PUNTA GORDA CHOCOLATE & WINE
“We would get him chocolate turtles for Christmas every year -
those were his favorite,” Patti said. “My husband suggested that we
name the company Haley’s Handcrafted Chocolates after my dad.
He was a World War II veteran.”
Patti and Steph opened Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine in
2016. She started out in a 250-square foot kitchen area making
beautiful and delicious chocolates that resemble works of art.
From red and black dotted ladybugs to dark rum liquor infused
chocolates, there is something in the store to please just about any
palate. Every day, organized neatly on marble platters under a clear
glass shield, there are 60 different types, kinds and fl avors of candies
to choose from. Stacks of 11-pound sheets of dark, white and
milk chocolate are stocked in the store before they are transported
to the kitchen and transformed into Patti’s secret candy recipes.
Specifi c requests and custom orders are also welcome.
Patti makes special holiday chocolates for Halloween, Christmas,
Valentine’s Day and Easter.
“We’ve done a lot of weddings and custom work for business
events,” she said. “I can add color or fl avors to make the exact
product people want. We have fun and we enjoy working with the
community.”
Patti can make just about anything. From initials of the bride and
groom to a small photo on the candies, she works with customers
to create just what they want for their special day or for a loved
one. She can even impress a business logo on candies to advertise
and reach new chocolate-loving customers, or create a hostess gift
by pairing a small box of chocolates with a bottle of wine (several
are pre-packaged and readily available at the store).
The shop also offers a variety of gourmet cheeses and meats, so
it’s a great place to stop before a party and pick up an assortment
of goodies.
“Our goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality
products, and our customer service is what we believe separates
us from other businesses,” Steph said.
Patti and Steph will put together a charcuterie tray for customers
who want to relax and enjoy a bottle of wine and a nibble at a
table outside.
“We want people to leave with smiles on their faces, and we
hope they remember the experience,” Patti said. “And what goes
better with chocolate than a fi ne glass of wine?”
Patti is a sommelier or wine steward, trained by knowledgeable
professionals in the vinifi cation industry. She tastes each wine
before purchasing it for inventory at the store. She has more than
50 different types of wine, from small boutique vineyards from
all around the world. Illustrative signs are placed in front of the
bottles explaining which ones pair well with what kind of food, and
28 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE November/December 2019
Each section of wine is identifi ed with
suggested pairings.
A variety of mead -- a beverage made from
fermented honey and grain mash is also
available at the store as well as
unusual cheeses and meats.