Cacao Stories is a hands-on bean-to-bar chocolate workshop, run by The Purple Peony in Auckland. Over two unhurried hours, you'll hear the story of cacao — how it grows, its history and myths — then get hands-on: touching and tasting real roasted beans, taking a turn at the concher to feel nibs grind into smooth chocolate, watching real chocolate melt, and finally filling their own mould to make a chocolate bar to take home. It's a small-group, low-pressure session designed for genuine discovery rather than a quick craft activity — no shortcuts, real ingredients, and a real understanding of where chocolate actually comes from.

Event details: 

• Start time: 11:00am
• End time: 1:00pm (2 hours)
• Date: Saturday 25th July
• Cost: NZ$55 per person (founding-rate pricing for this first TBF session)
• Ages: 12+
• Group size: Small group, maximum 12 people
• What's included: All ingredients and equipment, a hands-on bean-to-bar experience, and a handmade chocolate bar to take home
• Allergy note: Please advise of any allergies at time of booking