When Italian chocolate manufacturer Domori and Tecno 3 began their 14-year collaboration in 1994, both parties sensed a kindred spirit.

Enthralled by Venezuela’s cacao culture, Domori founder Gianluca Franzoni begins a quest to rescue fine-flavored cacao from extinction as well as bridge the gap between grower and chocolate maker.

Recent trips have —and I’m truly grateful for this — further enlightened me about wine and its wonderful connection to confections.