Whetstone Chocolates

Like wine grapes, cocoa beans vary from year to year according to climatic conditions and their location.” Virginia says. “Because our chocolate is only as good as the raw materials used to make it, I select the best chocolate from more than 200 grades. I choose chocolate based on qualities such as percentage of cocoa butter, granule fineness, flavor, color and conch time. I have personally visited cocoa plantations around the world to ensure I acquire the best.” In 1984, a new 10,000 square foot factory was constructed on Highway 312, south of St. Augustine. More wholesale products were added and contract work expanded as Nestle’s, Hershey and M&M Mars became significant wholesale customers of Whetstone Chocolates. Although it remained small by comparison, Whetstone Chocolates became highly sought after among the giants of chocolate for its production quality, creativity and innovation.In the early 1990’s the Whetstone Chocolate factory became a major attraction as tourists and local residents alike sought to learn more about the unique Whetstone delicacies. Daily tours, conducted at first by Virginia and later by her staff, became commonplace for tourists as well as many local families.