Thanks to this digital course, you'll finally learn how to taste chocolate and nurture your expertise in recognizing the quality of chocolate, if not detecting any defects.

Every stage in the process - from raw material to product - has an influence on the taste of chocolate. Understanding the process will enable you to appreciate the aromatic diversity of chocolate: fruity with notes of red fruit, fruity with notes of mirabelle plum, or vegetal with floral or woody notes, spicy with notes of cinnamon...

This course is an essential tool for mastering the tasting method and understanding the descriptive and sensory vocabulary needed to describe your impressions and talk about chocolate like a connoisseur.

What are the course objectives?

  • Discover the botany of the cocoa tree through the study of the tree, the flower and the fruit.

  • Understand the notion of terroir and the implications of different factors in the construction of chocolate aromas.

  • Understand the influence of harvesting, fruit sorting and bean selection on cocoa quality.

  • Discover all the secrets of the post-harvest stages, such as fermentation and drying.

  • Gain a clear understanding of the world of cocoa and chocolate, its players and how it works.

  • Learn step-by-step how cocoa is processed and how chocolate and related products are made.

  • Study the art of sensory tasting with the 5-senses stimulation method developed by Victoire Finaz, the Chocologue

Course

  1. WELCOME

  2. PART 1: BOTANY

  3. PART 2: COCOA PROCESSING AND CHOCOLATE MAKING

  4. PART 3: THE DEFINITION OF CHOCOLATE

  5. PART 4: THE ART OF TASTING

  6. FINAL EVALUATION

Course : Chocology & Masterclass

  • $1,800.00
  • Duration: 10 hours, self-paced, 100% online
  • Materials: Tasting kit* (included in the course)
  • Invitation to a digital Masterclass, hosted by Victoire Finaz (included in the course)

*This price includes worldwide shipping of the tasting kit.

Testimonials from our graduates

“A huge congratulations on this incredibly rich course ! I absolutely loved discovering the world of cocoa in all its dimensions: from the botany of cacao trees to the transformation of the beans, including chocolate production, regulatory definitions, and of course, the art of tasting. The structure of the course is extremely clear, with videos, precise and fascinating explanations. Special mention for the tasting sheet, the intentions behind the sensory game, and the little samples: everything is designed to make the experience concrete, engaging, and immersive. I truly enjoyed every moment—it was so captivating that time just flew by!”

Claire B - Dietitian-nutritionist

“This course is fascinating! The content is clear, well-structured, and engaging. Each module is captivating—from the botany of the cacao tree to the art of tasting. Victoire Finaz speaks about chocolate with deep passion and remarkable expertise. Bravo!”

Corinne A. - Bean-to-bar chocolatier

“A very enjoyable course to follow. A wealth of information is shared through various engaging formats—both to watch and to read. Chocolate and all its secrets are revealed. An excellent starting point for developing your expertise in the years to come. The Art of Tasting module is particularly interesting, as you realize these tools can be applied far beyond the world of chocolate. ”

Olivier B. - Career transition into chocolate

“I had the immense pleasure of taking this chocolate course, and I couldn’t be more satisfied! Each module was a journey that I thoroughly enjoyed exploring. I now feel more confident speaking about chocolate thanks to all the knowledge I gained through this course. A delightful and enriching experience that inspires me to go even further in this field—by reading more about chocolate and practicing tastings.”

Inès L. - Career transition

Pricing options

Experience the world of chocolate in a whole new way.

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And receive a welcome offer of 20% off, valid for one week after receipt.

Why should I take this course?

  • Gain expertise in cocoa and chocolate & Know how to select your cocoa or couverture chocolate for your sweet creations.

  • Reinvent your chocolate offer to your customers & Develop your range of chocolate bonbons.

  • Understand the world of cocoa and better position yourself in the chocolate market.

  • Acquire a vocabulary to describe chocolate with nuance, and ultimately, sell it better.

  • Know how to conduct a tasting, provide an in-depth analysis, read a sensory profile of a chocolate and adopt a critical eye & Master the art of sensory tasting.

Get your first free content !

As a Chocologue, I've created an indispensable sheet that accompanies all my chocolate tastings: my chocolate sensory analysis grid.

What will I have access to ?

  • 🎬 60 fun, dynamic videos for better memorization and comprehension

    The video content, shot by a professional videographer, complements the course and is deliberately short enough for you to consume endlessly. They will help you to better understand and assimilate the information you will be given. You can watch and rewatch the videos at your own pace and as many times as you like! The videos are also entertaining, with practical tasting exercises.

  • 📚 4 parts & 22 complementary chapters for comprehensive, cross-disciplinary learning

    The course is structured around complementary modules that will give you the keys to understanding the origins of chocolate aroma construction and learning to read the aromatic melodies of chocolate! High-quality chocolate is the result of a chain of factors, and only by mastering the art of sensory tasting can you discover the aromatic complexity of a chocolate!

  • 🖍 22 quizzes & 1 final evaluation

    The quizzes allow you to take stock of your learning: reinforce your knowledge by answering the questions at the end of each chapter, and assess your level! The quizzes are really designed to deepen your knowledge, and also to pinpoint any gaps in your knowledge. Questions are the key to your progress!

Included in the course....

Upon purchase, you will receive a package containing

  • 🎁 Data sheets & a small selection

    The package will be made up of cards that will be useful for your course. A selection of products will be at your disposal: raw materials, samples of different types of chocolate and different chocolate origins to offer a varied tasting experience. You can discover and taste the contents as you go along.

  • ✉️ An invitation to a digital Masterclass & a tasting box

    The tasting box contains a selection of chocolates which you can use to follow your Masterclass at the end of your course. In fact, once you've completed your course, passed the final exam and earned the precious certificate, you'll have access to a link to register for one of our digital Masterclass! This will be your opportunity to share a moment of exchange and tasting with Victoire Finaz and other learners.

Learning resources

  • 📝 Teaching method

    The course takes place on a dedicated digital platform where learners will have access to teaching resources. These resources include theoretical lectures, diagrams, media content, demonstrations and practical tasting exercises. In addition to the online courses, learners will be able to access complementary resources such as articles, e-books, reports, etc., to deepen their understanding of the subjects covered.

  • 💯 Evaluation method

    The course is structured around complementary modules that will give you the keys to understanding the origins of chocolate aroma construction and learning to read the aromatic melodies of chocolate! High-quality chocolate is the result of a chain of factors, and only by mastering the art of sensory tasting can you discover the aromatic complexity of a chocolate!

  • 🎓 Chocology certification

    The Chocology Course Certificate is awarded by the Chocology and Taste Academy, subject to successful completion of the final exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is the course designed for?

    The Chocology course is designed for all levels, from beginners to experienced chocolate lovers.

  • What are the prerequisites for this course?

    No prerequisites are required to take this course!

  • What do I need to take this course?

    As this course is online, you'll need your own computer and a good Internet connection. Don't hesitate to bring a notebook to take notes, as writing can help you assimilate better. I'd also advise you to bring a glass of still water at room temperature or slightly lukewarm for the tastings.

  • How much time do I need to complete the course?

    The estimated duration of the training is 10 hours. However, you have unlimited time to complete your training.

  • What payment options are available?

    You can pay by credit card or bank transfer. Payments on the site are secure. We do not accept checks.

  • How can I contact you?

    You can write to the e-mail address [email protected]. Or directly from your personal space, by expanding the drop-down menu and clicking on “Help”. An e-mail page will open automatically, allowing you to make written requests as you progress through the course.