MARIN

Cavallo Point, Sausalito
The lovely Cavallo Point resort at Fort Baker in Sausalito offers destination-focused cooking classes for the public in their state-of-the-art cooking classroom (above). All classes include a mix of demonstration and hands-on cooking instruction followed by a meal.
CavalloPoint.com

Mon Reve
Chocolate and pastry expert Pooneh Yamini teaches popular hands-on dessert classes at Mon Reve Dessert Art studio at the Mill Valley Lumber Yard. Book in-person classes or virtual experiences for private parties and corporate events.
MonReveDesserts.com

Wild West Ferments
Learn the art of fermentation at Wild West Ferments’ hands-on workshops at their fermentation studio inside West Marin Culture Shop at Point Reyes Station. Classes cover the science, nutrition and history of fermentation as well as hands-on fermentation techniques that you can continue to cultivate at home.
WildWestFerments.com

SONOMA

Artisan Baking Center
This state-of-the-art culinary education facility and R+D bakery in the beloved Keith Giusto Bakery Supply in Petaluma offers classes for every level. Learn to make classic French sourdough, Roman-style pizza, hand-shaped Italian pasta, laminated pastry dough and more. Instructors include renowned bakers and cookbook authors. Half- and full-day classes available.
CentralMilling.com/abc

Relish Culinary Adventures
Relish brings together talented chefs and fabulous cuisine at a variety of related rural locations (above) to create one-of-a-kind authentic cooking classes, culinary tours and catering services. Topics vary from Wine Country cuisine and ethnic specialties to cheesemaking, wild mushroom foraging and more.
RelishCulinary.com

Lala’s Jam Bar & Urban Farmstand
Leslie Goodrich of Lala’s Jams teaches the basics of jam making in the kitchen at her Petaluma urban farmstand, covering fruit-to-sugar ratios and hot water bath processing and finishing with a finished jam and recipe to take home.
LalasJams.com

NAPA

Fatted Calf
Fatted Calf at Oxbow Public Market offers small, hands-on classes in topics for which the artisan butcher and charcuterie shop is renowned, from whole hog and whole lamb butchery to sausage making and salumi.
FattedCalf.com

CIA at Copia
At CIA’s lovely Napa food and beverage hub next to Oxbow Market, classes cover a wide array of topics from Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine to grilling and Wine Country cooking, and even a look into recipes from Julia Child’s Kitchen. Series and professional programs, as well as wine instruction, are also available.
CIAFoodies.com

Playte Kitchen
Playte Kitchen’s hands-on cooking classes prove that learning new culinary skills doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’re gathering friends for a fun evening or seriously honing your technique, their experienced and entertaining instructors guide both small and large groups through everything from Spanish tapas to complex sauces.
2931 Solano Avenue, Napa
playtekitchen.com

Napa Valley College Culinary & Hospitality Department
Napa Valley College’s culinary program immerses students in one of America’s most celebrated food scenes. Through advanced certificates and degrees, aspiring chefs learn everything from knife skills to wine pairing, while hospitality programs focus on creating memorable dining experiences. This practical training prepares graduates to serve both local enthusiasts and international visitors seeking something special.
2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy, Napa
napavalley.edu

The Under-Study
The newly-opened Under-Study in St. Helena features a stylish café and culinary classroom where food enthusiasts learn alongside the Michelin-starred team from Press Restaurant. Chef Philip Tessier simplifies complex techniques into accessible lessons, while local winemakers and guest chefs host workshops that feel like cozy dinner parties. In this elegant interior space, serious cooking can be approachable, and restaurant-quality dishes are within reach.
595 St Helena Hwy, St Helena
under-study.com

SONOMA

Appellation
The soon-to-open Appellation Healdsburg hotel will celebrate Sonoma culinary, wine and craft culture with Crafted Classes & Workshops program. Local creatives have already lead offsite classes dedicated to culinary gardening, blending herbal teas, selecting artisanal coffees and decorative stitching. On-site class offerings will expand significantly this fall when the hotel opens to the public; Crafted classes are open to all.
101 Dovetail Ln, Healdsburg & 5 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma
appellationhotels.com

WINE EDUCATION

NAPA

Napa Valley College Wine Education Center
For those considering turning their wine passion into a wine profession, Napa Valley College delivers with an 80% job placement rate. Students train hands-on in California’s first bonded winery within a community college system, mastering vineyard management to tasting room hospitality. The college is expanding its world-class program this fall with the opening of the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center, which will more than double the classroom and education space and support the Food and Wine Pathway Program. With degrees in viticulture, winemaking, and hospitality management, this isn’t just education; it’s a direct pathway into Napa Valley’s wine industry.
2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy, Napa
napavalley.edu

Decant Napa Valley
Decant Napa has seamlessly stepped into the beloved Bay Grape space, maintaining the commitment to exceptional wine education while adding its own unique touch. With Master Sommelier Gillian Balance now leading the charge, this isn’t just a wine shop; it’s a full-scale wine experience featuring an extensive by-the-glass program, dedicated class space, and the favorite Monday Mystery Blind tastings that keep both newcomers and seasoned wine lovers coming back.
2999 Solano, Napa
decantnapa.com

Raymond Vineyards Winemaker for a Day
Raymond Vineyards Winemaker for the Day turns wine lovers into actual winemakers, teaching the art of blending in Raymond’s professional blending room. Under expert guidance, participants craft their own Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red blend, learning how different varietals dance together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The best part? You bottle, label, and take home your creation.
1584 St Helena Hwy, St Helena.
raymondvineyards.com

Back Room Wines
Napa locals and visitors can attend weekly wine tastings at Backroom Wines—Wine Store & Bar every Friday from 3:30 to 7:30pm. Some Fridays are “blind,” while others offer a theme of the week. No reservations are required and everyone is welcome. These tastings are a great way to kick off a weekend and learn about wine from all over the world.
BackRoomWines.com

SONOMA

Odyssey Wine Academy
Located in Healdsburg’s Bacchus Landing, the Odyssey Wine Academy caters to both enthusiasts and professionals with classes ranging from simply enhancing an understanding of wine to professional certification courses including in-person WSET Level Awards 1-3 and the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake. Classes in English and Spanish.
OdysseyWineAcademy.com

Meadowcroft Wines
The wine blending workshops at Meadowcroft tasting room in Sonoma’s beautiful Cornerstone Gardens teach the nuances of wine with a unique sensory experience. Learn the characteristics of individual wine varietals then blend them to create your own wine, which you cork to bring home.
MeadowcroftWines/wine-blending-experience.com

Sonoma’s Best
Every Thursday at 4pm, a gang of wine lovers gathers at cozy Sonoma’s Best Wine Merchant for the weekly themed wine tastings. Sommelier Todd Jolly oversees the crowd and gently guides tasters through the differences and nuances of wines worldwide, as well as small, local producers.
Sonomas-Best.com