Meet Gilbert: Blue Valley Chocolate’s Cacao Specialist and Storyteller
When you visit Blue Valley Chocolate in Brasilito, Guanacaste, you don’t just walk through a farm, you walk into centuries of tradition. And much of that tradition comes alive through one person: Gilbert, our cacao specialist, guide, and teacher.
Gilbert is a multi-generational cacao farmer, carrying the knowledge, practices, and stories passed down through his family. With years of hands-on experience, study, and teaching, he’s become an invaluable part of the Blue Valley Chocolate team, and a favorite among visitors.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Cacao
Gilbert grew up surrounded by cacao trees. His family has cultivated and worked with cacao for generations, long before “bean-to-bar” chocolate became a worldwide trend. For him, cacao isn’t just a crop, it’s a way of life.
From planting trees to harvesting pods, fermenting beans, and roasting cacao, Gilbert learned the process step by step as a child. Today, he brings this heritage to Blue Valley Chocolate, where he combines ancestral knowledge with modern techniques to give guests an authentic, educational, and unforgettable experience.
Years of Study and Experience
In addition to his family’s legacy, Gilbert has dedicated years to studying cacao and chocolate-making. His expertise goes beyond the farm: he understands the science behind fermentation, the chemistry of flavor development, and the cultural significance of cacao in Costa Rica.
This depth of knowledge allows him to answer any question, from “What makes cacao healthy?” to “Why does chocolate taste different depending on where it’s grown?” Guests love learning these insights during tours, making their visit both delicious and educational.
Guiding Visitors Through the Chocolate Journey
If you’ve joined one of our Blue Valley Chocolate Tours, chances are you’ve met Gilbert. He has a gift for storytelling, blending history, science, and personal anecdotes into every step of the tour.
When he guides guests through the farm, he of course explains how cacao grows but also shares why it matters. He shows you how to open a fresh cacao pod, lets you taste the sweet pulp inside, and then connects it to the centuries-old traditions of indigenous communities and Costa Rica’s farming culture.
Teaching Beyond the Farm
Gilbert’s work doesn’t stop at Blue Valley Chocolate. He also shares his knowledge in local colleges and community programs, teaching students about cacao cultivation, sustainability, and the chocolate-making process.
This dedication to education ensures that the next generation of farmers, chocolatiers, and enthusiasts continues to value cacao as both a product and a cultural treasure. His influence extends far beyond our farm, strengthening Costa Rica’s position as a hub for ethical and sustainable chocolate.
Making a Difference at Blue Valley Chocolate
At Blue Valley Chocolate, Gilbert’s presence makes all the difference. Visitors often tell us that meeting him was the highlight of their trip. His warmth, passion, and deep knowledge turn a simple farm visit into a memorable cacao journey.
By connecting guests to both the past and the future of cacao, Gilbert embodies what Blue Valley Chocolate stands for: authenticity, sustainability, and a love for pure, delicious chocolate.
Why Gilbert Matters to Your Visit
When you reserve a chocolate tour in Guanacaste, you’re booking a walk through a farm and an opportunity to learn from someone who has dedicated his life to cacao. Gilbert’s guidance ensures that your experience is unique, personal, and rooted in real tradition.
Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple seeking a romantic adventure, or a chocolate lover on a cultural journey, Gilbert’s tours make you feel like part of the story.
Gilbert represents the heart of Blue Valley Chocolate: tradition, knowledge, and a passion for sharing cacao with the world. His work on the farm, his role as a guide, and his dedication to teaching make him more than a cacao specialist. He’s a bridge between generations, cultures, and flavors.
When you visit Blue Valley Chocolate, you won’t just taste the finest cacao, you’ll meet the people, like Gilbert, who keep its spirit alive.
