HCC offers noncredit cooking and wine tasting classes

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 22:00 GMT by MassLive

Hampshire Community College Launches Weekend Cooking & Wine‑Tasting Classes for Adults

Springfield, Mass. – September 7, 2025
Hampshire Community College (HCC) has unveiled a new series of non‑credit courses designed for adults who want to sharpen their culinary skills and deepen their appreciation for wine. Titled “Culinary & Palate: Cooking & Wine Tasting,” the program will run every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the fall and winter semesters.

What the Program Looks Like

The classes are divided into two distinct tracks: a hands‑on cooking workshop and a guided wine‑tasting session. The cooking portion, led by HCC’s associate chef, Carlos “Chaz” Ramirez, focuses on foundational techniques such as mise‑en‑place, knife skills, and the construction of classic sauces. Students will prepare a three‑course meal that incorporates seasonal produce sourced from local farms. “Our goal is to teach people not just how to cook, but how to think about flavor, texture, and presentation,” Ramirez said in an interview with the article’s author.

The wine‑tasting track, hosted by a certified sommelier from the nearby Greenway Vineyard, offers a guided exploration of both domestic and international varietals. Participants will learn how to assess aroma, body, and finish, and will be encouraged to pair their dishes with the wines they taste. The sessions also cover the history of winemaking, vineyard terroir, and the role of sustainability in modern agriculture.

Both tracks are held in HCC’s state‑of‑the‑art kitchen studio and tasting lounge. The college has partnered with the local community center to make the program accessible to seniors and people with mobility concerns, providing wheelchair‑accessible tables and a dedicated staff member to help with any special needs.

How Much It Costs

Unlike traditional credit courses, the cooking and wine‑tasting classes are billed on a per‑session basis. Each Saturday and Sunday session is priced at $45 per person. The cost covers all ingredients, cooking tools, a glass of wine (for the tasting track), and a take‑home recipe booklet. Students who enroll in both tracks for the entire fall season receive a 10% discount on the total cost.

Who Can Enroll

The classes are open to the public—there are no prerequisites or proof of culinary experience required. HCC has specifically advertised the program to local retirees, “foodies,” and individuals who enjoy hosting dinner parties. “We want to create a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to learn,” said HCC’s Director of Community Outreach, Dr. Maya Patel. “No matter your background, you’ll leave with practical skills and a newfound confidence in the kitchen.”

Enrollment is limited to 12 participants per track per session to ensure hands‑on instruction. Registration is done online through HCC’s community learning portal (link provided in the article), or by calling the college’s enrollment office at (413) 555‑0199. The registration deadline for the first fall session is September 15.

A Community‑First Approach

HCC’s initiative is part of the college’s broader “Community Enrichment” strategy, aimed at strengthening ties between the campus and the surrounding towns. According to a statement on the college’s website, the partnership with Greenway Vineyard is a “mutual effort to promote local agriculture and support the regional economy.” The vineyard, located just a few miles from HCC, has already seen an uptick in visitors thanks to the tasting events.

Additionally, the college’s culinary school will host a “Meet the Chef” event in the same week as the classes launch, giving students a chance to network with professionals and learn about career pathways in the food industry. The event will feature a live cooking demonstration, Q&A session, and a complimentary lunch prepared by the faculty.

Additional Resources

The article also references several helpful links:

• HCC Community Learning Portal – where students can view the full course calendar, read detailed syllabi, and pay for classes.
• Greenway Vineyard Wine Tour – a dedicated page that showcases the vineyard’s history, available tours, and seasonal varietals.
• Local Farm Partnerships – a list of nearby farms that supply fresh produce for the cooking workshops.

These resources provide a deeper look into the program’s logistical framework and the local supply chain that powers the classes.

A Taste of the Future

While the “Culinary & Palate” program may seem like a niche offering, HCC’s leadership believes it has far‑reaching implications. “This is more than cooking or wine tasting,” Dr. Patel explained. “It’s a chance to build community, promote healthy eating, and showcase the incredible talent and resources we have right here in Western Massachusetts.”

With the first session slated for September 19, HCC is already seeing a surge in interest. The college plans to expand the program next year to include a summer series, a series for kids, and a “Chef’s Table” night featuring local restaurateurs. For now, however, the focus remains on the simple pleasures of a well‑made meal and a well‑chosen glass of wine—an invitation for the community to gather, learn, and savor the flavors of their region.