Top California Food & Drink Classes

This experience blends hands-on mixology, local history, and iconic Bay Area views into one memorable San Francisco outing. Hosted inside a historic 1930s Art Deco distillery on Treasure Island, guests enjoy sweeping views of the Bay while learning the craft behind classic whiskey cocktails. During the class, guests shake and stir three iconic drinks — the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and Paper Plane, while discovering how different whiskeys shape flavor, balance, and aroma. One of the moments guests love most is tasting the first cocktail they’ve made themselves. Even those who say they “don’t usually drink whiskey” are often surprised by how approachable and delicious it can be. Getting here is easy, including a scenic six-minute ferry ride from the San Francisco Ferry Building. Gold Bar Whiskey is the Official Whiskey of the San Francisco 49ers.

We carry unique wines from around the world with varietals you may have never heard of and from regions that have never encountered such as Mexico, Uruguay, or South Africa. All our wines are expertly curated, sustainably grown, and crafted in small production methods that are not only natural, but provide the best quality and health benefits.

Visit the home of a Palm Springs local to enjoy culture and cuisine during a private Southwestern cooking class. Over a welcome drink, peruse and discuss your host's thoughtfully prepared menu and recipes. During the hands-on cooking class, learn how to prepare a 3-course meal of Southwestern dishes. Discover the culinary tips, tricks, and techniques your host has acquired over the years, before tucking into your tasty creations.

Experience a unique French-Californian cooking class in a stunning Southern California coastal home with Ann and Rick. This warm, food-loving couple brings a wealth of culinary knowledge from travels and training, blending classic French techniques with fresh Californian produce. Savor the joy of cooking and dining with locals who love to entertain in style, just minutes from the Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria in Dana Point.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your go-tos, this Carmel-by-the-Sea Macaron Baking Class with a Mater Chef is a great choice. Not only will you learn how to make these French delights from scratch, you’ll also get tips to make things easier as you go from a master chef featured on the Cooking Channel. This hands-on baking class is fun for groups and for solo enthusiasts.

It is important to note that I am very selective about my choice of wines. With over 500 wineries in the valley, many small, fine wine oriented producers are overlooked by large scale industrial operations. We will taste some of Napa’s most heralded wineries (likely ones you’ve never heard of), as well as international wines. I like to champion true artisans and support small businesses!

Led by a local certified Tequila Specialist, this guided tasting offers a unique and educational experience. Guests will learn about San Diego's history and its connection to Tequila. They will sample three distinct, additive-free premium tequilas—a blanco, a reposado, and an añejo—each selected to showcase the rich diversity and craftsmanship of authentic tequila.

Take a tour to three backroads Sonoma wineries, and get more out of your trip to the Sonoma Valley than you would if you explored alone, on this small-group, half-day tour. Not only does your guide pick three impressive wineries to visit (tasting fees own expense), but they also set up a picnic lunch for your group to enjoy in a winery setting. Round-trip transport from your Sonoma hotel is also included, so you can focus on enjoyment and leave the driving to someone else.

At Meadowcroft Wines, learn about the art and science of winemaking by blending and bottling your very own bottle of wine. We’ll start with a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of Cornerstone Sonoma and an idyllic vineyard for a firsthand look at the vines. As we walk the rows, We’ll share why the iconic Sonoma Valley is the perfect No previous wine experience is necessary - perfect for all levels of wine experience and interest.

Start times flexible: book as early as 4 p.m., with a popular window from 7–9 p.m. to enjoy the sunset Hosted in Big Bear Lake resort town, easily accessible from most accommodations Why Book This Experience? It’s not just a tasting—it’s a vibe. You’ll leave relaxed, full of good snacks, and possibly with a new favorite wine or beer. It’s the perfect pre-dinner hangout, a romantic date idea, or a fun group activity before a night out in Big Bear. Skip the crowds. Skip the overpriced bar menus. Join us in our backyard for a truly local Big Bear experience.

Formosa Cafe offers a truly unique experience that transports you back in time to the glamorous era of Hollywood's past. The carefully crafted cocktails at Formosa Cafe are more than just libations; they are a sip of history. As you savor each drink, you'll be surrounded by the essence of Hollywood's golden age, creating a unique and nostalgic atmosphere. The bar not only serves classic Hollywood cocktails but also offers diverse merchandise, allowing you to take a piece of this historic experience home with you. The adventure continues with a culinary journey that introduces you to a delightful fusion of flavors from Chinese cuisine. With every bite, you become fully immersed in the captivating narrative of Hollywood's past, making the dining experience at Formosa Cafe a true celebration of history and culture.

Ready to upgrade your pasta skills and unleash your inner Italian nonna? Join Chef Maggie for a fun, technique-packed cooking class focused on two timeless pasta favorites: pappardelle and ravioli. You’ll learn how to make your own pasta dough by hand, mastering essential techniques like kneading, rolling, and shaping. Chef Maggie will guide you through crafting perfect pappardelle noodles and expertly stuffed ravioli filled with a vibrant, herb-infused ricotta and tofu blend. You’ll also whip up a flavorful aglio e olio sauce using olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, topped off with plant-based Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s a celebration of traditional Italian cooking with a modern, plant-based twist. What to Expect: - Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense. - A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills. - Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game. - Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

South Lake Tahoe can be slammed with tourists at any time of the year. Avoid the masses on land by prebooking this Emerald Bay helicopter tour. Take off from South Lake Tahoe and fly above the area to see main highlights such as Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Pope Beach, and Taylor Creek. Learn about Emerald Bay as you fly with live commentary provided.

Roll through Northern California’s famous wine country on the renowned Napa Valley Wine Train. Pass charming towns like Rutherford and St. Helena, and soak up the scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and estates through large picture windows on the trip. Explore the restored vintage train cars, and then take a seat for a gourmet lunch or dinner freshly prepared by the train’s acclaimed on-board restaurant.

Uncork the magic of the Santa Ynez Valley with Grapeline Wine Tours—a curated wine country experience like no other. Delight in visits to three wineries, where reservations and logistics are handled by Grapeline. Savor each sip at your own pace—tasting fees are NOT included and are pay-as-you-go. Many wineries offer partial or full refunds when you join their wine clubs or purchase bottles to take home. Indulge in a delicious, boxed picnic lunch with seven options to choose from, enjoyed amidst the serene backdrop of a winery. Relax and enjoy hosted transportation aboard a deluxe touring vehicle, led by a friendly and knowledgeable driver/host who ensures your day is seamless and fun. Convenient pick-up and drop-off are included from Santa Ynez Valley area hotels, making your wine adventure as effortless as it is memorable. With Grapeline, your journey through wine country is filled with exceptional tastes, picturesque settings, and unforgettable moments.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culinary traditions with a hands-on sushi class in San Jose, hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to a small group, this workshop with an esteemed sushi chef teaches you the essentials of seafood sushi-making. The menu you will prepare includes: - Starter: Spicy sesame edamame - Sushi rice preparation for rolling and shaping - California roll with real crab, cucumber and avocado - Spicy tuna roll with sriracha and fresh tuna - Nigiri with shrimp, tuna or eel (market availability) Learn knife techniques, rice preparation and plating while creating a complete sushi menu in an intimate, interactive setting.

You’ll be working with both an American and a local Sardinian native who knows the island and has even owned a restaurant on the island. No other place will give you a more authentic and translatable experience. Work with 5-star chef James. This is the only event where you can cook, eat and dance all in one place.

It's not often that you can visit a winery in the heart of a city! Berkeley has been home to what we call 'urban wineries' for almost 20 years. Although these producers don't own any vineyards of their own, they work directly with grape growers from all around northern California. It is important to note that I am very selective about my choice of wines and wineries. With thousands of wineries in the state, many small, fine wine oriented producers are overlooked by large scale industrial operations. I like to champion true artisans and support small businesses!

This hands-on cooking class with Chef Lina transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy bowl of wonton noodle soup. You’ll begin by preparing a savory pork filling, blending Chinese seasonings for depth and balance. Then, learn the proper folding technique to seal delicate wontons into neat, flavorful parcels. As your dumplings rest, you’ll build a fragrant broth and prepare fresh components including egg noodles, bok choy and julienned carrots. Chef Lina walks you step-by-step through timing and assembly, showing you how to layer textures for a vibrant, nourishing finish. Finally, simmer your wontons to tender perfection and ladle everything together into a steaming bowl. Hosted at a trendy Sacramento venue, this beginner-friendly experience includes all ingredients, professional tools and a complete meal you’ll prepare and enjoy yourself.

Skip the restaurant and roll your own sushi with Chef Birdie in this interactive class. You’ll master the basics step by step, starting with seasoned sushi rice and fresh, crisp veggies. Learn how to spread rice onto nori sheets, layer fillings and roll everything up tight by hand. On the menu: a shrimp tempura roll plus the crowd-favorite California roll with crab, cucumber and carrot. Whether you’re brand-new to sushi or just want to sharpen your skills, this class is approachable, fun and full of flavor. End the night by enjoying your fresh creations and walk away with confidence to recreate them anytime. What to Expect: - Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense. - A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills. - Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game. - Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

At Diamond E Ranch, a hands-on soap-making experience awaits you. Spend 90 minutes crafting luxurious goat milk soap alongside our friendly miniature dairy goats. Ideal for adults and mother/daughter pairs, each participant creates a custom 3-lb soap loaf, choosing from an array of scents and colors using fresh goat milk from our own herd. This beginner-friendly class not only teaches the traditional cold-process method but also leaves you with a nourishing product that’s perfect for sensitive skin. Enjoy quality time while indulging your creativity in a serene ranch setting.

Experience authentic Italian cooking in Southeastern Sacramento with this hands-on 4-course pasta-making class, hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to 8 guests, this intimate workshop explores fresh flavors and traditional methods. The menu you will prepare includes: - Lightly fried vegetables with spicy lemon aioli - Fresh citrus salad - Handmade pasta with Calabrian chile tomato sauce - Classic tiramisu Over 3 hours, you’ll practice pasta-making techniques, sauce preparation and plating skills, leaving with recipes and confidence to recreate these dishes at home.

Discover a bright, social cocktail experience that feels distinctly San Francisco. Hosted inside Gold Bar Distillery’s 1930s Art Deco Pan Am hangar on Treasure Island, this hands-on class pairs creative mixology with sweeping views of the Bay and San Francisco skyline. The experience highlights Pacific House Gin, crafted by Gold Bar Distillery and known for its vibrant botanicals, fresh citrus, and smooth, approachable character. Guests shake, stir, and garnish three colorful cocktails while learning how botanicals shape flavor and balance. One of the moments guests love most is seeing the first cocktail come together, a bright, beautifully balanced drink they just made themselves. Even guests who normally don’t reach for gin often leave surprised by how refreshing and enjoyable these cocktails can be. Getting here is easy, including a scenic six-minute ferry ride from the San Francisco Ferry Building. Pacific House Gin is the Official Gin of Bay FC.