About Geoseph

My goal here at Chocolate With Geoseph is to allow you to experience fine chocolate in a practical and comfortable atmosphere through in-person tastings, lessons, classes, and events. All are welcome, from absolute beginners to the well seasoned connoisseur.

Professional Chocolate Sommelier, Master Chocolatier, & Bean-To-Bar Chocolate Maker

My goal is to guide people towards appreciating fine chocolate and understanding what “bean-to-bar chocolate” is all about. I have over 15 years of experience in the fine chocolate industry. Today I wear many hats including chocolate sommelier, chocolatier, chocolate maker, and instructor.

I grew up in the Italian community of Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada. Being of Italian heritage myself, food was always the focus of any social gathering. Although I didn’t actually enjoy chocolate (especially dark chocolate) growing up, my eyes were open once I did discover the world of fine chocolate and the incredible natural flavour which differs from the industrial chocolate we are all familiar with. My triad of passions in life were food, animals, and art.

This is what led me to completing my BSc at the University of Toronto where I studied both biology and fine arts. Upon graduating I plunged myself into the world of pastry arts at George Brown College. It was there where I came across a job posting for a chocolate sommelier, and after accepting the job in 2008 I have been forever dedicated to the world of fine chocolate.

From there I began to work as a chocolatier in Vancouver and eventually making my own bean-to-bar chocolate. During this time I have built up my own chocolate curriculum, and began focusing on teaching fine chocolate classes and workshops. I have been a chocolate sommelier before any such sommelier courses or certifications existed, and built my curriculum from scratch.

I have developed free resources at my other website Bean To Bar World, and created the world’s first bean-to-bar map (now an app) established in 2017 which helps you locate fine chocolate makers and related businesses from around the world! The Learning Center is a growing free resource with chocolate related articles, research, videos, and other valuable content I wish to share with the public.

My experience has taken me from Toronto to British Columbia to New Zealand and now back in the GTA. I have worked for chocolate businesses such as A Taste For Chocolate, Chocolate Arts, Thomas Haas Patisserie, Gem Chocolates, Wellington Chocolate Factory, and Mon Paris Patisserie. My background in the sciences, fine arts, and gastronomy, as well as my expertise as a chocolate sommelier, chocolatier, and bean-to-bar maker combine together to offer a rare and unique approach to learning & experiencing the world’s favourite food: chocolate.

Join me as I uncover a world of chocolate and chocolate flavour you did not know existed!