Milan: Enrico Rizzi Chocolate Factory Tour with tasting

Milan: Enrico Rizzi Chocolate Factory Tour with Tasting

Exploring Milan isn’t just about its historic cathedrals and fashion boutiques — it’s also about indulging in its lesser-known, sweet side. This chocolate factory tour offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of artisanal chocolate-making paired with an authentic tasting experience. While it’s limited in duration, it packs plenty of value for those eager to understand the craft and savor some world-class chocolates.

What truly makes this experience special are three things: the virtual reality journey that transports you to a cocoa plantation in Peru, the guided walk through the bean-to-bar process, and the chance to sample premium single-origin chocolates. However, keep in mind that the tour is small, with a maximum of eight guests, which means a more intimate and personalized experience. If you’re after a quick, informative, and delicious activity in Milan, this might be just the ticket.

One thing to consider is the 60-minute format, which is perfect for a tasting break but leaves less time for an in-depth exploration. Plus, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility issues, some parts of the experience may not be suitable. Overall, it’s ideal for curious travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, enjoy tasting unique chocolates, and like learning how their favorite sweet treats are made.

Key Points

• Short but Sweet: A one-hour guided tour with tasting, perfect for a quick but meaningful experience.
• Authentic Craftsmanship: Insight into the bean-to-bar process, from roasting to stone grinding.
• Immersive Experience: A virtual reality film transports you to a cocoa plantation in Peru, showcasing harvesting and fermenting.
• Premium Tasting: Sample three to five single-origin chocolates, including Grand Cru varieties.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 guests, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.
• Convenient Location: Easily accessible in central Milan, just minutes from Piazza del Duomo.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Journey: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: The Factory in Milan’s Heart

Your visit kicks off at Enrico Rizzi’s Chocolate Factory, situated conveniently near Milan’s main attractions. The location at Via Gian Giacomo Mora 18 is easy to reach, especially if you’re using Milan’s M4 metro line, stopping at De Amicis. The factory’s modern yet cozy atmosphere sets the tone for a hands-on, engaging experience.

The Sensory Room & Virtual Reality Journey

You’ll be welcomed into the sensory room, where the experience really begins. Here, thanks to Virtual Reality 360 technology, you’re transported to a cocoa plantation in Peru. As you watch a short, engaging film, you’ll see the entire process — from cocoa harvesting to fermenting and drying — all from the perspective of a plantation worker. Several reviews mention that this immersive video makes the experience more tangible and provides valuable context about where chocolate starts its journey.

From Bean to Bar: The Processing Tour

Next, you’ll step into the roasting room, where the aroma of freshly roasted cocoa beans fills the air. This part of the tour offers a close-up look at how cocoa is prepared before turning into chocolate. Walkers can observe the separation of husks, the removal of shells, and the crucial stage of stone grinding, which can take up to 80 hours, producing a smooth, rich chocolate paste. Reviewers appreciate seeing the entire process, noting it’s a fascinating demonstration of craftsmanship that enhances the tasting experience.

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The Chocolate Library & Refinement

A highlight is the chocolate library, a temperature- and humidity-controlled space where the chocolate is carefully stored and refined. Visitors learn how flavors are infused with spices, teas, and infusions, giving each batch a unique personality. Some reviews mention that the guide’s explanations make it easy to understand the complex process without feeling overwhelmed.

Final Tasting & Tasting Notes

The last part of the tour involves a guided tasting of either three or five single-origin chocolates produced on-site. Depending on your ticket type, you’ll sample different varieties, including Grand Cru chocolates, which are often highlighted for their depth and nuanced flavors. Guests have praised the quality and diversity of the chocolates, often describing them as delicious, complex, and thoughtfully crafted.

Additional Details & Practical Info

The entire experience lasts around 60 minutes, and the small group size allows for interaction and questions. The tour is available in Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish, so language barriers aren’t a concern. It’s suitable for travelers over 6 years old, but not recommended for very young children, babies, or those with epilepsy.

Is It Worth the Price?

While the ticket price might seem modest, the combination of a guided visit, a VR experience, and quality tasting makes it a compelling value. You’re not just tasting chocolates but learning about their journey from bean to bar, which adds depth to your indulgence.

Why This Tour Works Well for Different Travelers

If you’re a chocolate lover curious about the craft behind your favorite treats, this tour provides a rare peek into artisan production. It’s particularly great for foodies and experiential travelers who enjoy understanding the story behind what they eat.

Travelers who appreciate small group settings will enjoy the intimate atmosphere, allowing time for questions and personalized insights. It’s also suitable for those seeking a short activity that still delivers a rich experience — perfect for a morning or afternoon break in Milan.

However, this experience isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a longer, in-depth tour or if you’re traveling with very young children who might find the VR or the factory process too technical. Overall, it strikes a good balance between educational content and indulgent tasting, making it a memorable stop for many visitors.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, providing a well-paced overview of the entire process with time for tasting and questions.

What languages are available for the immersive video?
The virtual reality film is available in Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish, making it accessible to most travelers.

Is it suitable for children?
The experience is suitable for children over 6 years old. It’s not recommended for babies, very young kids, or those with epilepsy.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

What chocolates will I taste?
Guests sample three to five single-origin chocolates produced on-site, including Grand Cru varieties, which are known for their complex flavors.

Where is the factory located?
It’s centrally located at Via Gian Giacomo Mora 18, near Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, with easy access via public transport (M4 De Amicis stop).

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility to travelers’ plans.

Is there an option to reserve now and pay later?
Absolutely, you can book your spot now, keep your plans flexible, and pay nothing until closer to the date.

Are there any additional costs?
All tasting chocolates are included in the ticket price. No hidden or extra charges are mentioned.

To sum it up, this chocolate factory tour in Milan offers an engaging blend of education, sensory delight, and cultural insight. It’s especially suitable for those who genuinely want to understand the craftsmanship behind their favorite sweet, enjoy a small-group setting, and taste high-quality chocolates. Whether you’re a seasoned chocoholic or just curious about the process, this experience promises a tasty, informative, and memorable break from the city’s usual sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: