Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine has turned its shop into a Halloween destination this October, and the most popular item is already gone once. Handmade chocolate skulls take weeks to make, and owner Steph Herndon says demand was so strong the shop sold out. The skulls are now pre-order only, so anyone hoping to snag one should plan ahead rather than waiting until the last week of the month.
The Halloween menu goes well beyond candy. There’s a Vampire Latte, a Witches Brew Matcha Latte, apple cider prosecco created by Patti Haley-Herndon, and a Halloween-inspired pastry charcuterie board. Chocolate-filled coffins let customers choose four handmade chocolates, and seasonal bites include sparkling pear dark chocolate, cherry chocolate, peanut butter creme, and pomegranate pistachio. Spooky gift baskets can combine chocolate skulls, pumpkin spice sugar cookies, seasonal bites, and wine, making them an easy option for hosts, teachers, or neighbors.
The shop is located at 1107 W. Marion Ave., Suite 119, directly across from Fishermen’s Village, which makes it a natural stop for anyone already out enjoying the Punta Gorda waterfront. With pre-orders required for the skulls, this is one Halloween treat where timing matters. What’s your must-have local Halloween treat this year?
