kids under 8: Not recommended due to production area restrictions

Practical Info for Visiting Dandelion Chocolate

Duration: ~60 minutes
Format: Guided tour with live demonstrations and tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered multiple times daily; check calendar at DandelionChocolate.com/experiences
Audience: Food lovers, couples, students, and travelers seeking authentic artisan experiences
Accessibility: Fully accessible facility with elevators and wide viewing areas
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes recommended

• Children under 8 not permitted in factory production areas

Languages: English; printed materials available in Spanish and Japanese
Group & School Visits: Available by appointment

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothes and a love for chocolate
Facilities: Café, shop, restrooms, public parking nearby
Closures & Downtime: Closed major holidays and during production maintenance

Location & Booking

Getting There: Located in the Mission District; accessible by BART (16th St Mission Station) and MUNI bus lines
Booking: Reserve tours online at DandelionChocolate.com/experiences
Cancellation & Refunds: Refunds available up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour
On-Site Extras: Café, tasting bar, chocolate classes, and retail store

Nearby

• Tartine Bakery (Mission District)

• Bi-Rite Creamery

• Mission Dolores Park

FAQs About Visiting the Dandelion Chocolate Factory

Is the Dandelion Chocolate tour hands-on?
Yes — guests sample chocolates, explore cacao beans, and engage in sensory tasting activities.

Do I see real chocolate being made?
Yes! The tour takes you through live production areas where chocolate is roasted, refined, and molded.

Can I just visit the café?
Yes, the café and shop are open daily with no reservation needed.

Are samples included?
Absolutely — all tours include a guided chocolate tasting flight.

Is it suitable for kids?
The tour is best for ages 8+, but the café and retail areas are family-friendly.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, space is limited; book your tour or tasting online ahead of time.

What makes Dandelion different?
Dandelion uses only two ingredients — cacao and sugar — to highlight the natural flavors of each bean’s origin.