California is known for its rich culture and heritage and sunny weather. Why not experience some of what California has to offer with locally made products? You’ll be surprised at what you’ll discover in your backyard.  

Eclipse Chocolat of San Diego creates exotic chocolates using the highest quality chocolate, all-natural ingredients and organic spices. Owner and sculptor William Gustwiller offers a variety of truffles, caramels and chocolate bars to satisfy any sweet tooth. For more information, visit www.eclipsechocolat.com.

Another excellent chocolate shop is von Euw Chocolatier, a European-style chocolatier also based in San Diego. This company utilizes the best chocolate in the industry to create truffles and custom flavors of chocolate like Ginger, Blackcurrant and Lavender. For more information, visit www.voneuwchocolatier.net.

California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world, home to numerous wineries and vineyards. As you travel along the central and southern coastal regions, get a taste of varieties including merlot, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Whether you visit the actual wineries and vineyards or pick up a bottle at a local store, it’s refreshing to know you don’t have to travel around the world for fine wine. For more information, visit www.californiawineinfo.com.

E. Waldo Ward offers unique food products including jams, jellies and marmalades. The family-owned-and-operated business got its start in 1891 when Edwin Waldo Ward, Sr. moved to Sierra Madre to start a farm with a dream to make English-style marmalade. Today, you can take home a bottle of Edwin’s dream come true. With flavors ranging from Raspberry Jalapeno and Boysenberry to Strawberry and Kadota Fig, sandwiches will never taste the same! E. Waldo Ward also offers condiments, fruit syrups, butters and spreads plus sweet pickled fruits and olive and cherry products. For more information, visit www.waldoward.com.

San Diego’s Temecula Olive Oil Company creates the finest olive oil plus other delicious artisan foods and even bath and body products. The family-owned-and-operated company opened in 2001 and uses only California fruit mostly grown on the family’s ranch. The company’s oils are hand-blended by their very own Master Taster, resulting in a very special extra-virgin olive oil. For its artisan foods, Temecula uses old world recipes to create delicious dips, spreads, pestos and stuffed olives. If using olive oil in your cooking isn’t enough, the company’s soap is handcrafted using its premium olive oil. For more information, visit www.temeculaoliveoil.com.

Why go anywhere else when everything you need is in your backyard?