Top California Food & Drink Classes in 2026

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.

Your dumpling era starts with a mixing bowl and a stack of wrappers. At a casual San Diego brewery, you’ll combine ground pork, shrimp paste and fresh chives to create a savory filling, then learn how to fold and shape Chinese dumplings without stressing over perfect pleats. You’ll get hands-on practice with each step, making the process approachable even if you’ve never folded a dumpling before. While your dumplings cook, you’ll whip up a sweet-savory dipping sauce using soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Then you’ll work with the remaining pork-and-shrimp filling to create shumai-style dumplings, learning a second shape and technique. Once everything is cooked, enjoy your freshly made meal. It’s hands-on, social and just messy enough to be fun — especially when that first dumpling actually holds together.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Make two types of handmade gnocchi in this Italian cooking class in San Jose, hosted through Cozymeal, which connects you with top-rated local chefs. Classic potato and sweet potato gnocchi, each paired with its own sauce – a bright basil pesto and a warm maple brown butter. Your hands-on cooking experience features: • Classic Gnocchi with potatoes, flour and egg • Sweet Potato Gnocchi with sweet potatoes, flour and egg • Pesto Sauce with basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese • Maple Brown Butter Sauce with maple syrup, butter and sage • Chef-Made Salad with seasonal greens From kneading two gnocchi doughs to building two sauces from scratch, you'll leave with practical Italian pasta skills to recreate at home. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy throughout the experience.

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.

Experience the ultimate hands-on sourdough class with a self-taught Italian baker and mother of four, set on a breathtaking ocean view deck in La Jolla. Unlike typical baking classes, every guest takes home a gourmet take-and-bake loaf, their own starter, and a recipe guide to continue the experience at home. Enjoy a thoughtful light lunch or dinner while soaking in panoramic coastal views, and bring your own wine for a relaxed, sophisticated touch. Perfect for all skill levels and ages, this family-friendly, immersive class combines luxury, fun, and education in a way no other baking experience can. Personalized guidance, stunning scenery, and authentic Italian techniques make this truly unforgettable.

Have the special chance to visit one of San Francisco’s top distilleries—and hone your bartending skills—with this hands-on gin cocktail class. Make your own way to a top distillery, located in a historic Pan Am hangar offering San Francisco Bay views, and get ready to stir, shake, and sip like the pros. Led by your bartender guide, prepare—and enjoy—several gin-based drinks.

Spend an evening gourmet wining and dining aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego,’ enjoying top-notch food and drink while you soak up skyline views. During this San Diego dinner cruise, you sip a complimentary cocktail and enjoy live on-board entertainment as you cruise 25 miles of California’s coastline and gaze at the stars above.

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.

Santa Barbara is known for its artisan food scene, including its bean-to-bar chocolate offerings—but while anyone can visit the city and pick up a sweet treat, it takes insider knowledge to craft authentic chocolates. On this 1.5-hour workshop, fill a box with your own handmade vegan, gluten-free goodies. Then, put your art skills to the test as you decorate from dozens of toppings, from candied ginger to pretzel sticks.

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.

Pair science with San Francisco nightlife and you have NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences. Prebooking your admission ticket is the perfect, child-free way to explore the museum after hours. Make your way inside and enjoy a lively venue of music, provocative science, and exhibits. Each special program changes weekly and is well worth exploring.

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.

Tasting some of the best food in Los Angeles isn't just about experiencing the local cuisine, but learning about the dynamic food culture that's emerging in Downtown LA. On this foodie-friendly walking tour, you taste creations at a few standout downtown eateries. Start walking from Pershing Square, enjoy your guide's live narration about LA and Hollywood history, and hear about the local food scene while you explore.

From the Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica and the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is full of iconic sights. This guided full-day tour transports you by air-conditioned coach to top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—with included lunch at the Farmers' Market and optional hotel pickup for select locations.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus or Ford Van with a canopy, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

Relax in your lounge for a seated tasting featuring a selection of your current release Booker wines. Rock out to your favorite album, place your music requests, and have some fun! Your wine educator will guide you through a flight of four wines with panoramic views of your estate vineyards.