The Napa Valley wine country is the perfect setting to combine a casual getaway with a fun and informative cooking class. Whether you are an experienced home cook or are just beginning to discover cooking, Gourmet Retreats culinary vacations and cooking vacations at CasaLana can help take your cooking to the next level. The hands-on cooking classes are taught in CasaLana’s professionally equipped kitchen and range in length from 5 hours to 5 full days.

Classes are limited to 9 participants which allows personalized instruction. All cooking classes include printed recipe handouts and a multi-course meal of the recipes prepared, served with wine/beverage. Knives, tools and equipment are provided. All you need to bring is your appetite for knowledge and fun. Retreat to CasaLana for a gourmet Napa Valley cooking class experience!

Shortly after graduating from the California Culinary Academy, I evaluated the many possibilities of how to use my professional chef training. For many years I had dreamed of owning a Bed & Breakfast. When clients of my catering business began requesting in-home cooking classes, the light bulb went on – start a cooking school in a bed and breakfast!

While I searched from California to Washington for just the right property, I continued my catering business and began teaching private in-home classes as well as classes at Bed and Breakfasts in Northern California. After more than two years of searching I believe I found an ideal location in Napa Valley in the charming town of Calistoga.

Gourmet Retreats at CasaLana combines my passion for cooking, gardening and entertaining with my years of business experience in customer education. I want to share the joy I find in growing food, taking it from the garden to the kitchen and ultimately to the table. My goal is to provide a fun learning experience for all levels of cooks and introduce them to the benefits of cooking seasonally.

Wine Country Classes
Get away from the crowds in the wineries and join us for a cooking class. The class begins late-morning and lasts about 5 hours. Classes are a combined format of demonstration and hands-on unless otherwise indicated. Students receive printed recipe handouts and enjoy a delicious meal served with wine/beverage.

Program : Single sessions, week-end retreats, & 3-, 4- & 5-day programs that include essential skills, ethnic & seasonal cuisines, desserts, food & wine pairing.

Faculty : Gourmet Retreats owner Lana Richardson, an honor graduate of the California Culinary Academy with catering experience; guest chefs & authors.