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Zorzal Estate, Dominican Republic
Coming 2024
Price
$2,500 / PERSON
Duration
6 DAYS
Knowledge Level
This trip is process-heavy with in-depth information into fermentation and more.
Activity Level
Trip involves hours of hilly hiking in muddy terrain and hot weather.
Comfort Level
Guests will be staying on a nature reserve for one night.
Price
$2,500 / PERSON
Duration
7 DAYS
Knowledge Level
This trip is process-heavy with in-depth information into fermentation and more.
Activity Level
Trip involves hours of hilly hiking in muddy terrain and hot weather.
Comfort Level
Guests will be staying on a nature reserve for one night.
Trip Overview
Because cocoa in the Dominican Republic is fermented centrally instead of at individual farms, this trip dives deep into this process by visiting two fermentaries. The trip also includes a day of hiking to a cocoa farm and certified bird sanctuary, where guests will learn all about cocoa genetics, taste varieties of cocoa, enjoy a campfire, and spend the night on the reserve. Additional activities include visiting farms and chocolate-makers, birdwatching, tasting local Dominican food and culture, and more.
This trip is six days long, including arrival and departure days. Minimum age to participate is 16 years old.
Featured Activities
- Spend the night at a bird sanctuary and cocoa farm
- Visit a local chocolate maker
- Taste a variety of cocoa fresh off the farm
- Visit two fermentaries and two cocoa farms
- Bird-watch with a guide
- Learn about cocoa genetics and caring for cocoa
- Enjoy a free day of canyoning, swimming, deep sea fishing, surfing, and more (Not included in the trip price)
- Taste local Dominican food and experience the local culture
What the Price of This Trip Includes
The price of this trip includes lodging for the extent of the trip at our beach-front condos where each guest will stay in their own room. The price also covers transportation between scheduled activities, meals and any planned cultural excursions. Guests are responsible for their own flight in and out of Puerto Plato International Airport, as well as any activities they decide to do on their free day. We will accomodate any food allergies or restrictions.
Why the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is one of the top 10 cocoa producers on the globe, producing the largest amount of organic certified cocoa in the world. Because the cocoa is centrally fermented rather than farm-fermented, guests will get to see this large-scale fermentation process and learn how it creates a higher quality of cocoa.
Dandelion first starting sourcing from Zorzal Estate in 2013 and has been going on origin trips to this location since 2016. On your trip, you’ll get to meet Chuck Kerchner, the man behind Zorzal Cacao, as well as other chocolate makers and farmers who help create the chocolate you love.
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