Explore your culinary talents with our award-winning chefs! Participate in one of our popular planned culinary retreats where you will meet other cooking enthusiasts, or create your own private cooking class for a group of friends.

2010 Culinary Retreat Schedule

Executive Chef Colin Bedford shares his culinary knowledge on topics including cooking with herbs, seasoning and grilling meats, and creating delicious hors d'oeuvres. The retreat includes an overnight stay at our award-winning country inn, afternoon tea, wine reception, dinner, breakfast and a full morning of hands-on cooking instruction. A culinary retreat also makes the perfect gift!

The Culinary School Retreat Package starts at $820 per couple. Rates depend on accommodation type. Call (919) 542-2121 to reserve spaces in these popular culinary retreats. The 2010 schedule is as follows.

April 25th - 26th: The Grilling Class
Roll up your chef's jacket sleeves for the annual Fearrington grilling class. Get expert advice on grilling techniques from our Executive Chef Colin Bedford while mastering innovative recipes for your next cook-out. Wine Director Maximilian Kast will offer beer and wine pairing suggestions to complement your grilling creations.

June 6th - 7th: The Farmers’ Market
The ideal class for gardeners and gourmands alike, the Farmer's Market class focuses on organic produce from local farms and the Fearrington gardens. The Fearrington House Executive Chef Colin Bedford will teach students how to create and enhance recipes using the bounty of seasonable produce available at our local farmers' markets.

August 15th - 16th: The Seafood Class
This fun hands-on class with Executive Chef Colin Bedford will focus on techniques for creating innovative seafood dishes, basic knife skills, seasoning tips, and presentation ideas.

September 26th - 27th: The Fall Harvest
North Carolina's bounty of autumn produce will be highlighted in our hands-on Fall Harvest Class. The Fearrington House Executive Chef Colin Bedford will lead this class through the process of preparing, cooking and presenting fall cuisine.

November 7th - 8th: Hors d’oeuvres & Small Plates
With the holidays fast approaching, join Executive Chef Colin Bedford as he introduces small bites that are perfect for entertaining during this busy season. Enjoy a bevy of treats created just for the occasion.

 

Culinary Retreat Details

The Sunday Schedule: The first day of the retreat is designed to introduce class attendees to each other and to the Team at The Fearrington House.  Our Chef and Wine Director will host the wine and hors d'oeuvres reception in the charming Garden House before a gourmet dinner is served at the award-winning Fearrington House Restaurant.  Following dinner, a tour of the wine cellar, kitchen and culinary class kitchen are given.

The Monday Schedule: After a restful evening and a hearty breakfast, students join our Executive Chef in the culinary class kitchen for a full morning of hands-on culinary work.  Our award-winning chef provides thorough instruction in all aspects of the class topic. Innovative techniques, knife skills and seasoning methods are shared in every class. 

Private Culinary Classes

Our private hands-on culinary classes are a fabulous way to spend time with friends while learning culinary tips and tricks from our award-winning chefs. Perfect for any occasion from a family reunion to a fun bridesmaids' getaway.

We are delighted to customize your experience - choose from seafood, desserts, dinner parties, cooking with herbs or whatever else suits your needs! Classes are hosted by Executive Chef Colin Bedford and are located in the teaching kitchen at The Fearrington House Restaurant. Available Sunday through Thursday for groups of 6 to 12 people. Call (919) 545-5733 to find out more about planning your private culinary class.