Learn to Make Real Chocolate in Tobago
Step inside the Tobago Chocolate Lab, where Trinitario's award-winning chocolate meets hands-on training in a working hospitality campus. This is where you turn cocoa beans into skills you can actually use.
The Trinitario Chocolate Lab
Hosted at Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute
Tucked in the hills of Mt. St George, the Chocolate Lab sits inside Tobago's hospitality campus—a fully equipped chocolate facility where you'll work with real beans, real equipment, and real techniques.
This isn't just a kitchen. It's a space to experiment, develop products, and turn ideas into income. Whether you're visiting Tobago, training as a chef, or launching your own chocolate brand, you'll leave with skills that work in the real world.
Choose Your Chocolate Lab Experience
Chocolate Moulding Essentials
Learn the fundamentals of chocolate moulding—how to create both solid and hollow chocolates using professional tools. You'll walk away knowing how to handle, shape, and finish chocolate like a pro.
Foundations Workshop
Facilitated by Trinitario
Tempering & Moulding Mastery
Master the fundamentals of tempering chocolate—tabling, seeding, and the techniques that give your chocolate that perfect shine, snap, and consistency. Hands-on practice with professional guidance throughout.
Core Techniques Workshop
Facilitated by Trinitario
The Bean-to-Bar Express
Follow the complete journey from cocoa bean to finished chocolate bar. You'll learn the origins of cocoa, explore traditional and modern production methods, then temper and mould your own personalized bar to take home.
Foundations Workshop
Facilitated by THTI
Tropical Pairing Masterclass
A sensory masterclass where you'll explore how chocolate pairs with Caribbean ingredients—rum, spices, and tropical fruits. Learn professional tasting techniques and flavor profiling while discovering combinations that work.
Tasting & Experiences Workshop
Facilitated by THTI
The Edible Souvenir: Truffles & Ganache
Learn the art of chocolate confectionery—ganache, truffle making, and finishing techniques. You'll discover how to balance flavors, create smooth textures, and present handcrafted truffles using local ingredients and Caribbean flavor infusions.
Confectionery Workshop
Facilitated by THTI
A Sip of Heritage: Cocoa Drinks Lab
Dive into Trinidad's cocoa drink traditions—from classic cocoa tea to modern chocolate beverages. You'll learn flavor layering, preparation techniques, and presentation, connecting heritage recipes with modern twists you can use at home.
Cultural & Beverage Workshop
Facilitated by THTI
Truffles, Decorations & Finishing
An intermediate-level workshop where you'll create flavored truffles and learn professional finishing methods—chocolate decoration, texture work, and presentation techniques you can use to elevate your own creations.
Advanced Techniques Workshop
Facilitated by Trinitario
Kids Choco-Explorer Camp
A fun, hands-on camp where kids explore the story of chocolate through games, baking, and creative activities. They'll make their own treats and earn a 'Junior Chocolatier' certificate to take home.
Kids & Family Workshop
Facilitated by THTI
Who the Chocolate Lab Is For
Plan Your VisitVisitors & Food Lovers
Looking for a hands-on chocolate experience that goes deeper than tasting—this is where you learn how it's really made.
Students
Get real kitchen experience that goes beyond the classroom—training that actually prepares you for the industry.
Chefs, Bakers & Bartenders
Sharpen your skills in tempering, truffles, bonbons, cocoa drinks, and frozen desserts—techniques you can take straight back to your kitchen.
Entrepreneurs & Local Makers
Explore new chocolate products and professional-grade ingredients, and turn your ideas into real income.
Before You Visit
Find us on a mapArrival
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in at THTI reception and make your way to the Lab.
Late arrivals may cut into your workshop time, and we might not be able to fit you in if you're more than a few minutes late.
Your confirmation email has your exact meeting point, parking details, and any special instructions.
What to Wear
Chocolate workshops get messy. Wear something comfortable that you don't mind getting chocolate on.
Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required for safety.
Tie back long hair, and keep jewellery minimal.
Health & Safety
We follow professional food-safety standards. Hand-washing and sanitizer stations are available, and you might need a hair net or hat depending on the session.
Some workshops involve hot sugar, equipment, or alcohol—our team will walk you through safety at the start.
If you have allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten, spices, alcohol), let us know when you book and again when you arrive.
Age Guidance
Kids' workshops are designed for specific age groups—check the workshop details for age limits.
Workshops with alcohol (rum pairings, chocolate rum cream) are 18+ only. You might need to show ID.
Changes, Cancellations & Group Bookings
You can change or cancel your booking up to 48 hours before your workshop at no charge.
Cancellations within 48 hours may be charged in full or be non-refundable, depending on the workshop and group size.
Amend or cancel
You may amend or cancel standard bookings up to 48 hours before your scheduled start time at no additional charge.
Cancellations within 48 hours
Cancellations within 48 hours of your experience may be charged in full or be non-refundable, depending on the workshop type and group size.
Private groups, corporate bookings or educational tours
Private groups, corporate bookings, and educational tours have custom terms—check your confirmation email for details.
Cancel or reschedule
If we need to cancel or reschedule, we'll let you know as soon as possible and offer you another date or a full refund.
Private group and corporate sessions
We can tailor private and corporate sessions for schools, culinary teams, and travel partners—custom timings, custom focus areas like drinks, bonbons, or bean-to-bar.
Workshop FAQs
Please note: The Tobago Chocolate Lab operates on limited scheduled sessions during its launch phase. Advance booking is essential and walk-ins cannot be guaranteed.
Our workshops have limited capacity and often sell out. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible once new dates appear in the calendar to secure your preferred experience and time.
Hours & Tickets
What are your opening hours?
We run scheduled workshops, not walk-in hours. Check our online booking system for available dates and times—we add extra sessions during busy periods.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Our workshops have limited spots and sell out fast. Book as soon as you see a date that works for you.
Are walk-ins accepted?
If we have space, we might be able to fit in walk-ins for some sessions—but we can’t guarantee it. Book ahead to be safe.
Can I change the date of my booking?
If you need to change your date, email us with your booking reference and preferred new time. Subject to our 48-hour policy and availability, we’ll do our best to move you to another session.
Do you offer private or group bookings?
Yes. We can tailor private sessions for corporate groups, schools, culinary teams, and travel partners—custom timings, custom focus (drinks, bonbons, bean-to-bar, whatever you need).
Visitor Information
Where is the Tobago Chocolate Lab located?
We’re located at the Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute (THTI) campus in Mt. St George, Blenheim, Tobago.
Is parking available?
Yes. There’s on-site parking at the THTI campus—just follow the signs to main reception and the Chocolate Lab entrance.
Is the lab accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Some areas of the campus have slopes or stairs, but we can often adapt routes or activities to help. If you have mobility or accessibility needs, contact us in advance so we can find the best session for you and arrange support.
Is photography allowed?
Personal photos are welcome in most areas—just follow safety instructions and respect other guests. Your host will let you know if there are any areas where photography isn’t allowed.
Workshop Experience
Do I need prior chocolate or pastry experience?
Not at all. We have workshops for complete beginners and in-depth clinics for professionals. Each workshop listing shows the recommended skill level so you can pick the right one.
What exactly is included in a typical workshop?
Every workshop combines guided demos with hands-on practice. Depending on which one you choose, you might temper chocolate, mould bars, pipe ganache, hand-roll truffles, taste pairings, or make cocoa drinks—plus you’ll get to taste and take home what you make (where food-safety allows).
Do I get to take home what I make?
Yes. In most workshops you’ll mould bars, truffles, or other treats to take home, subject to food-safety guidelines and storage conditions.
Are recipes or notes provided?
Yes. You’ll get key recipes and techniques from the workshop so you can recreate what you learned at home.
Will I receive a certificate?
Some professional clinics and longer programs include a certificate of participation from THTI and Trinitario, which you can add to your portfolio or professional development record. Check the workshop description or contact us to confirm if your session includes one.
Address
The Chocolate Lab,
Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute,
Mt. St George,
Blenheim,
Tobago
Phone
+1 (868) 254-6644Discover More Chocolate & Tobago
Extend your journey beyond the lab with stories, courses and experiences that celebrate Tobago’s hospitality, cocoa heritage and future-focused chocolate innovation.
The Chocolate Box
Shop award-winning artisan chocolate handcrafted daily at Trinidad's premier chocolaterie located at the Hilton Trinidad. Each piece showcases locally-sourced Trinitario cocoa in an open-view kitchen where craftsmanship meets Caribbean heritage.
Visit the Chocolate Box
Trinitario Online Shop
Order premium single-origin chocolate delivered across Trinidad and Tobago. Browse signature bars, drinking chocolate, and exclusive collections crafted from the world-renowned Trinitario cocoa variety that originated in Trinidad over 250 years ago.
Visit the Trinitario Shop
THTI Courses and Programmes
Pursue ACTT-accredited Associate Degrees and professional certificates at Tobago's premier hospitality campus. Study Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Tourism with hands-on training in world-class facilities where industry expertise meets practical skill development.
Visit the THTI website
