“I love chocolate,” said Debbie Dever.

That’s a good thing, because as owner of Vintage Sweet Shoppe she spends a lot of time making and selling the sweet stuff. 

“I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t eat chocolate,” she said. “I never get tired of it.”

Owning the Vintage Sweet Shoppe isn’t Dever’s first career. For 25 years she was a clinical lab work supervisor at local hospitals.

Today, Dever has two chocolate shop locations — one in the Hatt Building on Main Street, and the second in the Nut Tree Village in Vacaville.

Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?

My father, Raymond Williams.

Thomas Jefferson, my favorite historical character.

Princess Diana. I loved how she went around the world helping many charitable causes. 

What job would you like to try/not try?

Try: Winemaker.

Not try: Accountant.

What was your first job?

Working in my father’s chiropractic office in Vallejo.

How did you get into this business?

My father-in-law sent an ad about a candy store for sale in Napa and it brought back memories of making candy with my mother. I also wanted a product I could market on the Internet. I thought wine-related chocolate would be a good fit.

What’s on your to-do list?

Hot air balloon ride on the Serengeti Plains of Africa at sunrise with my family. That would be the ultimate. 

What’s your favorite gift to give?

Our chocolate-covered wine bottles. They always surprise everyone.

First the wine bottle is shrinkwrapped, then the bottle is covered in chocolate, except for the label. As you pull the shrink wrap off the chocolate breaks away from the bottle in curved pieces.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I use to breed and show Arabian horses.

What was your childhood ambition?

To be a nun. Then I discovered boys were OK.

What’s the most significant project you’ve been involved with in your career?

Being filmed for the Food Network and opening two stores.

What other businessperson would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

Michael Schaer, MJ Schaer Gallery.

Jill Brandt, Napa General Store.

Sara Brooks, Napa River Inn.

More from Debbie Dever

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Staying organized while growing the business.

Who do you most admire in the business world?

Bill Gates, he started with nothing and he gives back to the world. 

What’s something you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet? 

To help less fortunate women to realize their business aspirations and personal goals. I think it’s a noble cause to empower women to go out and take risks. 



I can’t live without: Chocolate.

If you could be anywhere where would you be now?

Home.

What’s one thing Napa can do to help local business?

More events, news features, and advertising on KGO like Sonoma does.

What is your favorite charity?

The Humane Society.

What’s the worst job you ever had?

When I was in college at Sacramento State I worked in a women’s clothing store.

If you could change one thing about your business what would it be?

For more customers to know how much I appreciate and enjoy them. Also for them to know that money spent in Napa stays in our community. 

Each Wednesday the Napa Valley Register’s Business Focus asks “10 Questions” of a local entrepreneur or businessperson. Readers are welcome to suggest business people to be profiled. To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail jhuffman@napanews.com