Dorinda Vance, aka The Duchess of Chocolate, is not only a master chocolatier, but also an entrepreneur at heart.
“In typical entrepreneurial fashion, I keep focusing on new projects and growth,” says the founder of the much-loved Dorinda’s Chocolates. “But I also prioritize convenience for management and our beloved customers.”
Dorinda’s most recent venture is the bold and convenient integration of her award-winning Truckee retail stores – Dorinda’s Chocolates & Essentials, which she founded in 2008, and Tahoe Oil & Spice, a 10-year-old store she purchased and made her own in 2023.
With the stores now conveniently located under one roof, Dorinda can place her focus on quality management and personal work-life balance. She delights in the fact that this new integration is an upgrade that the community will enjoy, a one-shop shop for inspiring flavors, exceptional ingredients and five-star customer service.
Shopping in Dorinda’s store is an immersive and memorable experience, a culinary journey for everyone from home cooks to seasoned chefs. Every item in the store has been handmade or handpicked by Vance and her family, and they pride themselves in sourcing only the freshest and finest ingredients on a local and international scale.
At just 12 years old, Dorinda was already in the process of becoming an entrepreneur and culinary artist when she began making chocolate-covered cherry confections for her family. Now working alongside her husband, Thom, and two of her four sons, Dustin and Dillon, Dorinda has been a noteworthy fixture in the Truckee community, where her first chocolate shop was located, since 2008.
As the popularity of her chocolates grew, Dorinda established a chocolate factory in Reno, in which Dustin, CEO of Dorinda’s Chocolates, currently operates. With his expertise in business, creative vision and knack for consistently adding delicious new items to the menu, Dustin has been a pivotal figure in the growth of Dorinda’s Chocolates.
Like his mother, Dillon is a culinary entrepreneur, the owner and operator of the Rolled Mountain Creamery, which offers all-natural, made-to-order ice cream rolls inspired by trendy Thai street vendors. His creations are available exclusively at Dorinda’s Chocolates in Reno. Dorinda’s Chocolates & Essentials in Truckee sells ice-cream sandwiches.
Now that Dorinda’s two shops are under one roof in the heart of Truckee, she is excited to continue the family business and share her love of handmade and healthy culinary delights and products.
Upon arrival at her new shop, you will be welcomed with a warm greeting from the knowledgeable staff and likely Dorinda and her lovable Bernese Mountain Dog, Greta, Dorinda’s trusty business partner and local celebrity in her own right.
“Sometimes people come to the store just to meet Greta,” Dorinda says, laughing. “Greta is a very friendly dog; she truly loves people and other dogs. She helps create a warm welcome for guests and really adds to the atmosphere of our store.”
After giving Greta a greeting, it’s time to browse through Dorinda’s extensive collection of artisanal gourmet chocolate creations, extra virgin and flavor-infused olive oils, high-quality balsamic vinegars, specialty spices, loose-leaf teas and wellness essentials. If you feel a bit overwhelmed by the large variety of items, there are passionate staff members ready to help you find the right products for your culinary and home-decor desires.
Taste-testings and samples are available to give you an unparalleled immersive and sensory encounter with the products before you decide on your purchase.
Most highly regarded for her master-crafted and award-winning chocolate selection, Dorinda offers an extensive and eclectic menu of truffles, chocolate-dipped creations, bonbons, bars, barks and fan- favorite sea salt chocolate caramels. You will taste the difference on your very first bite. The secret? Everything is handmade with the finest, all-natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, ensuring an indulgent and ethical experience.
“Our chocolates are meant to be eaten, not saved,” Dorinda proudly states. “We don’t add any preservatives or artificial colors.”
After you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, explore the endless flavor combinations in the shelves containing locally and internationally sourced olive oils, balsamics, spices, pastas, sauces, spreads, small batch jams, honeys and loose-leaf teas. Dorinda has tested all of these products herself. She is on a mission to provide products with exceptional flavor and health benefits.
“I’ve learned so much in the process,” Dorinda says.
With Tahoe Oil and Spice, Dorinda is on a mission to expand her education and curate only the finest products to enhance the customers’ culinary experience. She trusts her products so much that she exclusively uses them to cook hearty and healthy meals for her family – and Greta!
For more information on the extensive collection of products, upcoming community events or specials such as the Chocolate of the Month subscriptions, visit the websites or stop by the shop to experience them for yourself. Dorinda recommends asking a staff member their favorite recipes and ingredients for inspiration.
(530) 550-8857
10091 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee
DorindasEssentials.com
(530) 550-8857
10091 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee
TahoeOilandSpice.com
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
