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.

Culinary Learning Vacations
Make your next vacation a culinary adventure and learn essential skills and techniques you can use everyday. Each 3, 4 or 5-day course includes preparing meals using seasonally selected recipes. Some days include travel to local culinary attractions, such as specialty and ethnic food markets, winemakers, growers, and farmers' markets. Each day also includes free time to enjoy and explore the Napa Valley on your own.

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.