8 North Carolina chocolates to try right now

From barbecue to beer, North Carolina is known for a lot of fantastic foodstuffs. And thanks to a wave of like-minded entrepreneurs who've emerged in the past few years, we can add one more (most welcome) addition to the rapidly growing list: chocolate. The secret is clearly out. Chocolatiers in the Old North State have earned accolades from the Good Food Awards, Martha Stewart American Made Awards and countless other websites specializing in "best of" lists for their efforts, with many of the most highly-regarded offerings now widely distributed from mountain to shore.

So whether you're stocking up for Valentine's Day, priming your palate for the upcoming Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival or just sneaking a quick indulgence between shifts, consider reaching for any of the following the next time your sweet tooth acts up.

8 North Carolina chocolates to try now

1. Videri Chocolate Factory: This Raleigh institution just celebrated five years in business. A tour of the facility is a must-do for anyone passing through the state's capital. 327 W. Davie St., Raleigh. 919-755-5053 or www.VideriChocolateFactory.com.

2. French Broad Chocolates: Named for the river passing through the city, this Asheville-based business is frequently cited among the best in the country. Their sorghum caramel chocolates were a 2017 Good Food Awards winner. 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville. 828-252-4181 or www.FrenchBroadChocolates.com.

3. Escazú Artisan Chocolates: One of the nation's first bean-to-bar chocolate producers, this Raleigh brand's products can now be found in many supermarkets across the state. In addition to its award-winning bars, Escazú also makes a range of truffles, ice cream and other confections. 936 N. Blount St., Raleigh. 919-832-3433 or www.EscazuChocolates.com

4. The Secret Chocolatier: Charlotte is spoiled by this shop's truffles including an 80-percent cacao version sure to delight chocolate purists and versions featuring flavors such as butter toffee and tea. 2935 Providence Rd., Ste. 104, Charlotte. 704-323-8178 or www.TheSecretChocolatier.com 

5. Brasstown Fine Artisan Chocolate: Beans from Belize, the Dominican Republic and other Latin American locales are mixed with natural cane sugar, organic cacao butter and powdered whole milk at this Winston-Salem confectioner's facility. Their Ecuador 75% bar won a Good Food Award in 2016. 1151 Canal Dr #106, Winston-Salem. 336-818-8005 or www.BrasstownChocolate.com

6. Black Mountain Chocolate: A worthy destination for anyone passing through Winston-Salem, this chocolatier offers self-guided and guided tours of its facility to witness the magic of beans transforming into everyone's favorite sweet. Also widely distributed, Black Mountain's bars can be found in Wilmington's Whole Foods Market. 732 N. Trade St., Winston-Salem. 336-293-4698 or www.BlackMountainChocolate.com

7. South 'n France: Bonbons and bonbons alone are the star at this Wilmington institution. Chose from any of the shop's seven distinctive flavors -- but we all know the café au lait is the best. Or wait, is it the pistachio? You be the judge! 822 Orange St., Wilmington.910-762-6882 or www.SouthNFrance.com.

8. Avenue des Chocolats: Gabriela Miu Kropaczek, a reformed physicist turned chocolatier, launched this business specializing in gourmet bonbons in Wilmington before relocating to the Raleigh area. Her products are available at events and through some Triangle area retailers. 910-262-3650 or www.AvenueDesChocolats.com

Reporter Paul Stephen can be reached at 910-343-2041 or Paul.Stephen@StarNewsOnline.com.

Want to go?

What: Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival

When: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 4 and noon-4 p.m. Feb. 5

Where: Coastline Conference and Event Center, 503 Nutt St., Wilmington

Details: Friday's grand tasting event is $50, and general admission to the weekend's marketplace is $20.

Info: Call organizer Marianna Stacy at 910-512-9948 or visit www.WilmingtonWineAndChocolateFestival.com