Award-Winning Chocolate Maker Opens 2nd Shop In NoVA

RESTON, VA — River-Sea Chocolates, the award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate maker, recently opened its second location in Northern Virginia.

The new 3,000-square-foot factory will serve as River-Sea Chocolates' largest production facility, bringing every step of its chocolate making under one roof at 11495 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 110, in Reston.

“We believe chocolate is not just an indulgence, it’s a nourishing food,” said co-founder Mariano D’Aguiar, who oversees production alongside co-founder Krissee D’Aguiar. “It’s exciting to continue growing locally while maintaining the pure ingredients and continuing to work directly with farmers we know and trust.”

The new chocolate-making facility is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

River-Sea specializes in making single-origin dark chocolates and creative modern flavors, keto and allergy-friendly milk and dark chocolates.

Chocolate made and sold at the Reston factory will also be available at River-Sea's retail location at 4520 Daly Drive, Suite 100, in Chantilly.

In addition, customers will be able to purchase River-Sea chocolates at the Organic Butcher of McLean, Weird Brothers Coffee Shops, and the U.S. Botanical Garden in Washington, D.C. The products are also distributed to wholesale partners across the U.S., and airport lounges nationwide.

"To celebrate the opening, River-Sea Chocolates will be giving away free mini chocolate bars on Halloween," according to a release. "No purchase necessary. Guests are invited to stop by the new Reston location to claim their treat and see where the chocolate is made. Visitors can shop the full collection of single-origin and flavored chocolate bars and view the chocolate-making process through large production windows, and learn about River-Sea’s environmental initiative to import cacao via wind-powered cargo ships (sail cargo)."