Anyone who’s lived in San Francisco for more than a year 6 months 3 months has been to Napa. It’s an icon of the Bay Area, known for its rolling vineyards, epic wine tastings, and dazzling restaurants. As of a couple months ago, a new attraction has taken foot in the city – the latest outpost of the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.
The most well known campus for the Culinary Institute of America is further up north, in St. Helena. I got to visit the Napa spot and take a tour of this new location, which is right next to Oxbow Market.
This campus aims to be much more accessible. In addition to its famous culinary programs, it is also a place of education for those who are not professional cooks but are still deeply interested in the scene. From wine tastings with Bay Area purveyors to cheese tastings to (my favorite) a champagne bottle sabering serenade (!), it’s unstuffy and knowledgeable about nearly everything you want to know.
There are a few main reasons why you should visit:
- The classes. At its core, the Culinary Institute of America is a school and it offers a wide variety of classes to emulate that. Stay for a weekend in Napa and sign up for anything that piques your interest.
- Wine tasting. This location is in Napa for a reason. Come in a group and reserve the tasting room to try anything and everything.
- To eat. If you don’t cook or don’t feel like cooking, come for lunch or dinner! The changing menu provides a fun experience no matter what.
With the Culinary Institute of America now making a name for itself in Napa, visiting Marin just became that much more necessary.
The Culinary Institute of America at Copia
500 1st Street
Napa, CA 94559
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