Expanding the CIA’s
Presence in Wine Country and Reestablishing an Innovative Food and Wine
Destination
Napa, CA – The world’s premier culinary college, The Culinary Institute of America,
has acquired the building and adjacent land that once served as Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food
and the Arts in the City of Napa. The Culinary Institute of America at Copia will carry forward the
facility’s original goal of providing excellence in culinary education and
food-based experiences to the region’s visitors.
“The Culinary Institute of America has a long history with
Copia. In fact, we were one of Robert Mondavi’s original partners in the effort,” says Dr. Tim Ryan,
president of the CIA. “During the preliminary planning process, we decided
instead—and with Bob’s blessing—to acquire and develop the historic Greystone property in St. Helena on our own. That was more than 20 years ago, and today we need further room to
expand. Given that, we are excited to now be able to continue Bob’s vision for
Copia and the Copia name.”
Totaling more than 80,000 square feet, the Copia building
contains a 280-seat theater, two restaurant venues, a 100-seat demonstration
kitchen and theater, library, retail space, classrooms, and exhibition spaces.
There is also an outdoor amphitheater with seating for more than 700 and an
array of outdoor gardens. Situated next to the Oxbow Public Market on First
Street in downtown Napa, the college will be able to provide visitors to the
burgeoning Oxbow district an expanded array of food and wine offerings.
“The City of Napa has done a tremendous job bringing
vibrancy to its downtown,” Dr. Ryan says. “We are confident that Copia’s situation within this fast-growing culinary hub
will reestablish the facility as a focal point both for wine and food enthusiasts to experience
wine country and for the strategic growth of the CIA’s world-class education
programs.”
Plans for the CIA’s newest location are in development;
visitors can anticipate new programs focused on food and wine, new dining
facilities, an expanded calendar of special events, public museum, and other
consumer-focused experiences. The college’s Food Business School, the world’s first
business school for food entrepreneurship and innovation, will also be
headquartered there. Programming is expected to be introduced in spring 2016.
Photo Captions and Hi-Res Images:
Photo 1 (top photo): Copia in Napa, CA in 2005. The
Culinary Institute of America has acquired Copia and will reestablish it
as an innovative wine country destination for food and wine
experiences. Public programs at Copia will be introduced in 2016. (Photo credit: ARTonFILE.com)
View hi-res image >
Photo 2: The Culinary Institute of America has
acquired Copia in Napa, CA. The college will reestablish the location as
one of the Napa Valley's premier food and wine destinations. Public
programs at Copia will be introduced in 2016. (Photo credit: ARTonFILE.com)
View hi-res image >
Media Contact:
Stephan Hengst
Directior—Communications
845-905-4288
s_hengst@culinary.edu
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier
culinary college. Dedicated to driving leadership development for the
foodservice and hospitality industry, the independent, not-for-profit CIA
offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts;
bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food
studies; and executive education through its Food Business School. Its
conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food
industry in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, world cuisines
& cultures, and professional excellence & innovation. The college also
offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its
worldwide network of 48,000 alumni includes leaders in every area of
foodservice and hospitality. The CIA has campuses in New York, California,
Texas, and Singapore.
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