CIA Sophisticated Palate:
Experience the Best of California Wine Country
Join us in the Napa Valley for CIA Sophisticated Palate, a culinary travel experience for people who appreciate superb food, fine wine, and refined living. Conceived by food and wine expert John Ash and CIA faculty, these exclusive programs combine hands-on cooking instruction with private off-campus excursions to some of Northern California wine country’s culinary treasures.
The Ultimate Culinary Travel Experience
In CIA Sophisticated Palate’s intimate learning environment of just 12 participants, you will:
- Learn to prepare bold, flavorful cuisines.
- Use fresh, seasonal ingredients from the St. Helena’s Farmers’ Market, local growers, and the CIA at Greystone’s own gardens.
- Explore the subtleties of food and wine pairing.
- Enjoy private, behind-the-scenes tours and tastings at California wine country travel destinations such as local vineyards, growers, olive oil producers, and artisan cheese purveyors.
- Savor the region’s innovative cuisine and restaurants with fellow food lovers.
“It was really fabulous at every turn. I can’t imagine a nicer vacation.”
—Cary Hersh, San Francisco, CA
John Ash: The Chef Behind the Program
CIA Sophisticated Palate is a one-of-a-kind California wine country travel experience, so naturally there’s someone truly special behind it all—Chef John Ash. The acclaimed restaurateur, educator, and author delivers unforgettable programs that earn rave reviews from Sophisticated Palate participants.
As one of these students, you’ll be inspired by Chef Ash’s passion for food and wine, his commitment to cooking and eating sustainably, and his entertaining stories. Once you’ve experienced John Ash’s engaging, patient, and flexible approach to education, you’ll understand why the International Association of Culinary Professionals named him its 2008 “Cooking Teacher of the Year.”
| Register for the following programs: |
One-day session
Two-day session
California Wine Country Travel—Just the Way You Like It
For a completely different way to experience the Napa Valley with friends, family, or colleagues, consider a custom CIA Sophisticated Palate program.
By advance arrangement, your private group of six to 12 guests can create a culinary travel program tailored to fit your interests, skills, and schedules. Just tell us the type of cuisine and topics you’d like to explore. We’ll work with you to create a unique program that gives you all the personal, hands-on instruction and behind-the-scenes insights into the Northern California wine country travel scene that CIA Sophisticated Palate is known for.
Reserve your custom CIA Sophisticated Palate today—call our hospitality and guest programs manager at 707-967-2328.