Take a Hands-On Cooking Class at the St. Helena Farmers’ Market

Have fun, meet new people, and immerse yourself in the Napa Valley culinary world by enrolling in Chef Julie Logue-Riordan’s cooking class beginning at the St. Helena Farmers’ Market. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the St. Helena Farmers’ Market, select from the finest farm fresh ingredients, and turn your market haul into a three-course wine country meal. Under Chef Julie’s lifelong training in the culinary arts, get an insider’s tour of the Napa Valley culinary scene by participating in this true farm-to-table experience on your next wine country vacation.

Meet Chef Julie Logue-Riordan

Classically trained by some of the world’s greatest French master chefs, Chef Julie made Napa her home after a successful career touring the world. After graduating from L’Academie de Cuisine, one of the former top ten cooking schools in the country, Julie went on to teach for more than 25 years, lead culinary tours throughout Europe, and work as a private chef. As a Certified Culinary Professional, Julie apprenticed with the former White House pastry chef, worked and studied in France at the historic Hotel de France, and owned and operated her own restaurant and catering business in Washington D.C.

Begin your culinary journey at the St. Helena Farmers’ Market

Now you can learn all there is to know about the Napa Valley’s world famous cuisine under the tutelage of this esteemed chef. After your complimentary gourmet wine country breakfast at the Wine Country Inn, begin your class at the St. Helena Farmers’ Market at Crane Park. Peruse the stalls with Julie as she gives you tips on how to select, store, and prepare the seasonal produce. Meet and chat with local farmers, learn about crop cultivation, and sample the farm-fresh produce. Following your market tour with Julie amongst the locally grown vegetables, meats, fish, and artisan products, it’s time to take your haul to the kitchen and start cooking.

Turn your bounty into a Wine Country feast

In Julie’s fully stocked culinary kitchen, you’ll learn cooking theory, technique, tips, and tricks with your market finds. Prepare a three-course lunch during this hands-on cooking class to enjoy with wines of the Napa Valley. Julie will guide you through every step as you prepare your feast. Expect menu items like poached halibut in olive oil with lentil caviar, fresh pasta with asparagus, lemon, and cream, and delectable desserts like a fresh cherry gelato or persimmon clafoutis. Keep your logo apron and recipe booklet from your day as a special memento!

Visit Cooking with Julie for times, dates, and other locations, including her hands-on class at the Oxbow Public Market.

Plan Your Visit

Book your stay with the Wine Country Inn, a luxury hotel in the heart of the Napa Valley. Only a short drive from the St. Helena Farmers’ Market, our boutique hotel is the perfect central location for exploring the Napa Valley. After your farm-to-fork cooking class, continue your culinary studies by enrolling in a wine tasting class at the nearby historic Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. End your day with a delicious meal at one of St. Helena’s fine dining eateries before retreating to the Wine Country Inn for a complimentary weekend wine tasting.