The Chocolate Chronicles. Turin’s Chocolate Magic at Peyrano 1911
A taste of magic awaits…
Photo Courtesy: Peyrano
Once upon a time, nestled by the tranquil Po River, in the shadow of Turin’s hills, there lies a secret place—one where chocolate is not merely made but brought to life.
Here, at the legendary Peyrano Chocolate Lab, history and craftsmanship weave together to create sweet masterpieces that echo the golden age of Turin’s chocolate legacy.
Join me on this journey, where the art of chocolate-making unfolds like a fairy tale, one delicious chapter at a time…
Chapter 1: A Whisper from the Po River
Once upon a time, by the gentle curves of the Po River, there existed a secret place, a sanctuary where chocolate lovers and dreamers could uncover a world of craftsmanship and wonder.
Photo Courtesy: Peyrano
The river, like a storyteller, whispered of a house nestled in the shadow of Turin’s hills, a house where magic was made.
This was no ordinary house. It was Peyrano, a historic chocolate haven, quietly standing as a witness to Turin’s illustrious chocolate heritage.
From the outside, it might appear a simple building, but within its walls, time slowed, and the air hummed with the sweet promise of cocoa.
Our journey, as I Eat Food Tours, begins here, following the river’s call, leading our fellow choco- travelers to the doorstep of a chocolate dream, where history is not just told but tasted.
Chapter 2: Turin – A City of Chocolate Legends
Long before the whispers of Peyrano filled the air, Turin had already woven its story with chocolate. Gianduja, a name that would forever change the fate of chocolate, was born in these very streets.
At a time when cacao was a luxury, the clever chocolatiers of Turin blended it with Piedmont hazelnuts, creating the world’s first gianduiotto- a confection so rich in flavor, it captured the heart of Europe.
In this city of palazzos and piazzas, chocolate was never a simple indulgence. It was art, prestige, and above all, tradition. Chocolate here was not just made: it was perfected.
And among those artisans, Peyrano stood tall, a flag of excellence.
As our tour continues, we take you deeper into this history, where every bite tells a tale, and every scent recalls a forgotten moment of a glorious past.
Chapter 3: The Secret Lab at the Foot of the Hills
Following the winding paths that skirt Turin’s majestic hills, we arrive at the Peyrano lab.
With Marco Giovine, the ‘chocolate wizard’ of Peyrano Torino and Gustav Bich (from the magic of his great granfather brilliant invention – the BIC pen – to the magic of chocolate creations).
Peyrano Chocolate since 1915 stands like a guardian of ancient secrets, where tradition meets craftsmanship in a dance as old as time. It is here, under the soft, dappled light of the hills and in the shadow of the mountains, that the true art of chocolate shines.
Photo Courtesy: Peyrano
Inside, it feels like stepping into an alchemist’s den. The rich scent of roasted cocoa envelops you, heady and intoxicating, as artisans work their quiet magic.
Each movement, precise and deliberate, speaks of a deep respect for their craft – of cocoa beans transformed into liquid gold, molded, and sculpted into decadent masterpieces. Here, no rush exists.
Photo Courtesy: Peyrano
Photo Courtesy: Peyrano
The artisans in Peyrano’s lab work with quiet concentration, their hands moving with the elegance and precision of dancers.
There are no shortcuts here, no rush. Every piece of chocolate is a work of art, molded by tradition, tempered by time, and kissed by the very essence of Turin. You watch as cocoa beans are carefully roasted, releasing their deep, intoxicating aroma, and transformed into liquid silk. It’s a process as mesmerizing as it is exacting, a modern-day form of alchemy.
Fun fact about this picture: Abram & I are wearing the personalised white chocolatier jackets that Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla did wear when visiting Peyrano 🙂
The Peyrano chocolatiers, with Marco Giovine as head of chocolate wizard, treat each creation as if it were a story in itself; a story told through flavor, texture, and the subtle notes of the finest ingredients.
You witness the grinding of cacao, the careful tempering, and the slow, rhythmic pouring into molds that have been passed down through generations.
It is more than chocolate; it is an invitation to time travel, to see history through the eyes of those who crafted it. And we are not merely observers: we are participants in this sacred ritual!
Chapter 4: The Taste of Turin’s Legacy
Then comes the moment of revelation. We, as choco- guides of I Eat Food Tours, lead you through the final step—where history, art, and flavor come together. In your hands, you hold more than just a piece of chocolate. It is the legacy of Peyrano, the echo of Turin’s chocolate masters, all contained in a single bite.
As the chocolate melts on your tongue, its richness reveals layers of flavor.
There’s the initial deep cacao, dark and velvety, followed by the subtle warmth of Piedmont hazelnuts, the very soul of the gianduiotto.
It’s a symphony of flavors, a conversation between past and present, between the artisans of Turin and your taste buds. This is no ordinary treat. It is an experience, a story you’ll carry with you long after the last piece has disappeared.
Chapter 5: A Sweet Legacy, Waiting to Be Told
The sun begins to set over the hills, casting a golden glow over the Po River.
The magic of the day lingers in the air, and as we prepare to leave, you realize that you have become part of a story that stretches back over a hundred years. You, like the chocolate makers of Turin, are now a keeper of this legacy.
As we return from our journey, we, at I Eat Food Tours, smile, knowing we’ve shared something more than just chocolate.
We’ve shared a piece of history, a glimpse into the craftsmanship of Peyrano, and a taste of Turin’s soul.
At this point of the story you should know that in Turin, chocolate is not simply eaten: it is experienced, it is lived. And through Peyrano, its magic lives on.
The End?
No, just the beginning…
Chapter 6: A New Era of Sweet Innovation
As with every great tale, the story of Peyrano continues to evolve, and today, under the visionary leadership of Alessandro Pradelli, this historic chocolate house embarks on a new and exciting chapter.
Alessandro and his team have infused fresh energy into the atelier while honoring the age-old techniques that have made Peyrano a symbol of Turin’s chocolate legacy.
But it’s not just about preserving the past, it’s about pushing boundaries.
In recent years, Peyrano has partnered with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, like Bottega Veneta, creating exclusive chocolate collections that blend artistry with elegance.
Their collaborations extend beyond fashion, touching the world of high tech and innovation. One such creation was a personalized chocolate box for Elon Mask, a perfect fusion of modern craftsmanship and timeless indulgence.
Photo courtesy: Peyrano
And the magic doesn’t stop there.
The atelier has even welcomed the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla for a special visit.
To commemorate the occasion, a custom chocolate was created just for them, crafted with the same precision and care that defines the Peyrano legacy.
A Sweet Invitation. Come visiting the Lab with us!
At I Eat Food Tours, we invite you to be part of this remarkable story.
Come with us, step into the heart of Turin’s chocolate heritage, and witness how tradition meets innovation in the hands of today’s chocolatiers. Taste the legacy of Peyrano, crafted by both seasoned artisans and a new generation of chocolate masters.
This is a can’t miss experience that lets you step behind the curtain, immerse yourself in the artistry, and indulge in the finest creations that Turin has to offer.
Join us on this unforgettable journey, where chocolate tells its story, and you become part of it!
Thanks for reading!
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About the Author
In the world of chocolate, there are those who simply enjoy its sweetness, and then there are those who live and breathe it: chocolate whisperers, alchemists of flavor. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Cecilia, also known as Madmoiselle Chocolate, a devoted storyteller to the enchanting world of Turin’s finest chocolate traditions. With a heart steeped in the rich history of cocoa and a passion for sharing its stories, I lead you on an extraordinary journey into the heart of chocolate’s magic.
As the co-founder of I Eat. Food Tours, I’ve spent years uncovering the hidden treasures of Turin, and like a chocolatier crafting the perfect piece, I have curated experiences that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also weave you into the city’s chocolate legacy.
Think of me as your personal storyteller, your modern-day fairy of sweetness, casting spells with cocoa beans and taking you behind the curtain to meet the masters of this ancient art.
Join me, as we step into a world where chocolate becomes more than food: it becomes a tale, a tradition, and an unforgettable adventure.
I’ll see you in Turin, then.
Cecilia AKA Madmoiselle Chocolate 😉