Who knew that single-origin craft chocolate could do so much good? When you visit River-Sea Chocolates in Virginia, you'll learn how mindful harvesting, ethical practices, and attention to detail can have an amazing impact on the local and global community. Moreover, the sweets created inside this chocolate factory in Chantilly, Virginia, are absolutely mouthwatering. By using high-quality ingredients, time-honed practices, and lots of artistry, the owners of this beloved chocolate store and cafe have created something truly remarkable. Enjoying this chocolate isn't just a delicious experience, it's also one that has major benefits to the community and is gentle on the environment. Curious to learn more? Here's more on what makes this small business in Virginia so very special.

Welcome to River-Sea Chocolate Factory! Tucked away in Chantilly, Virginia, this incredible local business is one that belongs on your radar, whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast or simply love supporting mindful and eco-friendly businesses.

The story of River-Sea Chocolates began in the Amazon Basin, the homeland of Mariano D’Aguiar, and the place he met his wife Krissee. Passionate about the rainforest and its unique ecosystem, the couple opened River-Sea Chocolates in 2017 as a way to connect the rainforest to the local Virginia community.

Their bean-to-bar business model is a way to support the health of the Amazon rainforest. Harvesting cocoa is an eco-friendly practice that can improve the lives of local workers and provide an alternative to deforestation.

As explained on the website: "Cacao farming and direct trade empowers community development and provides an incentive for natives of tropical countries to work in an environmentally friendly way, maintaining natural forestry and Earth's oxygen. Cacao trees can be planted in the shade of existing jungle canopy, discouraging logging or other devastating options that exploit vital habitats and contribute to species extinction."

The moment you step inside River-Sea Chocolates, you’ll understand that every part of the business is intentional and mindful, from the quality of the cacao used to make the chocolate to respect shown for the environment and cacao harvesters.

As the owners explain, "Craft chocolate is a way to promote visibility and transparency throughout all the steps of making chocolate. From the way the Cacao is planted, harvested and imported, to the transformation of the carefully harvested beans to the products we offer. Very few chocolate companies in the world are open to the point of showing that their chocolate follows a path that respects the environment the people who harvest the cocoa beans gets a fair price for their product."

In short, Mariano and Krissee are using their business as a way to support the environment. And just wait until you sample the product! As you can tell from the photos, each bar and truffle is a true work of art that tastes just as incredible as it looks.

Photographed below is one example of a specialty chocolate truffle with a ton of complexity. It's made from pea and elderberry white chocolate ganache encapsulated in organic milk chocolate.

When you visit the factory, you can learn all about the fascinating process of harvesting cacao and creating mouthwatering, quality chocolate.

In fact, there’s even a virtual tasting tour that allows you to sample five different chocolate bars from around the world, shipped right to your doorstep, while you’ll learn about the tasting notes of each. You’ll be a chocolate expert in no time!

To learn more about how River-Sea Chocolate supports the environment, you can watch the brief video below:

Have you ever visited River-Sea Chocolates in Virginia? What did you think of your experience there? We'd love to hear from you -- be sure to share with us in the comments below.

You can find out more about River-Sea Chocolate Factory by visiting their official website. You can also follow River-Sea Chocolates on Facebook. Can't wait to sample their delicious chocolate? Order some online and support this wonderful small business!

Of course, River-Sea Chocolates is just one of many local businesses doing great things in Virginia. If you have another business you'd like to see featured on Only In Virginia, please nominate them here and tell us why! And be sure to follow Only In Virginia on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about all the wonderful things happening in Old Dominion.