CIA at Copia (The Culinary Institute of America at Copia)

"Dine, Shop, and Learn at Napa's Foodie Center The Culinary Institute of America opened in the formerCopia building in 2017, and, in doing so, resuscitated a vision of a foodie attraction in downtown Napa that celebrates the valley’s long and colorful epicurean history. The facility, originally built by the Mondavi familyas a food and wine center, now operates as a cooking school and gastrohub, complete with classes, tasting experiences, panel discussions, and art collections. There’s also a restaurant wherevisitors can dine on food prepared by CIA student chefs-in-training, and a store that rivals Sur La Table for its selection of kitchenware. In spring and summer, be sure to stroll the culinary gardens, which are so large they stretch across First Street."

"The CIA at Copia has added an outdoor hangout featuring wood-fired pizzas, barbecue, cocktails, beer, and wine. The venue offers live music and is open daily, making it an appealing destination after wine tasting." - Ellen Fort

"An 80,000-square-foot Culinary Think TankFast-forward to 2016, when one Napa Valley campus became two. The CIA at Copia, located in the heart of downtown Napa, was planned by Napa pioneers Robert and Margrit Mondavi. Visitors to the 80,000-square-foot foodie playground can get a peek at the 4,000-piece personal cookware collection of Williams-Sonoma’s founder, Chuck Williams, sample stellar American fare at the sleek restaurant, take cooking and wine-tasting classes taught by CIA experts, and enjoy curated tasting events."

One of the best cooking schools in the country, where it is possible to sign up for classes in their professional kitchens.