Oenophiles... This one's for you

Unlike most traditional wine tours that come with the requisite showing of a temperature controlled barrel of a 95’ Cab—Cindy Newkirk of the Wine Yard takes it a step further, walking you through a step-by-step journey from an empty plot of land to a fruit-laden vineyard.

The vineyard has been in Cindy’s family for over a hundred years and she is steeped in wine culture. From the intricacies of pruning to pesticides Cindy is a wellspring of knowledge and explains things easily without relying on too much wine jargon. After the in-depth lesson on root stock, soil ripping and plotting Cindy takes you on a tractor-tour through the Steinbeck vineyard (no relation to the famous Steinbecks), and points out the differences in plots and plucks varietals for you to taste.

Located half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the WineYard is in Paso Robles—known as “Paso” to the locals—and it is an ideal spot for those craving an intimate wine tasting experience.

Paso, and nearby San Luis Obispo are both burgeoning cities with plenty to do and see. In addition to wine tasting (pasowine.com) and vineyard touring you can visit Hearst Castle, take long walks on the beach and if the season is right (from October through February) you can see the migrating Monarch butterflies at Pismo Beach.

By Bryce Longton | July 6, 2006 in All Things Wine, Education, Food & Wine Country Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

After ski season is over and the snow melts, foodies and wine lovers from all over will be heading to Aspen for the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, the three-day event will feature tastings and cooking demonstrations, and will include chefs Mario Batali, Emeril, Bobby Flay, Wolfgang, and more.

The event will be held June 16-18, 2006. Go to www.foodandwine.com for more information.

By Michelle Alderson | February 9, 2006 in All Things Wine, Chef News, Cooking Schools, Education, Food, Food & Wine Country Travel, Gourmet Food Events | Permalink | Comments (0)

Alain Ducasse Visits the Culinary Institute of America

For the first time in the US, Alain Ducasse offers exclusive programs at The Culinary Institute of America's Greystone campus!

"When my training center looked for an educational opportunity in the United States, it naturally appeared that the CIA was the only place sharing the same culinary quest of excellence." --Alain Ducasse

The renowned Alain Ducasse Training Center (ADF) has coupled with the CIA to host the "Alain Ducasse Contemporary Cuisine and Modern Presentation" workshop at the Culinary Institute of America's Greystone campus in St. Helena, CA.

Register for classes here:  November 9 Demonstration or the November 10 & 11 Hands On Courses

By Robert | July 20, 2005 in Cooking Schools, Education, Food & Wine Country Travel, Gourmet Food Events | Permalink | Comments (1)

New Publication: Chow Magazine

CHOW, is a new magazine about food, drink, and fun.  We haven't read through an actual issue yet, but it looks like a nice new entry into the food magazine category.  Here's a page on Thanksgiving Day Preparation with chef Charlie Palmer from their premiere issue.

By Robert | December 16, 2004 in Education | Permalink | Comments (0)

Around the World with Cooking Schools

Billed as "The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Schools", join Travel and Leisure Magazine as they give you an international tour of cooking schools.  Plus see their list of top wine courses, professional culinary schools, hotel cooking programs, and more.

By Robert | November 29, 2004 in Cooking, Education, Food & Wine Country Travel | Permalink | Comments (1)

Online Wine Classes from Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator School offers on-line wine courses for the beginner to the experienced wine drinker. How do they do it? Well, each course includes multimedia presentations with class materials and course work that is downloaded and printed. After you've completed the course, you'll finish with a tutored tasting following a supplied tasting guideline. All you need is to purchase a range of wines that you studied in your class from your local wine shop.

Wine Spectator School even offers a free sample course so you can try out their online class format. Classes start at $49, and currently feature a course on California Cabernets.

By Robert | October 30, 2003 in All Things Wine, Education | Permalink | Comments (2)

Sharpen Your Kitchen Skills With Cooking Classes From Sur La Table

Need a little help in the kitchen? Want to get back to basics? Come join a host of popular chefs, cookbook authors and master instructors in Sur La Table's on-site kitchen. Whether you're new to the kitchen or you want to build on your creative expertise, these classes have something for everyone.

Register for a class and receive a coupon for a 10% discount on your Sur La Table purchase!

Download the full catalog from the Sur La Table website.

By Robert | October 5, 2003 in Education | Permalink | Comments (0)