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.

• Start time: 11:00am

• End time: 1:00pm (2 hours)

• Date: Saturday 25th July

• Cost: NZ$55 per (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

• Venue: TBF— Downstairs

• Allergy note: Please advise of any allergies at time of booking