Wine Country Cooking School — Local services in Niagara-on-the-Lake

My wife had mentioned she would love to one day take a cooking class. I thought to myself, that’d be the perfect Christmas gift—and it most certainly was! Wine Country Cooking School offered a couple’s course at their beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake location. Jane, our instructor/head chef, was a wonderful host and teacher. My wife and I had such a good time not only preparing the meal, but also enjoying the company of other couples.

The class size is small which makes learning both easy and intimate. Jane ensured everyone was able to take part. No one missed out or was left behind; the way a class should be. The kitchen itself is impressive—very spacious—allowing lots of safe movement while also giving a you a solid sense of your personal work area with your partner.

Once everyone had their meals prepared, we were seated at the dining room, where Jane explained how and why each wine was paired with specific dishes; salad entrée; main course; dessert. And yes, the wine was good. Very good.

After we left, my wife and both agreed we felt like we had just experienced a mini-vacation. And I have no doubt you and your partner will feel the same.

Thank you Jane and the staff of Wine Country Cooking...

My wife and I recently completed our seventh cooking class here at the WCCS. We look forward to this each year. The menus are seasonal and delicious, and we always replicate the WCCS full-course dinner for friends later on. Many of the dishes have become regular staples in our home. (I'm having Jane's Green Goddess salad, from one of our first classes, as I write this!)

It's a completely hands-on class (except for the dishes - somehow they disappear from your work station when you're done with them and reappear clean. If only that happened at home!) You learn various "tricks of the trade," but it's also at a level for any cook, from beginner to proficient. We've met many nice people over the years, and Jane (the instructor) and her husband Joe (the winemaker) are indeed a pleasure to know. The food we prepare is paired with wines from the adjoining Strewn Winery, and Joe will discuss why the wines he selected are paired with the particular courses as we sit for dinner.

If you enjoy food, wine and cooking, we most certainly recommend this class as part of a Niagara-on-the-Lake getaway. You will not be...

My partner and I were really disappointed with our experience today. First off, the menu was underwhelming. The cost is over $300 and we made chicken and rice… I expected a more elevated menu for the price. I could go to a high end tasting experience at a well rated restaurant in the area for the same price! Second, the experience itself lacked a certain level of preparedness (and food safety protocols). The instructor touched nearly everyone’s food and didn’t wash her hands enough (I saw a significant amount of dirt under her nails which made me a bit queasy after she touched my personal dish), she didn’t wear gloves when handling raw chicken, and there was almost no prep work done ahead of the class. She didn’t even ask the class to wash their hands at the start which to me feels like a given when starting a class like this! For a four hour class, I’d say we spent two thirds of it just watching the instructor wash vegetables, measure ingredients, clean dishes, etc. I expected more for the money and unfortunately, I would not recommend this class nor would I do...