The why, how and WOW of Chocolate & Wine. This session will explore a delicious journey through the history of CHOCOLATE. Utilizing fun stories and anecdotes, Ignacio (Nacho), will start with a discussion around the cultural importance and impact of chocolate from ancient Mesoamerica civilizations to the profound influence on modern-day culture.

Then we get to have fun! We will move into a tasting experience that will indulge us in an interactive experience on how to eat chocolate and enjoy it with all our senses. This will be an immersive in observation and imagination. 

Finally we will learn, and experience why wine and chocolate pair well together: flavor, textures, and even their chemical compositions. In this presentation we will share a detailed look at why these two indulgences make such a harmonious match with a test tasting experience that will leave you in awe.

Upon Completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Appreciate chocolate through a multitude of sensory experiences.
• Understand why certain pairings between chocolate and other items will or won’t work well.

Mexican born chef, Nacho Aguirre was born in Torreón, a region of Mexico known for its rich culture with Spanish, Lebanese, German & French influenced cuisine. In Torreón, Nacho and his wife and fellow baker, Susana Mijares, opened Delice Chocolatier and Patisserie.

Known for their decadent truffles and beautiful chocolate ribbon topped cakes, the bakery grew to gain regional and international acclaim. As their business grew, so did their family. Nacho, Susana and their five children live in San Antonio, Texas and operate a bakery location.

To anyone who has ever met Nacho, it will come as no surprise that the boisterous and friendly chef competed and won the illustrious Spring Baking Championship on Food Network. With the title of champion and his charismatic personality, Nacho has become one of the few Hispanic judges in the world of competition baking & cooking TV shows and entertaining speakers.