Attention, Albuquerque! Prepare your taste buds for a weekend of unparalleled indulgence as the 15th Annual Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest descends upon Expo New Mexico on April 5 and 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
A Feast for the Senses
Dubbed the world’s largest festival dedicated to chocolate, coffee, and gourmet foods, this event promises an epicurean adventure like no other. With 200 vendors sprawled across 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, attendees can immerse themselves in a world of flavors, aromas, and culinary artistry. From decadent chocolates and aromatic coffees to teas, candies, baked goods, and other delectable surprises from around the globe, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Learn from the Masters
Beyond the bountiful tastings, the festival offers culinary arts classes, tastings, and demonstrations
led by award-winning chefs, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, and baristas. Highlights include:
- Dr. Maricel Presilla: A cultural historian and chocolate expert, Dr. Presilla is a James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting. She’s also the author of The New Taste of Chocolate.
- Dylan Siemens: Head of Education at Cafe Imports and the 2017 US Brewers Cup Champion, Dylan brings a wealth of knowledge from his years in the specialty coffee industry.
- Mark Michaelson: US Roasting Champion representing the San Franciscan Roaster Company.
- Grace Lapsys: Executive Pastry Chef at Rice University, known for her innovative dessert creations.
Before the doors open to the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest, Albuquerque gets an extra treat—Sweet Week, a seven-day celebration (March 29 – April 4) designed to warm hearts and tantalize taste buds. Think of it as a citywide love letter to chocolate and coffee, featuring intimate tasting events, behind-the-scenes experiences, and special pairings at some of the best local cafes, bakeries, and chocolatiers.
From expertly brewed espresso tastings to hands-on chocolate-making workshops, Sweet Week offers something for everyone—whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just looking for an excuse to indulge. Even better? This initiative isn’t just about satisfying cravings; it also helps create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, making every sip and bite all the more meaningful.
It’s the perfect way to whet your appetite before the main event, while also supporting local businesses and a great cause. So why not make a whole week of
it? Dive into the deliciousness, one cup and one bite at a time!
Plan Your Visit
Tickets are available now, and with the festival’s reputation for drawing large crowds, securing yours in advance is highly recommended. Whether you’re a devoted chocoholic, a coffee connoisseur, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest is an event not to be missed.
For more information, including the full schedule of guest presenters and classes, visit the official festival website.
Join us in celebrating the rich flavors and artistry of chocolate and coffee. Your taste buds will thank you!
Article By ABQLive Staff
Photos Courtesy of ABQLive
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