Top California Food & Drink Classes

Enter the dark, mysterious, stylish space and find yourself transported to a cosmopolitan oasis. We forge our way off the beaten path, seek interesting varietals and blend them together to make wines that are approachable and thought-provoking. You won’t find another place like it in Napa.

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!

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.

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.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your go-tos and uncover the secrets to French baking, this small-group macaron baking class in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great choice. Not only will you learn how to make these French delights from scratch, but you will 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 both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Transform into a scientist for a night at this immersive laboratory-themed experience, where cocktails meet captivating experiments in a lively interactive environment. With lab coats and goggles on, participants engage in real science experiments that bubble, pop, and fizz while enjoying seasonal themed drinks. Thrilling games and karaoke heighten the excitement, allowing friends to compete in scientific challenges for a chance to win free shots. This unique fusion of learning and entertainment fosters camaraderie, making it the perfect setting for special occasions or a fun night out with friends, infused with laughter and discovery.

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.

A social gathering awaits at this hands-on cooking class in San Diego, where participants collaborate with professional chefs to whip up authentic Italian-inspired dishes from scratch. Over three to three and a half hours, enjoy welcome appetizers, create two main dishes tailored to your group’s preferences, and savor a delightful signature dessert. With the added touch of a welcome drink in hand, the experience culminates in communal dining, allowing everyone to relish the culinary creations they helped craft together.

Step into a charming San Diego patio kitchen for a hands-on journey through Tuscan flavors. Limited to a small group, this outdoor class blends traditional Italian recipes with fresh garden herbs in a relaxed al fresco setting. The menu you will prepare includes: - Tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream - Handmade pappardelle with brown butter, sage and Parmigiano cheese - Bruschetta al pomodoro with ripe tomatoes, basil and garlic Enjoy your creations in an intimate covered patio workshop while exploring authentic Tuscan traditions.

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.

Discover the art of pasta-making in an intimate Los Angeles kitchen guided by a top-rated chef. Limited to a small group, this class blends approachable recipes with authentic Italian techniques. The menu you will prepare includes: - Chef-prepared appetizer - Handmade spaghetti and fettuccine with sauce pairings such as ragù, tomato, mushroom-sausage or sautéed vegetables - Chef-prepared dessert celebrating Italian traditions With hands-on guidance, you’ll knead, roll and shape pasta while exploring both classic and seasonal flavors.

Indulge in a delightful chocolate-making with an optional wine or craft beer tasting at The Wine Experience on Cannery Row, Monterey. Under the guidance of Carrie Griffin, a seasoned wine curator turned chocolate enthusiast, learn to temper chocolate, craft truffle shells, and fill them with smooth ganache. This two-hour hands-on class ensures you leave with a beautiful box of your own decadent creations, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a fun outing with friends, this experience is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Two-hour chocolate truffle-making class at Cannery Row Optional tastings of four Central Coast wines or craft beers Led by Carrie Griffin, a passionate host with years of wine expertise Group sizes up to 10, perfect for couples, friends, and private parties

This 90-minute experience offers the rare chance to create a premium skincare product from scratch using fresh goat milk right from our own resident herd. It’s a completely beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop where you are guided through the entire process—from choosing custom scents and colors to pouring the mold. Best of all, it seamlessly blends an interactive studio craft with a relaxing, outdoor meet-and-greet with our friendly miniature dairy goats, sending you home with a giant 3lb loaf of custom soap perfect for sensitive skin.

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.

If you fancy yourself a foodie or culture enthusiast, don’t miss this walking tour of San Francisco’s Little Italy—the neighborhood of North Beach. Voted one of the 15 best foodie tours in the USA by U.S. News, join an insider guide and experience a slice of the top things to do in North Beach, such as tasting coffee and witnessing bread being freshly made. Soak up the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most popular districts as you learn about its cafes and bakeries and see landmarks like Saints Peter and Paul Church.

If regular pasta feels a little too predictable, this gnocchi-making class with Chef Ben is your delicious plot twist. Hosted at a stylish local venue in San Diego, this interactive experience turns potatoes into pillowy Italian comfort food with plenty of laughs along the way. Start by making simple gnocchi dough with potato, flour, egg and salt, then learn how to roll, cut and shape each piece by hand. Chef Ben will share tips for getting that light, tender texture instead of dense little potato bricks. While the gnocchi cooks, you’ll make a creamy vodka sauce with tomato paste, heavy cream, garlic and Parmesan. Expect a cozy, hands-on class, plenty of tasting and a final dish that might permanently ruin store-bought gnocchi for you.

For travelers seeking a peaceful and meaningful way to experience Santa Barbara, this guided Cha Dao tea ceremony offers a moment to slow down, reconnect, and be fully present. Hosted in a serene setting, your experience begins with an introduction to the art of Cha Dao — the “Way of Tea” — where mindfulness, simplicity, and presence come together through the ritual of tea. Your tea master brings over a decade of experience serving tea around the world, along with a rich creative background as a multi-instrumentalist, poet, and world traveler. Whether it’s your first tea ceremony or a familiar practice, guests are gently guided into a calm and reflective atmosphere that invites stillness, curiosity, and gratitude. Many visitors leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and deeply connected to the moment. After the ceremony, there will be time to relax, reflect, and share insights from the experience together — creating space for both personal integration and meaningful connection.

Learn how to make your own Shanghaineese dumplings from scratch in this interactive cooking class in the heart of San Francisco. Make dumpling dough using Chef Edmund's family recipe, and master the art of folding with precision as you create delicious dumplings filled with your choice of an American Wagyu, local organic pork or tofu stuffing. No pre-made skins will be used and you'll take home a recipe guide at the end. Afterward, experience umami by tasting Chef's favorite sauces and creating your own secret dumpling dipping sauce. Savor a delicious three-course meal, featuring your handmade dumplings and local ingredients. Perfect for food lovers and those looking to connect over a shared culinary experience.

Experience a private market tour and cooking class in a local home in Long Beach, California. BA, a public health professional and passionate home cook and baker, will be your host. Her international experience means she loves to mix exotic flavors with local, seasonal produce. Vegetarian, dairy/lactose free, and gluten free options are easy for her to accommodate. After shopping for local produce at the market, head to BA's home for a 2-hour cooking class, and then enjoy your meal together.

Step into a world of color, creativity and buttercream bliss in Sacramento. This hands-on cake decorating class with Chef Birdie transforms a simple mini cake into your own frosted showpiece. You’ll begin with a behind-the-scenes look at how to make rich, fluffy buttercream frosting using heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla and just the right pinch of salt. Chef Birdie shares practical tips for achieving smooth texture and stable structure — secrets that elevate your cakes at home. Next, it’s time to decorate. Using pre-baked mini cakes, you’ll practice crumb coating, piping and layering techniques before finishing with bright sprinkles, playful candies and eye-catching designs. Throughout the session, you’ll receive personal guidance in a relaxed, social setting at a trendy local venue in Sacramento. All ingredients, tools and your completed cake are included, making this creative experience both delicious and confidence-boosting.

Join us on a day-long, small-group wine tour of Charming Hideaway Mountainside wineries in Napa! You’ll visit two wineries tucked away in the hills above the Napa Valley and be served a picnic lunch in an idyllic winery setting. Your tour guide will tell fascinating stories and share many interesting tidbits about local history, culture and wine making. You have the option to taste at the wineries (tasting fees run about $50 per person at each winery). Our specialty is intimate, light hearted and truly memorable experiences. Once the tour concludes, you will be dropped off from where you were picked up. The tour typically has 8-10 guests on board.

Immerse yourself in the artistry of Italian cuisine in San Francisco, hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to a small group, this hands-on class with a five-star pasta chef blends refined flavors, traditional recipes and modern presentation. The menu you will prepare includes: - Antipasti with marinated vegetables, cured meats and cheeses - Handmade pasta with slow-simmered beef sauce - Chicken piccata with lemon, pancetta and greens - Grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone cream Learn kneading, rolling, sauce-making and plating techniques while enjoying authentic Italian dishes in an intimate, relaxed setting.