Aloha, chocolate and wine enthusiasts! Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours is thrilled to announce an exclusive Wholly Cacao tasting event at DeVine Wine Lounge in Kihei, Maui, on July 20th, 2025. With a potential headcount of up to 30 guests, this confirmed event promises to be a sensory celebration of fine chocolate, exquisite wines, and the aloha spirit that defines our island. Nestled in the heart of Upcountry Maui at Kupa’a Organic Farm, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of cacao and coffee cultivation, and through our Wholly Cacao initiative, we’re bringing this passion to you in a luxurious, immersive experience. Join us for a night of indulgence, education, and unforgettable flavors at Kihei’s hippest wine bar, located at Azeka Makai.
The Wholly Cacao Experience: A Journey Beyond the Bar
At Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours, we believe chocolate is more than a treat; it’s a story of land, craft, and community. Our Wholly Cacao tasting initiative, launched in 2020, embodies this philosophy by offering curated chocolate experiences that highlight the depth and complexity of artisanal cacao. Sourcing urban-foraged cacao from various Maui locales and partnering with local farms like Kupa’a, we create chocolates that reflect the island’s unique terroir—volcanic soil, abundant sunlight, and cool Upcountry breezes. This event at DeVine Wine Lounge is a chance to share this journey with a broader audience, combining the sophistication of fine chocolate with the elegant ambiance of one of Kihei’s premier venues.
Unlike our intimate farm tours at Kupa’a Organic Farm, which are limited to 12-14 guests for a hands-on “blossom to bar” adventure, this public event opens the door to a larger group, with up to 30 potential attendees. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor seeking a quintessential Maui experience, this tasting will immerse you in the world of cacao, paired with DeVine’s extensive selection of fine wines, craft beers, or specialty cocktails. Expect an evening where flavors are explored, textures are savored, and knowledge is shared in a setting that matches the artistry of our chocolate selections.
What to Expect at the DeVine Wine Lounge Event
Our Wholly Cacao tasting at DeVine Wine Lounge is designed to be both indulgent and educational, offering a sensory journey that elevates your appreciation for chocolate. Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store:
1. Guided Chocolate Tasting: A Global and Local Adventure
Our expert guides, led by cacao enthusiast Ann Tuomela, will lead you through There will be a line up of 3 single origin chocolates and 3 classic cheese category selections. The cheese incorporation comes about from demand of past Who Cut The Cheese fans from years past, showcasing the diversity of cacao from around the world. You’ll sample chocolates from regions within the 20/20 cacao belt—20 degrees north or south of the Equator—each with distinct flavor profiles influenced by their unique terroir. Expect notes of citrus from Madagascar, nutty undertones from Central America, and the rich, spicy complexity of Hawaiian-grown cacao.
At least two chocolates will hail from Hawaii, including our exclusive Wholly Cacao bars made from urban-foraged Maui cacao and rare nano-production from Kupa’a Farms. You’ll learn why Hawaiian chocolate is so scarce; Maui’s windy conditions and high land costs make cacao cultivation challenging, with Kupa’a Farms at 1,900 feet above sea level proving cacao can thrive in unlikely places. This tasting, conducted family-style, mirrors a wine tasting, guiding you to savor each chocolate’s aroma, texture, and finish without spitting!
2. Perfect Pairings with DeVine’s Finest
DeVine Wine Lounge, known for its elegant ambiance and carefully curated beverage menu, is the ideal partner for this event. Our team has worked closely with DeVine to pair each chocolate with complementary wines, craft beers, or specialty cocktails, enhancing the flavors of both. For example, a creamy Madagascar chocolate with citrus notes might be paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, while a robust Hawaiian dark chocolate could complement a bold red or a smoky stout. Non-alcoholic options, like tropical fruit infusions, will also be available to ensure everyone can indulge.
3. Educational Insights: From Blossom to Bar
This isn’t just a tasting; it’s a masterclass in chocolate. Learn about the “blossom to bar” process, from the cacao pod’s growth on Kupa’a’s organic orchards to the meticulous steps of harvesting, fermenting (7-8 days for cacao, compared to 24-48 hours for coffee), drying (to 6% moisture for cacao), and roasting (at a gentle 250°F for cacao, evoking brownie-like aromas). Discover how Maui’s trade winds, the second windiest in the world, make cacao farming a labor of love, and why Hawaii remains the only U.S. state to grow cacao commercially.
You’ll also hear about our sustainable practices, from organic composting to intercropping with native trees like mango and avocado, which create a forest-like ecology similar to cacao’s native Amazonian roots. Our guides will share stories of our partnerships with local farms like Lilinoe Farm, whose coffee we feature, and mentors like Nat Bletter of Madre Chocolate, who has shaped Hawaii’s bean-to-bar movement.
4. Interactive Fun: Craft Your Own Chocolate Drink
A highlight of the evening will be a hands-on demonstration where you can craft an Aztec-style hot chocolate, just as the Mayans and Aztecs did for spiritual rituals. Using roasted and ground cacao from Guatemalan beans (or Kupa’a’s when available), you’ll participate in the “crack, winnow, and grind dance,” transforming beans into a rich, ceremonial drink. This interactive experience, paired with DeVine’s beverages, brings history to life in a deliciously engaging way.
5. Supporting Maui’s Community and Sustainability
By attending this event, you’re supporting Maui’s agricultural heritage and post-2023 wildfire recovery. Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours is committed to sustainable farming and local partnerships, sourcing coffee from Lilinoe Farm and collaborating with private chefs like Jana McMahon and Katarina Tualemoso. Your participation helps preserve Maui’s small-scale farms, which grow everything from artichokes to zucchini alongside cacao and coffee, ensuring a resilient ecosystem.
Why DeVine Wine Lounge?
We’re selective about our partners, and DeVine Wine Lounge aligns perfectly with our commitment to quality, flavor, and craftsmanship. Located at Azeka Makai, this chic venue offers an elegant yet approachable atmosphere, with bi-coastal views and a reputation- for excellence in wine curation. Following our successful events in Wailea, we chose DeVine for its ability to elevate the chocolate experience, creating a luxurious backdrop for an evening of refined indulgence. Their dedication to sourcing high-quality beverages mirrors our approach to cacao, making this collaboration a match made in flavor heaven.
Event Details and How to Book
- Date: July 20th, 2025
- Location: DeVine Wine Lounge, Azeka Makai, Kihei, Maui
- Capacity: Up to 30 guests (confirmed date, headcount pending)
- Tickets: Secure your spot via our website at mauichocolatecoffeetours.com or contact us at +1 808-870-3323 or info@mauichocolatecoffeetours.com. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly due to high demand, so book early!
- What to Bring: Your curiosity, a camera for Instagram-worthy moments (tag us with #MauiChocolateCoffeeTours), and a palate ready for indulgence. Dress comfortably for a relaxed yet sophisticated evening.
- Additional Offerings: Can’t make the event? Book a private Wholly Cacao in-home tasting for a bespoke experience, or visit our farm shop for coffee, chocolates, and farm-fresh goodies like lilikoi bread and handcrafted cacao earrings.
Why This Event Is a Must-Do
This Wholly Cacao tasting event at DeVine Wine Lounge is a rare opportunity to taste Maui’s treasures; chocolate and coffee grown in the island’s challenging yet rewarding microclimate. With only a handful of chocolate makers on Maui, you’ll experience flavors that are as unique as they are scarce. The combination of global and local chocolates, expertly paired beverages, and a vibrant, educational atmosphere makes this a highlight of Maui’s 2025 culinary scene.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a date night, or simply craving a deeper connection to Maui’s flavors, this event promises to deliver. Join us to support local farmers, savor the artistry of chocolate, and share the aloha spirit with fellow enthusiasts. We can’t wait to welcome you to DeVine Wine Lounge for a night that’s Wholly Cacao; wholly unforgettable!
Mahalo for choosing Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, and let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
Contact Us:
- Phone: +1 808-870-3323
- Email: info@mauichocolatecoffeetours.com
- Address: 1886 Naalae Rd, Kula, HI
- Website: mauichocolatecoffeetours.com