Woodhouse — The Tiffany’s of Chocolates

I think of Woodhouse Chocolate like that because they are so lady-like elegant, and because I can’t help but picture the gamine actress, Audrey Hepburn, nibbling one of these exquisite bonbons as she gazes at the glittering windows of Tiffany’s.

I’ll use my patented scale of 1 to 10 lip-smackers, with 1 being the “Bleh, save your money” far end of the spectrum; 5 being the “I’m not sure I’d buy it, but if it was just there, I might nibble some” middle-of-the-road response; and 10 being the “My gawd, I could die now and never be happier, because this is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth” supreme ranking.

Woodhouse Chocolates: Members of the family that founded the S. Anderson Winery in Napa Valley, chocolatier Tracy Wood Anderson,  and her husband and business partner, John Anderson, have created a jewel-box of a shop in downtown St. Helena. Assortments of chocolates ($44 for 24 pieces; $22 for 12 pieces) come prettily wrapped in a shallow hatbox almost the color of a Tiffany’s one.

Unlike many other truffles that have very dense fillings, Woodhouse’s are lighter and more mousse-like in texture, yet have astoundingly deep flavor. These chocolates are made with a lot of fresh cream, so the Andersons advise you finish off the box within seven days. Believe me, it won’t be difficult, especially if the gianduja, peanut croquant, or pistachio ones are inside. These are chocolates to give when you want to make a big impression. Rating: 10 lip-smackers.

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9 comments

  • i’ve been there before and think it’s special too from the few pieces that I tried. I hope to go back one day to get a full box. They even ship to if you check their website.

  • They do ship. And I’ve used that method for holiday gifts for my favorite chocoholic friends.

  • My in-laws live in St. Helena. I never have trouble going and visiting them 🙂 But seriously, even the box they come in is wonderful!

  • I love chocolates and omg these look amazing! Will have to try this when I’m next in St Helena…

  • 10 lip-smackers?! I don’t think FoodGal has given a ten before. Wow.

  • Saw reference to BAT and could not resist. Hit pause in youtube to freeze the first frame. Not sure what she’s nibbling… I had forgotten that Banacek was in BAT.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MORM-CxuJSo&feature=related

    Black certainly “worked” for her. Some AH fans thought this commercial was sacrilegious to her memory.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Di5XPllM18&feature=related

  • Moe, I think I gave perhaps one or two 10 ratings for chocolates on the now-deceased Mercury News food blog, BellyFull. Actually, Woodhouse was one of them. But you’re correct — I don’t award a 10 very often.

    And Keith, thanks for the YouTube tribute to Audrey Hepburn. She remains one of the loveliest and most elegant actresses of all time.

  • Just visited the store this past Saturday. Wanted to buy every single piece of chocolate… pocketbook and waist said no! Beautiful chocolates and a wonderful presentation in the store.

  • Hey foodgal,

    I don’t know about the Woodhouse candy since I’ve not had the pleasure to partake, but I’ll give Audrey “10 lip-smackers.” 🙂

    Just finishing the 1929 German silent film “Pandora’s Box.” Love web rentals!

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