Vosges Haut-Chocolat

All You Need Is Love and Chocolate

By Hailey Bethke | Photography Courtesy of Vosges Haut-Chocolat

“We create from falling in love. We don’t just create to create,” begins Vosges Haut-Chocolat’s creative marketing officer, Natalie Markoff.

Vosges Haut-Chocolate was founded in 1998 by Katrina Markoff, inspired by her vision of bringing peace to the world through chocolate. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, she decided to forgo medical school to follow her dream of pursuing culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. There, Markoff experienced the exhilarating thrill of French culture and was hooked on the idea of food as an invitation to seek new perspectives. She believed chocolate was the ideal medium to open hearts, minds, and palates. Each Vosges creation is hand-crafted with sacred cacao and rare ingredients and infused with high vibrational frequencies to elevate the chocolate-tasting experience.

VIE had the pleasure of speaking with Vosges creative marketing officer Natalie Markoff and creative director Elizabeth Kohrman, who shared more about the brand’s visionary, multisensory approach to fine chocolate. Natalie, Katrina’s sister, says their family’s love affair with chocolate began in her childhood. She vividly recalls hand-rolling truffles in the kitchen with her grandmother. After a storied career in New York City’s fashion scene, she joined Katrina at Vosges.

Beyond its luxurious packaging, Vosges infuses each chocolate with 528hz frequency, which is said to promote positive transformation and peace. If we look at the world on an atomic basis, everything has a vibration. Cacao holds one of the highest frequencies because it is fermented. Between the liquid state and crystallization of the chocolate-making process, the chocolate is transferred to a cooling tower for about an hour. During this period, the healing sound frequencies of 528hz are infused into the chocolate. The brand has experimented with various frequencies over the years, which are tailored for love (check out the collaboration with Tom Petty) and healing. Sometimes the team even uses a pendulum, a divination tool to give positive and negative feedback on vibrations, to test ingredients like spirulina and turmeric.

Most interestingly, they discovered that the chocolate infused with sound frequencies was softer and sweeter than batches that were not. This goes back to the ethos of Vosges products: an invitation to tune inward, slow down, and savor each divine flavor profile. The goal is to be so present and connected to the chocolate that we can taste a difference vibrationally.

Vosges Haut-Chocolate was founded in 1998 by Katrina Markoff, inspired by her vision of bringing peace to the world through chocolate.

But this process begins with the makers. The Vosges company culture is rooted in the belief that each individual’s contribution is essential. Everyone pours love into each product. “What we put into our chocolate starts with how we treat ourselves,” explains Markoff. “We need to practice what we preach, and we believe in gratitude and kindness. For me, these values are our lifeblood. When our team collaborates, we always aim to be gracious and listen to each other without judgment.”

Each year, Vosges proudly reveals a limited-edition Haut-Chocolat Calendar of Advent. This year’s Nordic Forest Chalet channels spirited whimsy while drawing inspiration from Scandinavian culture. Beyond the twinkling lights and enchanting exterior, three merry-making musicians play holiday tunes. Each numbered drawer divulges confections like fluffy marshmallows, tart blood orange caramels, playful chocolate peppermint gnomes, crisp candied ginger cookies, and happy tart cherry hedgehogs.

Vosges 2024 Calendar of Advent and various truffle collections—perfect for gifting!

“Every little detail on the packaging is so meaningful and connected,” explains Kohlman. “From the green velvet texture for the moss to the glitter of the forest frost and gold embossed foil detailing on the sunshine and stars, we have carefully considered each design element.” Katrina and Natalie’s children are also honored through the musicians; the sheepdog that ice skates, the moose that skis, and the owl represent their spirit animals. Countless hours of research on the Nordic region and sensory experiences like forest bathing and nature immersion contributed to the stunning final design.

This bespoke experience captures all sensations of the cherished holiday season. The best part? Sharing these hand-crafted delicacies with your loved ones for twenty-five days as you count down to Christmas. Reserve your Calendar of Advent early—they sell out quickly!

Other favorite Vosges products include the Chocolate Meditation Collection, which includes exotic truffles, corresponding crystals, and a deck of affirmation cards to encourage you to tune inward. The Mini Exotic Chocolate Bar Library is the ideal flavor sampler, including a selection of milk and dark chocolate bars like raw cacao honey, matcha, and reishi walnut. Exclusive collaborations with brands like The Dalmore Whisky, Tom Petty, The House of Creed, and Kate Hudson’s King St. Vodka are also fabulous gifting ideas.

Markoff’s personal favorite is the Rooster Truffle, featured within the Iconic Collection, a quarterly release of a flavor from the Vosges archive. Each Rooster Truffle spotlights Emilio Mauri’s Taleggio cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy, pairing beautifully with 62 percent dark chocolate, organic walnuts, and Tahitian vanilla bean. “These triangle-shaped delicacies are meant to be consumed in three bites,” she shares. “The first bite, you get the chocolate, walnut, and vanilla, while the second bite highlights the richness of the Taleggio cheese. The last bite highlights ending notes of the grounded walnut, providing a sense of earthiness.” Despite initial hesitation in pairing cheese with chocolate, our team agreed that this was our favorite Vosges truffle. It’s a flavor journey you simply have to experience for yourself—and it is delightful on the taste buds!

Vosges Haut-Chocolat has mastered the art of storytelling through chocolate. By igniting the senses and asking us to tap deeper into presence, love, and gratitude, Katrina Markoff has cemented her legacy of bringing peace to the world through one of its favorite sweet treats. Cheers to Team Vosges, the true alchemists of chocolate!

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To indulge in Vosges Haut-Chocolat, please visit VosgesChocolate.com and follow along on Instagram @vosgeshautchocolat.