Join us for an inspiring educational dinner class in the 1440 Teaching Kitchen with special guest Big Basin Vineyards, where you’ll expand your culinary knowledge rooted in the principles of a whole-food diet and local terroir. Instructed and prepared by Chef Ryan Fillhardt, our 1440 Culinary Arts Education faculty and certified wine sommelier, alongside adjunct faculty from Big Basin Vineyards, guests will discover how food and wine can nourish both body and soul through mindful sourcing, seasonal cooking, and minimal-intervention winemaking through a multi-course meal paired with organic local varietals.
Big Basin Vineyards Founder and Owner Bradley Brown, along with Winemaker Blake Yarger, will share insights and teachings into the distinctive sustainable practices that have helped make Big Basin one of the most dynamic, up-and-coming wineries in California. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin’s 10-acre, CCOF Certified Organic estate vineyards are farmed sustainably by hand. They compost for soil health; prune and drop fruit for balance; and harvest lignified stems for whole-cluster fermentations without excess tannin.
The core education themes of this evening highlight organic farming methods that promote soil health and biodiversity, and minimal additives in winemaking to preserve grape integrity. Guests will explore terroir-driven wines from the Central Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains, paired with a seasonal local menu enhanced by Big Basin extra virgin olive oil and fresh garden herbs from Joanie’s Garden, located adjacent to the 1440 Teaching Kitchen. Responsibly sourced local proteins support regional ecosystems and nutrition. Together, these elements celebrate a holistic, flavorful, and environmentally conscious culinary and viticultural experience.
This unique Teaching Kitchen learning experience highlights the healing potential of food when grown, prepared, and enjoyed with intention. Book soon as this intimate learning dinner will sell out!
Throughout this educational dinner experience, guests will learn:
- 1440 Food as Medicine principles, including how ingredients support immunity, digestion, and overall well-being.
- The concept of terroir and its influence on food and wine.
- The benefits of organic farming for personal and planetary health.
- How minimal-intervention winemaking aligns with natural and holistic principles.
- Food and wine pairing techniques that complement seasonal ingredients.
As a nonprofit philanthropic campus, proceeds from 1440 Multiversity community education class bookings contribute to serving our community by providing scholarships and volunteer services in support of creating hope for living well. Bon appetit!
Time: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Teaching Kitchen Education Dinner Schedule:
- 5:00-5:30 p.m.: Arrival & Registration
- 5:30-8:00 p.m.: Immersive educational dinner with Chef Ryan Fillhardt, 1440 Culinary Arts Education faculty & certified sommelier; and Big Basin Vineyards
- 8:00-8:30 p.m.: Event Conclusion & Departures
Price: $225 per person, includes plated dinner, wine pairings and learning materials. Please note: This is a 21-and-over workshop.
Educational Dinner Menu:
- Oyster on the Half Shell (paired with 2023 Estate Roussanne Petillant Naturel, Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif.)
- Monterey Bay Spot Prawns Aguachili with Lime, Avocado, Cucumbers, Red Radish, Red Onion, Big Basin EVOO (paired with 2021 Big Basin Vineyards Wirz Vineyard Riesling, Cienega Valley, Calif.)
- Roasted Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto with Triple Cream Brie (paired with 2022 Big Basin Vineyards Kimari Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif.)
- Honey Seared Duck Breast with Wild Mushroom Tart, Roasted Red Beet Coulis, 1440 Honey (paired with 2022 Big Basin Vineyards Lester Family Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif.)
- Braised Osso Bucco with Roasted Local Root Vegetables, 1440 Herb Gremolata (paired with 2021 Big Basin Vineyards Grizzly Grenache, Central Coast, Calif.)
- Bittersweet Chocolate, Blue Cheese & Seasonal Condiments (paired with 2021 Big Basin Vineyards Odeon Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif.)
Event Notes:
- If you have any dietary allergies or restrictions, or prefer a non-alcoholic pairing option, please email us at info@1440.org so we may do our best to accommodate you.
- Guests are welcome to arrive to campus and register as early at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy our Lodge Retail Shop, Bridge of Intentions and Common Grounds Patio. Please note that other locations of campus, including the trails and jacuzzi tub, are reserved for overnight program guest use only and are not available for this local Community Education Class.
- Dinner will be served indoors in our intimate Teaching Kitchen, with access to Joanie's Garden and firepits.
- 1440 will provide everything required for this class.
- This program may be filmed and/or photographed to support our 1440 nonprofit mission work, marketing and learning pillars.
- This is a 21-and-over workshop.
Cancellation Policy: Participants may request a refund up to 7 days before the event. After this period, all sales are final. All proceeds from Community Learning Events support our 1440 philanthropic and volunteer efforts.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for information about our campus policies. Please note that 1440 is a smoke-free, tobacco-free and cannabis-free campus. 1440 follows California law which only allows persons with disabilities to bring trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs to campus; all other animals are prohibited.
Visit our Community Education Calendar at 1440.org to explore our other community learning events, designed to engage you in the immersive 1440 experience.