Educator. Scientist. Chocolate Maker.

Starting a craft chocolate business has been an awfully big adventure. It gives me so many creative outlets, connects me with amazing people, and it helps to make an important social-economic and environmental impact. I am so thankful to be part of the growing craft chocolate movement, and to have incredible support from my family, friends, and my chocolate loving customers.

    -Rusty Bogart

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FAQ:

Question: How did you get into making chocolate?

Answer: When I attended Humboldt State University I met two incredible individuals, Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor. Both of these guys are talented musicians, woodworkers, and chocolate makers. In 2010 they opened Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate in Eureka, California and today are considered one of the best craft chocolate makers in America. Needless to say, I was hooked by the incredible taste of craft chocolate and greatly inspired to start making it.

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Question: Why did you name the company PipeVine Chocolate?

Answer: While teaching at Woodleaf Outdoor School and learning to be a nature photographer, I fell in love with butterflies. So, when it was time to come up with a business name I chose PipeVine Chocolate after the Pipevine Swallowtail common to my hometown of Chico, California. You can hardly walk through lower Bidwell Park in the Spring without playing hopscotch to avoid stepping on one of the caterpillars crossing the road.

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Question: Do you picture starting a factory in Chico?

Answer: Currently I'm operating as a Cottage Food Business from my home, mostly working at night and on the weekends. I don't have plans to open up a local chocolate factory any time soon, but you never know.

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Question: How do you make chocolate?

Answer: Please see the "How it's made" page!