Inside the Amedei Tuscany Chocolate Workshop

In the heart of Tuscany, nestled among olive groves and vineyards, lies one of the world’s most celebrated artisan chocolate makers—Amedei. Known for elevating chocolate to a fine art, Amedei’s bean-to-bar philosophy and obsession with quality have earned it global acclaim. And for chocolate enthusiasts, the Amedei Chocolate Workshop in Pontedera offers a rare opportunity to step inside this world of flavour, craftsmanship, and sensory indulgence.

A visit to the Amedei Tuscany Chocolate Workshop is not just a tour; it’s an immersive journey that educates, delights, and inspires. From exclusive access to the production floor to curated tastings of rare single-origin cocoa, the experience blends Tuscan hospitality with gourmet excellence.

The Amedei Legacy: Italian Passion Meets Global Cacao

Founded by Cecilia Tessieri in 1990, Amedei was among the first Italian brands to fully embrace the bean-to-bar movement, controlling every step of the chocolate-making process—from sourcing raw cacao to the final bar. The brand’s commitment to direct trade and ethical sourcing led them to work with small farms across South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, ensuring the finest beans make their way to Tuscany.

The result is a chocolate that is rich in flavour, story, and purpose. Amedei has won numerous international awards, including the prestigious Academy of Chocolate’s “Golden Bean”—solidifying its position as a leading name in luxury chocolate.

What to Expect at the Amedei Workshop

Visitors to the Amedei Chocolate Workshop can choose from several curated experiences, all of which are hosted at the company’s elegant facility just outside Pisa. The most popular option is the Tour & Tasting, which typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and includes:

• A guided tour of the production area, where guests can observe each stage of the chocolate-making process, from cocoa bean roasting and conching to tempering and moulding.
• Insights into cacao origins, fermentation techniques, and the differences between criollo, trinitario, and forastero beans.
• A tasting session featuring a selection of Amedei’s award-winning chocolates, including single-origin bars, milk and dark blends, and the iconic “Porcelana” and “Chuao”—both made from some of the rarest cacao in the world.
• Discussion with chocolate experts, who offer deep knowledge of flavour profiles, aroma, mouthfeel, and pairing suggestions.

What sets Amedei apart is the intimacy of the experience. Tours are intentionally kept small, ensuring each guest receives personal attention and plenty of time to ask questions, sample freely, and fully appreciate the craft behind each creation.

Tasting Notes: Flavours of the Finest Chocolate

The tasting segment is the heart of the workshop, designed to awaken and refine your palate. Each chocolate is introduced with context—its origin, bean type, processing method—and then tasted slowly to highlight its unique qualities.

For example, the Toscano Black 70% delivers a complex balance of earthy bitterness and fruit notes, while the Chuao bar offers hints of wild berries, toasted nuts, and honey. The famed “Porcelana”, produced in very limited quantities, is smooth, floral, and considered one of the purest expressions of dark chocolate in the world.

The tasting is often accompanied by light refreshments, including mineral water and palate cleansers, to ensure the most accurate sensory experience. Some private sessions may also include wine pairings—an indulgent treat that showcases how well Amedei’s chocolates complement Tuscany’s finest vintages.

A Boutique Worth Visiting

Before leaving, guests are encouraged to browse the on-site boutique, where they can purchase limited-edition bars, tasting boxes, and gourmet confections not easily found elsewhere. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts or stock up on personal favourites discovered during the session.

The Amedei Tuscany Chocolate Workshop is located in Pontedera, Tuscany, about 30 minutes from Pisa and just over an hour from Florence. Tours are available by advance reservation only, with both Italian and English-language options available.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual chocolate fan, the Amedei Workshop is an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of Tuscany with the artistry of world-class chocolate making. It’s not just a tour—it’s a celebration of taste, tradition, and terroir. 

To view upcoming sessions, book your experience, or learn more, visit:  amedei.it/en/pages/tour-e-degustazione