Attention, chocoholics: Your favorite time of year is back, and your sweet tooth is about to be very busy.

The 21st annual Oregon Chocolate Festival returns to Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites Friday through Sunday, March 7-9, featuring a chocolate brunch, a chocolate product competition, a costume contest, family activities, and demos and presentations from world-renowned chocolatiers, sommeliers and chefs.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the hotel, 2525 Ashland St., with the chocolate brunch scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets to the brunch are $45 per person.

The festivities kick off on Friday, March 7, with the already sold-out Chocolate Makers’ Wine Dinner, held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel, featuring a curated multi-course menu by Larks executive chef Franco Console, paired with select Oregon wines. The Ashland Wine Tasting Tour, presented by Bravo Outings, is an add-on element for festival attendees or overnight guests seeking to elevate their experience. Three-hour outings will be available Saturday and Sunday, both tours departing from the Ashland Hills Hotel.

Showcasing area chocolatiers

Festival spokesperson Maili C. Morrison says the annual event was created not just from a love of chocolate but as a way to showcase the region’s small craft chocolatiers.

“Many of our vendors are local businesses from Southern Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest,” she said. “Our goal is to put this region on the map by highlighting its exceptional chocolate makers and artisans.”

The festival was founded by the Neuman Hotel Group, which offers overnight packages at its Ashland hotels for attendees. The events are organized and operated entirely by the onsite teams at Ashland Hills Hotel and Ashland Springs Hotel.

Morrison says the festival, beyond providing a platform for local chocolatiers, actively supports regional businesses by expanding their marketing reach.

“The festival helps connect them with consumers, increasing brand awareness and fostering direct engagement,” she said.

Enhancing that effort, the festival partners with food trucks, Bravo Outings Wine Tours, and nearby Ashland wineries. The festival prioritizes purchasing locally made products for gifts and swag items, further supporting its vendors.

Drawing more than 1,000

“Perhaps more significantly, the festival draws over 1,000 attendees who dine, shop and stay in the area,” Morrison said, “bringing direct economic benefits to Ashland’s restaurants, hotels and local businesses.”

Those attending the demos and presentations will learn about the journey from bean to bar, hear about the health benefits of chocolate, and get cooking tips from experts along the way.

The Wonka Chocolate Costume Contest is an event for all ages where participants can dress in chocolate-inspired costumes, with a chance to win a special chocolate getaway.

Family activities include face painting and a chocolate gnome hunt for the kids on both festival days.

The annual chocolate competition gives vendors an opportunity to showcase their craft in a blind tasting judged by industry experts.

“On average, we receive around 20 entries each year,” Morrison said. “Entries are evaluated based on taste, texture and appearance. Our panel of expert judges this year includes Charlie Douglass and Sarah Masoni.”

Douglass, now retired after 50 years in the food industry, teaches classes on chocolate tempering, baking and making gelato. Masoni works as a liaison between Oregon State University and the food manufacturing industry. She has served as a judge for a variety of food competitions.

Honoring the best

Festival competition categories include best chocolate confection, bonbon, chocolate beverage, chocolate tablet (dark or milk chocolate), and flavored chocolate bar.

Festival vendors include more than chocolate makers.

“While many of our vendors are chocolatiers, we also welcome businesses that incorporate chocolate or cacao into their products,” Morrison said. “They include businesses such as ice cream makers, beauty product creators, and artisan candle makers.”

In addition to chocolate-focused vendors, the festival also curates a selection of businesses that complement the chocolate experience, such as wineries, specialty food vendors, and other small businesses offering unique gifts and goods.

“This diverse mix ensures a well-rounded festival that appeals to both chocolate enthusiasts and those looking for a broader selection of artisan products,” Morrison said.

Those wishing to attend can purchase day passes for $25 per day, or two-day passes for $45. Children 8 and under enter free. For tickets and more information, visit oregonchocolatefestival.com.

Freelance writer Jim Flint is a retired newspaper publisher and editor. Email him via jimflint.ashland@yahoo.com.