Food and Beverage Courses

In this hands-on, 3.5-hour class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sourdough baking while enjoying the reward of fresh bread. You’ll explore the health benefits of sourdough, learn how to care for and maintain a starter, and practice essential techniques for mixing, kneading, shaping, and baking sourdough bread. You’ll make one dough ball during class. The one you make in class, you'll be able to take home with you to bake. There will also be one baked by the instructor during class, which you'll have a chance to taste. You’ll also take home a sourdough starter made with locally grown flour, along with guidance on how to feed and maintain it, and a recommended supply list to continue baking on your own. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to build confidence with sourdough baking.

Discover the art of creating buttery, flaky croissants from scratch in this hands-on baking class. You will learn the essential techniques behind making beautifully layered pastry dough, from mixing and laminating to shaping and baking. With guidance from your instructor, you will create both sweet and savory croissants while gaining the skills and confidence to recreate these bakery favorites at home. Along the way, you'll learn tips for achieving light, golden layers and enjoy sampling your freshly baked creations.

Take your cupcake skills to the next level in this fun, hands-on class designed for adults. Your instructor will guide you through baking, filling, and decorating techniques that transform ordinary cupcakes into impressive bakery-style desserts with delicious and flavorful fillings. You will learn tips for achieving moist cupcakes, smooth fillings, unique flavor combinations, and beautiful finishes. By the end of class, you will take home a variety of filled cupcakes and the confidence to recreate in your own kitchen.

You’ll continue to grow your passion for bread baking as you expand your skills and confidence in this hands-on class. Building on foundational techniques, you’ll learn to create several fan-favorite breads, including roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia, sweet-rich dough, and cheddar with olives fougasse. Along the way, you’ll explore flavor development, dough handling, and baking techniques that bring artisanal breads to life, leaving you inspired and ready to bake at home.

Create a stunning fruit tart from scratch in this hands-on baking class. You will learn how to prepare a crisp, buttery tart crust, make a smooth and flavorful pastry cream, and arrange fresh fruit into an eye-catching design. Your instructor will guide you through each step of the process while sharing tips and techniques for achieving professional-looking results. Whether you are new to baking or looking to expand your dessert-making skills, you will leave with a beautiful fruit tart, increased confidence in the kitchen, and the knowledge to recreate this elegant dessert at home.

Ring in the holiday cheer as you bake festive pies guaranteed to make everyone smile. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the essential techniques for crafting flaky, golden crusts and rich, flavorful fillings. From mixing to rolling to perfecting your bake, you’ll practice every step with expert guidance. You’ll head home with a warm, seasonal pie—and an even warmer heart.

Step into the world of wine with confidence. In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn to taste wine like a professional, explore classic varietals, and debunk common wine myths. You’ll also gain a solid foundation in wine service and get introduced to the basics of food and wine pairing. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or exploring a career in hospitality or wine sales, this course is the perfect starting point. No prior experience needed. Upon completion, you’ll earn the Beginning Sommelier Badge and be prepared to advance to the next level. Lunch is provided.

This intermediate wine course builds on basic knowledge to explore the world of wine more deeply. Students learn about the major wine-producing countries, how climate and soil affect grape growing, and how different winemaking styles influence the finished wine. Structured tastings help sharpen your palate and develop professional-level sensory analysis skills. Completion of this course earns the Intermediate Sommelier Badge and prepares students for advance sommelier program. Lunch is provided on Saturday.

Master the art and science of wine. In this final level, you’ll dive deep into the major wine-producing countries—France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, the United States, and more—learning the regional differences, varietals, and vintage impacts that define great wines. You’ll explore advanced pairing strategies, refine your blind tasting skills, and gain practical sommelier experience. Completion of this course includes a written and blind tasting exam and earns you the Advanced Sommelier Badge, Level Three Certification, and the official Madison College Sommelier Pin, a mark of your accomplishment and expertise in the field. Lunch is provided on Saturdays.