Stafford’s Famous Chocolates

After our wine tasting, I had a hankering for a nice piece of chocolate. We were delighted to stumble upon this tiny little shop, right next door to the coffee place. We didn’t try anything though because the woman running the shop was so completely uninterested in our presence that husband and I both walked out. It was so odd and contrary to our experiences in every other shop in town. In such a small shop, it was very uncomfortable. I guess she must have been in the middle of something very important on her computer that she didn’t realize she was being offensively rude.

The Service: Very very very small tiny retail space. Only one staff on duty. She is a sweetheart! Very friendly. She offers chocolate samples right away. Happy!
The Chocolate: Many different variety of chocolate. They are a little bit pricey but they are really yummy! It is totally a tourist attraction place. So since you are on a trip here, treat yourself a nice box of chocolate! My favorite has to be marshmallow chocolate~
The Parking: Street parking

Probably the best box of chocolates that are not «Rogers’ Chocolates» of Canada. But how often does one get to go to Canada, right? I found chewy chocolate caramels, marshmallow chocolates, gourmet peanut butter chocolate, and wine bordeaux chocolates, all of a high order. And to think what I haven’t tried so far! As if there weren’t enough attractions in the quaint wine country of Los Olivos already («Los Olivos Café,» cupcakes at «Saarloos,» tri-​tip sandwiches at the country mart, great atmosphere at «Corner Coffee»), the windmill house of «Stafford’s» is just another essential stop you have to make in-​between wine tasting. Twenty dollar box of chocolates? Why would that be a regret if they’re the best I’ve found in California? It’s also darling just to step in there. High level air conditioning, too. #goingfat

We saw a Stafford’s advertisement in one of the local magazines that are at almost every winery along Foxen and decided to pay them a visit when stopping off in Los Olivos.
Located right off of the main street on San Marcos we wandered in to an empty little chocolate shop, completely empty! I asked myself how does one make a purchase here or who do we take the goodies to, to pay for them? Then I spotted an ipad and realized someone must work inside of here.
Low and behold a couple minutes later in walked an employee who had been on break and trustingly left the door to the chocolate shop unlocked. He wasn’t the most friendly or helpful and perhaps should have locked the door to completely enjoy his break before heading back and seeming a bit irritated by us.
We browsed their selection and ended up purchasing their milk and dark mixed box of sea salt caramels and two other chocolate selections.
The price is a little bit more than your average chocolate shop, but makes sense for the area.
I had 3 pieces while tasting at Blair Fox and a couple more later in the evening. Quite tasty I must say and good little sweet treat while tasting in the area.

This was a charming chocolate shop my friend recommended during a recent wine tasting trip to Santa Ynez. Charming in look and feel but not that charming on service. The woman working there seemed irritable and was rather unfriendly. Anyway, I thought the $ 17.00 per box price was a little expensive when selecting the dark chocolate with caramel and sea salt. When looking at the amount of sea salt on top of each chocolate, my first thought was there wasn’t enough salt included on each piece. Boy, was I wrong. Not only was the dark chocolate/​caramel combination divine but the degree of sea salt allocated just bursted out with flavor on each bite and perfectly complimented each piece of chocolate. I’ve had many different versions of salted chocolate. So despite the lack of welcoming service, by far, Stafford’s has mastered this flavor the best.

Everyone that has reviewed this place has given it 4 or 5 stars. Perhaps I’m the bad apple* here, but I just don’t see it.
The shop is probably about 8 foot by 8 foot. An extremely small space that can fit 3 people comfortably. There is not a very large assortment of chocolate. Many of the items are things people never buy to enjoy… like a candy apple. It is a $ 10 apple where the surface area is dipped in carmel and chocolate with a few nuts.
We asked what the most «famous» chocolates were… and that turned out to be the salted caramels. Most designer chocolates I have purchased are very easy to eat… functional if you will. This is a very dense and chewy center of caramel… beware. It was ok, about on par with See’s candies but for $ 17 a half pound.
I visited the website… which doesn’t explain why they are famous.
Decide for yourself, but this is no Christopher Elbow.

We have been creating wonderful chocolate pieces with Staffords for the last couple of years and have customers come back for more. They have helped us chocolate dip wine bottles, and create infused chocolates in white, milk and dark chocolates. They are professional and dedicated to their products. We enjoy working with them and look forward to many years of continued business.

This place is great! They’re very friendly and have great chocolates. The sea salt caramel and lavender truffle were delicious. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a little treat.

We were immediately drawn to Stafford’s Famous Chocolates from afar once spotting this unique water tower building. As we got closer we discovered it was an adorable chocolate shop that presents array of luscious confections sure to please anyone’s palate. Stafford’s uses the freshest and finest ingredients to create their tasty chocolates. The nuts are locally grown, and the fruits are from the San Joaquin Valley. This quaint shop is a satellite location to the family owned business located in the city of Porterville, CA.
We left with an Ooey Gooey Bar to satisfy the sweet tooth of the BF. It is Ooey Gooey goodness consisting of a marshmallow covered in decadent chocolate and nuts.
We love supporting love business and this was a great find with friendly assistance!

At Stafford’s in Los Olivos, a candy shop located in a former windmill, we were completely surrounded by chocolate. Laced with Lavender, infused with red wine, bars and pops — we were in red wine pairing heaven. We sampled many of the items and planned on ordering more. I suggest spending time there in between tasting rooms!

Such an adorable little shop! I am a total chocoholic and went a little nuts at Stafford’s Famous Chocolates this past Saturday. I sampled a few of their dark chocolate truffles and was sold on the quality of the chocolates made by Stafford’s. I bought an assortment of chocolates (there were so many interesting candies to choose from that I had a hard time deciding):
— Lavender dark chocolate truffles: awesome
— Red wine dark chocolate truffles
— Cherry cordials
— Cherry bombs
— Cow pies: sooo good! I only bought one, but wish I bought a more. It’s basically a giant turtle — chopped pecans topped with caramel and dark chocolate.
I’ll definitely stop by again during my next trip to Los Olivos!

We bought chocolates to take wine tasting and wow, were we impressed! Go for the dark chocolates — they were rich and decadent without being bitter (like some). The nuts, fruits, and truffle fillings were all very fresh.

The bomb! Love the dark choc. nuts & chews & dark choc covered cherries, especially with our favorite red wines!

The chocolate truffels, caramel green apples and dark chocolates are terrific. Love it all.