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5 Gourmet Getaways
Whether you’re a wine lover or are looking to expand your culinary techniques, these weekend retreats will leave you totally satisfied.
By Anna Cipollone
The Little Inn of Bayfield
WHAT A traditional inn that’s been open since 1830.
WHERE Bayfield, Ontario.
WHY Culinary workshops for all levels, with chef Kai Bein, make cooking enjoyable!
SIZE 28 rooms and suites, cooking classes hold 8 spaces.
WHAT TO DO Unwind in the spa or bring the kids for family cooking classes. Attend the three-course single malt scotch tasting, or wine and dine after the tykes have gone to bed.
GO IF You want to master Italian and French cuisine in an intimate setting.
COST From $350 for weekend stay and cooking class for two people.
DETAILS 26 Main Street, Bayfield, Ont., 800-565-2611, 519-565-2611, www.littleinn.com.
Fairburn Farm Culinary Retreat and Guesthouse
WHAT Culinary-immersed farmhouse in the heart of the Cowichan Valley.
WHERE Duncan, British Columbia.
WHY Chef Mara Jernigan teaches culinary classes, from basic to advanced.
SIZE 5 rooms and 1 cottage.
WHAT TO DO Enjoy local produce and meats for dinner, improve your cooking skills and relax in this quaint 112-year-old farmhouse.
GO IF You want to pick your own farm-fresh ingredients and learn how to cook them to perfection.
COST From $145 for accommodation, classes from $135 a day.
DETAILS 3310 Jackson Rd., Duncan, B.C., 250-746-4637, www.fairburnfarm.bc.ca.
Okanagan Wine Festivals
WHAT Luxurious wine-appreciation getaway.
WHERE Sun Peaks, British Columbia.
WHY Immerse yourself in the beautiful Okanagan Valley – and its delicious wines.
SIZE 220 rooms at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort.
WHAT TO DO Sleigh rides and snowshoeing in January for the Icewine Festival, hiking and biking for the Spring or Summer Wine Festivals, watching the fall wine harvest for the Fall Wine Festival. And of course, educational wine tastings all year.
GO IF You love a glass of wine après ski.
COST Weekend accommodation at Delta Sun Peaks Resort plus festival events from $500 per person.
DETAILS 3240 Village Way, Sun Peaks, B.C.866-552-5516, 250-578-6000, Delta Sun Peaks Resort, Okanagan Wine Festivals.
Winter Warmers Culinary Weekend
WHAT A delicious weekend at Canada’s only winery cooking school, staying at a cozy nearby inn.
WHERE Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
WHY The Georgian elegance of the Riverbend Inn and tasty classes at Wine Country Cooking School.
SIZE 21 rooms at the Riverbend Inn, 16 participants per class.
WHAT TO DO Tutored wine tasting and cooking classes.
GO IF You want to learn how to pair food and wine perfectly.
COST From $165 per night for accommodation, weekend cooking classes from $350.
DETAILS 1339 Lakeshore Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., 905-468-8304, Riverbend Inn, Wine Country Cooking School.
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Gourmet Weekend Getaway
WHAT Expert cooking classes at Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute, and a decadent stay at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
WHERE Ottawa.
WHY Luxurious hotel stay and lessons from master chefs at the internationally recognized Cordon Bleu school.
SIZE 429 rooms, 12 participant spots per Saturday class session.
WHAT TO DO Holiday baking courses to get you in the festive spirit.
GO IF Your cooking skills are far from perfect and you want to learn the basics in a pro environment.
COST From $400 per person, including Saturday classes and accommodation. $190 for class only.
DETAILS 453 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa, Ont., 613-236-2433, 888-289-6302, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute.
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