Cooking Classes in Napa Valley Wine Country

In need of a break, want a chance to learn some new recipes and techniques and what to look for to appreciate great Napa Valley wines? Then this compact two day break will be a great match for you, as you enjoy our Napa Valley cooking classes.  You may want to purchase Gillian’s cookbook, Inn Food Seasonal Breakfast In The Wine Country, prior to the cooking classes.

This program works best for a group taking the whole Inn and can be scheduled any time of year. A great way to learn new skills and to bring your group closer together. The cost for the program outlined is $175 per person plus accommodation. Smaller scale classes for one or two couples can also be scheduled on weekdays during the winter months. We can organize shorter or longer custom programs to meet your interests and schedule. Custom classes can include:

• Visits to local growers, purveyors and farmer’s markets
• Forays for wild mushrooms and other wild foods
• Restaurant kitchen visits and cooking experiences
• Celebration meals at the Inn

Typical Program:

Day 1

After checking-in to our Calistoga bed and breakfast, gather to enjoy a selection of wine and food pairings. Learn the perfect combinations of food flavors and wine selections.

Evening free to enjoy dinner in Calistoga or elsewhere.

 

Day 2

Light breakfast served between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Following breakfast the small group (maximum 10) will participate in a full morning demonstration of seasonal wine country cooking designed for entertaining. Dishes will reflect classical wine country European influences as well as some of Gillian’s broader international experience. The dishes prepared will be served as a sumptuous lunch.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy a spa treatment, visit a special winery or other activity of your choice. Around 6 PM a local winery will provide a comprehensive tasting of their wines. The evening is free.

 

Day 3

Full Craftsman Inn breakfast served between 8:30 and 9:30 AM.

Late morning check out.

Classes are presented by Gillian Kite, cook and owner of Calistoga’s Wine Way and Craftsman Inns. Gillian started her culinary career in her native England where she ran her own catering business. She went on to cater, cook and teach in the UK and France before temporarily halting her professional cooking career to raise her three children. Living in America she rekindled her career giving cooking lessons to other expats in the Bay area. She moved to Calistoga in late 2003 as the new owner of the Wine Way Inn. Guests, locals and her feature on the Travel Channel’s "Taste of California" have clamored for her to once more share her approach to food with others.

If you are looking for longer classes throughout the year please check out our friends at Casa Lana Gourmet retreats.

Our cookery and wine appreciation class is a wonderful gift for someone special, you can order a gift certificate online.