By Kathleen Fleury

Photography by Benjamin Magro

We didn’t believe we were living through the golden age of Maine chocolate until more than a dozen boxes of sweets arrived at our offices from chocolatiers across the state. When we opened them and unwrapped, with Christmas-like enthusiasm, the artful packages to reveal collections of artisan chocolates, there was no doubt that a new culinary movement is afoot in Maine, and a very decadent one at that. From blueberries and potatoes to locally made wines and liquors, these handcrafted chocolates incorporate the signature flavors of Maine — in beautiful, chocolatey bitefuls. And best of all, a Maine-made box of chocolates makes a great gift (or self-indulgent snack).

Herewith, a scrumptious chocolate sampler:

Haven’s Candies

Westbrook

Creams, caramels, nut clusters, nougats, and molded chocolates like this starfish — Haven’s has been filling samplers since nearly 1915 when Herbert Haven began selling candies from his Forest Avenue parlor. 207-772-1557. www.havenscandies.com

Kennebec Chocolates

Augusta

You can get molded chocolates of all shapes and sizes at this chocolate shop in Maine’s capital — or sample their assortment of traditional hand-dipped creams and caramels, such as this strawberry-filled treat. 207-621-2200. www.kennebecchocolates.com

Bayside Chocolates

Lubec

The peppermint pattie is one of the newest (and most popular) additions to the large repertoire of chocolates — everything from blueberry needhams to bourbon truffles — at this Lubec sweet spot. 207-733-8880. www.baysidechocolates.com

Harbor Candy Shop

Ogunquit

This shop has been on Main Street since 1960, and it continues to make refined chocolates, from nostalgic nonpareils to this velvety sandwich of milk and dark chocolates with a touch of praline. 207-646-8078. www.harborcandy.com

Len Libby Candies

Scarborough

Traditional, old-fashioned chocolates — this one is the dark chocolate buttercrunch — are the specialty at this well-known candy heaven that has been around since 1926. 207-883-4897. www.lenlibby.com

Monica’s Chocolates

Lubec

Lubec is known for its clams and other jewels of the sea, but the buttery chocolate sea cucumbers from this Down East chocolatier show a sweeter take on traditional Maine fare. 866-952-4500. www.monicaschocolates.com

Divine Chocolate

Cape Neddick

A classic combination of old-time favorites and creative new concoctions such as the leaf-shaped milk chocolate pumpkin spice truffle make this relatively new southern candy shop stand out. 207-363-1300. www.divinechocolate.netwww.divinechocolate.net

Katie’s on the Cove

Robbinston

The needham, like this one filled with potato and coconut, is Maine’s original chocolate goodie and is just one of the many Maine-inspired chocolates from this close-to-Calais chocolatier. 207-454-8446. www.katiesonthecove.com

Black Dinah Chocolatiers

Isle au Haut

These truly haute chocolates feature sleek designs and intricate, exotic flavors, such as the above blueberry-black pepper made with berries from Stoneset Farm in Brooklin, spicy Indian pepper, and dark chocolate. 207-335-5010. www.blackdinahchocolatiers.com

B. Potter Wine Chocolates

Lyman

Combine Winterport Winery products with chocolate and you get delicate and delicious results like this Maine ginger pear wine truffle, one of the many flavors from this wine chocolate connoisseur. 207-659-0994. www.bpwinechocolates.com

Wilbur’s of Maine

Freeport

Holiday shopping in Freeport isn’t complete without one of Wilbur’s sweet treats like the mint julep made with mint-flavored milk chocolate and enrobed in dark chocolate. 207-865-4071. www.wilburs.gourmetfoodmall.com

Dean’s Sweets

Portland

Wild Maine blueberries, Cold River vodka, and chocolate all wrapped into one bite — this chocolate, part of the chocolatier’s Maine Mix assortment, is pure Pine Tree State paradise. 207-899-3664. www.deanssweets.com

Sweet Marguerites

South Portland

This family-run shop is known for its innovative chocolate combinations. The umami collection consists of five unique, savory-sweet bites including this malted barley ganache topped with malted bacon powder. 207-767-6121. www.sweetmargchocolates.com

Safe Harbor Confections

Waldoboro

If you want to eat delicious chocolate — like this Maine sea salt and caramel — and make a difference at the same time, sample these artistic handmade confections: part of the proceeds go to local animal welfare groups. 207-832-6026. www.safeharborconfections.com