River-Sea Chocolate Factory Tour — Chantilly, Virginia

Discover the River-Sea Chocolate Factory Tour in Virginia

Explore bean-to-bar chocolate making at River-Sea Chocolates in Chantilly, Virginia, where ethically sourced cacao and sustainable craftsmanship come together in a vibrant factory-café setting. Visitors can watch raw cacao beans being roasted, winnowed, ground, and transformed into smooth chocolate bars. Guided tours and tastings showcase how River-Sea supports rainforest farmers and uses environmentally conscious techniques to create award-winning craft chocolate.

Why it’s special:
River-Sea stands out for its transparent, hands-on approach to chocolate making, highlighting direct-trade relationships and eco-friendly production. Guests learn about the entire bean-to-bar journey while enjoying freshly made chocolate in a warm and inviting café atmosphere.

History/Story of River-Sea Chocolates

Founded by a husband-and-wife team passionate about sustainability, River-Sea Chocolates began as a small craft operation dedicated to ethical cacao sourcing and rainforest preservation. From its early experiments with micro-batches to its modern Chantilly factory, the company has grown into one of Virginia’s leading bean-to-bar chocolate makers. River-Sea’s story centers on fair compensation for cacao farmers, careful craftsmanship, and producing chocolate with distinctive flavors that celebrate its origins.

What You’ll See & Do at the River-Sea Chocolate Factory Tour

• Watch cacao beans being roasted, cracked, winnowed, and refined on-site

• Learn about the chocolate-making stages: roasting, grinding, conching, tempering, molding

• Taste chocolate at different points in the refinement process

• Explore informational displays about cacao farming, fermentation, and global sourcing

• View artisan bar-molding and packaging systems

• Enjoy a cup of single-origin hot chocolate or specialty drinks at the café

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings, sampling of chocolate at various production stages, possible hands-on activities depending on tour type.

Photo/Video Policy: Photos permitted from designated viewing areas; no flash near equipment or production lines.

Souvenirs & Extras: Single-origin bars, truffle boxes, cacao nibs, specialty drinks, ethically sourced merchandise, and seasonal releases.

Pricing of the River-Sea Chocolate Factory Tour

Factory tours and tastings are paid experiences, with pricing depending on the tour type and group size.
Workshops and special tasting sessions may be offered at additional cost.
Advance reservations are recommended, especially for weekends or private events.

Practical Info for Visiting River-Sea Chocolates

Duration: 45–75 minutes depending on tour type
Format: Guided tour with structured tasting
Working Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (tour times scheduled separately)
Audience: Families, food lovers, chocolate enthusiasts, ethical sourcing advocates, small groups
Accessibility: Indoor facility with accessible entry; some production-floor viewpoints may require standing
Safety & Restrictions: Stay behind railings; children must be supervised; no loose accessories near machinery
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Available with advance booking; educational programs offered
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing; avoid strong fragrances to preserve tasting experience
Facilities: Café, retail shop, restrooms, parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed Mondays; tours may pause during equipment maintenance or large production runs

Nearby

• Dulles Expo Center – Large event and exhibition venue minutes away

• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Smithsonian Air & Space Museum) – Major aviation museum near Dulles Airport

• Ellanor C. Lawrence Park – Wooded parkland with trails and historic buildings

FAQs About Visiting River-Sea Chocolates

Do I need a reservation for the factory tour?
Yes, tours require advance booking, especially on weekends or for special tasting sessions.

What makes River-Sea chocolate unique?
The company uses direct-trade cacao from rainforest farms, focusing on ethical sourcing and flavor profiles tied to origin.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, children are welcome, but the tour involves standing near machinery, so supervision is required.

Can I buy drinks or snacks during the visit?
Absolutely — the on-site café serves hot chocolate, coffee, pastries, and specialty drinks featuring house-made chocolate.

Will I get to taste chocolate during the tour?
Yes, tastings are included, often at multiple stages of production for a full bean-to-bar experience.