John Scharffenberger founded SCHARFFEN BERGER Chocolate Maker in 1996 with friend and business partner, Robert Steinberg. Already an accomplished winemaker, Scharffenberger’s entrepreneurial spirit, astute palate and passion for artisanal foods translated perfectly into the production of the finest chocolate.

Using the highest quality cacao beans from around the world, Scharffenberger helped to create the first new premium American dark chocolate in decades. Letting their taste buds lead the production process, Scharffenberger and Steinberg created the complex and flavorful bean blends that have become synonymous with SCHARFFEN BERGER Chocolate. Today, John Scharffenberger is known throughout the world as a chocolate expert, leading classes and demonstrations on topics such as the history of chocolate and how to taste and experience the world’s best chocolates.

Prior to becoming a renowned chocolate maker, Scharffenberger founded and operated Scharffenberger Cellars, where he gained valuable insight into the importance of traditional production methods and ingredients in producing the world’s finest culinary flavors. Since the inception of SCHARFFEN BERGER Chocolate Maker, John has remained active in the wine industry through a partnership with Eaglepoint Ranch Winery.

Scharffenberger currently shares his time between Berkeley, Calif., and Philo, Calif