Ecole de Vin
Bordeaux, France

The city’s Ecole du Vin offers thorough but inexpensive beginner and intermediate courses (in English) on appreciating the local wine. Sessions can last anywhere from a few hours to four intensive days.

ecole.vins-bordeaux.fr
ecole@vins-bordeaux.fr
+33 5 56 00 22 66

Hacienda Zorita
Wine tasting/ course
Salamanca, Spain

Sumptuous hacienda. This was originally a Dominican convent, but is now one of a group of chic wine hotels, where you can learn how wine is produced and do as much tasting as you like. Located in the Duero valley, 10km from Salamanca it is a destination in of itself - but a great mix to see this famous university town. Doubles from 120 euro.

www.vintagespain.com/zorita.htm
info@vintagespain.com
+34 902 109 902

Books for Cooks
Notting Hill (W11), London, UK

A London institution for great books, I was recently informed by a great chef friend, Estanis, that their workshops are fab and well-priced. Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, light salads… they teach a diverse range of classes, some on a Saturday afternoon but plenty during the week in evenings and daytime too. Cozy, great neighborhood feel and often the authors themselves are teaching students directly. Great gift - perfect for a rainy saturday afternoon! Range from £30-£90 per class which includes the yum meal you just made!

www.booksforcooks.com
info@booksforcooks.com
+44 207 221 1992

The Gourmet Insitute
New York, USA

If you are a food passionata you won’t want to miss out on a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Gourmet Magazine. On this weekend experience you will: meet Editor-In-Chief Ruth Reichl…step inside their eight test kitchens and photo studios..learn from celebrated chefs including Daniel Boulud, Bobby Flay and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Taste incredible wines from all over the world. Enjoy an exclusive dinner at one of New York’s most acclaimed restaurants. Kick off the weekend with a festive gala at the spectacular Buddakan restaurant. A sensational treat for you with your foodie friend or partner. $1350 ticket includes all weekend meals, parties and demonstrations.

www.gourmetinstitute.com
+1888 308 6133

Escuela del hosteleria de Sevilla
Seville, Spain

Not just a culinary school whose restaurant boasts a Michelin star, it may also be the only one that houses nonmatriculating guests! 7 rooms with antiques, huge marble and tile bathrooms - an experience to say the least. The Restaurant, Taberna del Alabardero, is a classic well known Andalusian with a lively bar just minutes from main shopping area and cathedral. Rates vary, please contact school for details.

+34 95 450 2721

The Tuscan Chef
Tuscany, Italy

An old New Yorker foodie friend highly recommends this 6-day residential course instructed by chef Valter Roman - expert guest chefs from around the world including Alvaro Maccioni of La Famiglia restaurant in London; Learn the traditional cooking skills of an Italian grandmother; go beyond your recipe book; feel the instinct of a true chef; use the seasonal products of beautiful Tuscany.

www.thetuscanchef.com
valter@thetuscanchef.com
+39 0583 971464