LaRue Fine Chocolate in Charleston: Handmade Truffles and Chocolate Gifts

What LaRue Fine Chocolate makes and where to find it

LaRue Fine Chocolate is a Charleston chocolatier that makes small-batch truffles, chocolate-covered confections, and gift boxes by hand. The shop is located in downtown Charleston and sells directly to customers who walk in, as well as through mail order. Everything is made on-site, which means the inventory changes based on what the chocolatiers have prepared that week.

The truffles are the core of what LaRue produces—ganache centers dipped in tempered chocolate and finished with toppings like cocoa powder, sea salt, nuts, or edible gold. They also make chocolate-covered caramels, nuts, and dried fruit. Seasonal flavors rotate through the year, so what you find in December differs from what's available in June.

Key Takeaways

• LaRue makes all chocolates by hand in their Charleston location, so flavors and availability shift week to week.
• You can buy directly at the shop during business hours or order online for mail delivery to South Carolina and beyond.
• Gift boxes come in various sizes and price points, making them suitable for corporate gifts, holidays, or personal treats.
• The shop often has seasonal and limited-edition flavors that are not available year-round.

Visiting the shop in person

Walking into LaRue's downtown location gives you the chance to see the chocolates displayed and ask the staff about flavors and ingredients. The shop is small, which means it has the feel of a neighborhood spot rather than a chain. Staff can tell you which truffles are new, which are bestsellers, and whether any have nuts or other allergens.

Hours vary by season, so it's worth checking their website or calling ahead before you visit. The shop is busiest around Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, and the December holidays, so if you prefer a quieter browsing experience, weekday afternoons in off-season months tend to be less crowded.

Ordering online and gift options

LaRue ships chocolate boxes to addresses within South Carolina and to most other states. Orders placed online are packed and shipped within a few business days. Because chocolate melts in heat, shipping is typically suspended during the hottest months of summer, though the exact dates depend on the year and local temperatures.

Gift boxes come in small (4 to 6 truffles), medium (12 to 16), and larger assortments. You can often request a specific flavor mix or let LaRue choose an assortment for you. Custom corporate orders are also possible if you contact the shop directly—many Charleston businesses order branded boxes for clients or employees.

Flavors and ingredients

LaRue works with quality chocolate and natural flavorings. Truffle centers might be dark chocolate ganache infused with lavender, milk chocolate with sea salt and caramel, or white chocolate with fruit purees. The shop is transparent about ingredients, so if you have allergies or dietary preferences, the staff or website can tell you what's in each piece.

Because the chocolates are handmade and not mass-produced, the texture and flavor of each truffle is consistent but not uniform in the way factory chocolate is. This is part of the appeal for people who prefer artisanal confections over commercial brands.

Price and what to expect

Handmade truffles cost more per piece than mass-produced chocolate, but the price reflects the labor and ingredients involved. A small box of 4 to 6 truffles typically runs between $12 and $18, while a larger assortment of 16 pieces might be $35 to $50, depending on the selection. Seasonal or limited-edition flavors sometimes carry a slight premium.

If you're buying as a gift, the presentation matters—LaRue boxes are designed to look finished and polished, so you don't need to wrap them further unless you prefer to. This makes them convenient for last-minute gifts or corporate giving.

Pairing chocolate with other Charleston experiences

LaRue sits within walking distance of other downtown attractions, so you can combine a chocolate shop visit with a stroll through the historic district, a meal at a nearby restaurant, or browsing other local shops. Many visitors pick up a box of truffles as a take-home gift after a day exploring Charleston's markets, galleries, or waterfront.

The shop also works well as a stop during a chocolate-focused outing—you might visit LaRue, then explore other local food makers or take a food tour that includes a chocolate tasting component. Charleston's food scene has grown in recent years, and artisanal chocolate is part of that landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy LaRue chocolate at other stores in Charleston?

LaRue primarily sells through their own shop and online. Some local gift shops or specialty food stores may carry their boxes, but the selection and availability are usually limited. Visiting the shop directly or ordering online gives you access to the full range of what they make.

Do they make sugar-free or dairy-free chocolate?

LaRue's standard line uses regular chocolate and dairy ingredients. If you have dietary restrictions, contact the shop directly to ask whether they can accommodate special orders or whether any current flavors happen to fit your needs. Availability of alternative products varies.

How long do the truffles stay fresh?

Handmade truffles typically stay fresh for two to three weeks when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration can extend shelf life but may affect texture. The shop can provide specific storage guidance when you purchase.

What's the best time to order for a holiday gift?

Order at least one week before you need the gift to allow time for production and shipping. During major holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, the shop may recommend ordering two weeks in advance. Shipping is usually suspended during peak summer heat.

Can I request a custom flavor or box design?

Contact LaRue directly to discuss custom orders. They work with corporate clients and individuals on special requests, though lead time and pricing depend on what you're asking for. The shop is most responsive to custom inquiries during off-peak seasons.