Culinary, Wine and Spirits
May
Wednesday May 28 3:00-5:00
Around the World in Five Small Plates (and Spirit Pairings!)
Back by popular demand! Join CLE, the Stubborn Bull team, and our favorite mixologist, Carlton Chamblin, for a culinary exploration around the world! This private CLE program will take place while the restaurant is closed, allowing for an exclusive culinary and cocktail experience at one of Highlands’ most innovative and iconic dining establishments. Enjoy five small plates from around the world prepared by Stubborn Bull’s Head Chef, Gustavo Villota, as well as five cocktail pairings handcrafted by Carlton. Enjoy intimate discussions with these gourmet artists as they take your tastebuds on a cultural journey. Spaces are limited. This is one CLE experience you definitely do not want to miss!
Location: The Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek (please do not call restaurant to register)
Mixologist: Carlton Chamblin is a native of Birmingham, AL with backgrounds in art history and product marketing. He has taken his love of bartending and hospitality to new heights with Farm2Cocktail, a cocktail mixer and mobile bartending company. Carlton is dedicated to developing mixology-made-easy products using all natural ingredients.
Head Chef: Gustavo Villota, originally from Ecuador, has been practicing the art of cuisine for 20+ years here in the mountains of North Carolina. Trained in a myriad of international cuisines, he brings a wealth of knowledge & experience and combinations that keep you on your toes!
June
Friday June 6 5:00-7:00
CLE's Opening Season Party! (PLEASE RSVP)
Join CLE for its annual Opening Season Soirée! This year the event will be held at High Country Wine and Provisions. Catch up with friends, enjoy wine and charcuterie, meet CLE’s new Executive Director, Meg Stevens, and learn about what’s in store this season! This event is free to attend, though RSVP is kindly requested.
Location: High Country Wine and Provisions (please do not call High Country Wine to RSVP)
Tuesday June 10 3:00-5:00
Introduction to Wines
Whether you’re a casual wine lover or just starting your wine journey, this class is the perfect opportunity to explore the wonderful world of wine! We’ll cover the fundamentals of wine styles, tasting techniques, and the art of food pairings, all while keeping it fun and relaxed. You’ll learn about various grape varieties, how wine is made, and what makes each bottle unique. By the end, you’ll be equipped to confidently select a bottle, enjoy it alongside your favorite dish, and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. Grab a glass, and let’s toast to wine and good times! Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Location: High Country Wine and Provisions (please do not call High Country Wine to RSVP)
Guy Davis is the founder, farmer and winemaker of Davis Family Vineyards in Sonoma County. He is also the owner of High Country Wine & Provisions here in Highlands, a classic Sonoma wine country tasting room experience and the mountain home of Davis Family Vineyards.
Tuesday June 17 2:00-5:00
Thai Delights: Egg Rolls, Soups and Mango Treats
Explore the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine in this hands-on cooking demo. Learn to craft crispy egg rolls and dipping sauce, an aromatic soup, and indulge in sweet mango sticky rice for dessert. Learn a few basic Thai techniques and leave with the skills to recreate these delightful dishes at home.
Location: : Private Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
Susan Hansen has spent over 30 years creating and cooking all sorts of culinary delights in her kitchen and in various public eateries. She enjoys teaching others and bringing out each participant’s “inner chef!”
Tuesday June 24 3:00-5:00
Herb Your Enthusiasm: The Art of Infused Cocktails
Join us for an exciting, hands-on class where you’ll discover the art of infusing your cocktails with fresh, aromatic herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary. Learn how to craft flavorpacked simple syrups, including unique blends like lavender and thyme, to elevate your drink game. We’ll guide you through pairing these vibrant herbs with the perfect spirits—whether it’s gin, rum, or vodka—for a truly flavorful experience. To make it even more special, we’ll bring in a source of fresh herbs from local farmers’ markets, adding a farm-to-glass authenticity to your creations. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills to infuse your own cocktails at home, impressing your guests with fresh, herbal twists on classic drinks. Cheers!
Location: : Private Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
Carlton Chamblin is a native of Birmingham, AL with backgrounds in art history and product marketing. He has taken his love of bartending and hospitality to new heights with Farm2Cocktail, a cocktail mixer and mobile bartending company. Carlton is dedicated to developing mixology-made-easy products using all natural ingredients.
July
Tuesday July 1 3:00-5:00
Wines of the Loire Valley
From Muscadet to Sancerre with Red, White, and Rosé, Sparkling and Still, join Cara Freije, for an adventurous presentation on the wines of the Loire Valley, one of the world’s most well known areas of wine production in central France. Learn what makes this region’s wines unique, and enjoy tasting eleven wines over the course of this presentation.
Location: : Private Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
Cara Freije became a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2015. Living in Asheville, she can be spotted mostly in Cashiers and Highlands at this time of year, representing Tryon Distributing.
Tuesday July 8 3:00-5:00
Charcuterie Board Extravaganza!
Get ready to unleash your inner foodie in this hands-on, flavor-packed class focused on the art of creating the perfect charcuterie board! Discover the secrets to pairing meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and more to craft beautiful, mouthwatering spreads that are as enjoyable to prepare as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a cozy snack, or simply want to impress friends, this class will provide all the tips and tricks you need to design a stunning, delicious charcuterie masterpiece. Prepare to elevate your snack game and enjoy plenty of tastings along the way! Great for beginners and seasoned snackers alike.
Location: : High Country Wine and Provisions (please do not call High Country Wine to RSVP)
Guy Davis is the founder, farmer and winemaker of Davis Family Vineyards in Sonoma County. He is also the owner of High Country Wine & Provisions here in Highlands, a classic Sonoma wine country tasting room experience and the mountain home of Davis Family Vineyards.
Monday July 14 3:00-5:00
Mixology in the Mountains
Elevate your “spirits,” (see what we did there?) with this exciting, hands on mixology workshop! Join CLE’s favorite mixologist and founder of Farm2Cocktail, Carlton Chamblin, as he guides you through his approach to the art, science, and fun of mixology! The basics will be covered, but this program is anything but! Carlton will keep participants energized and engaged throughout the learning process, and by the end of the evening, everyone will have mastered at least three balanced signature cocktails/ mocktails, perfect for any occasion! All ingredients and tools will be provided for this class — simply show up and be ready to have a fabulous time!
Location: Private Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
Carlton Chamblin is a native of Birmingham, AL with backgrounds in art history and product marketing. He has taken his love of bartending and hospitality to new heights with Farm2Cocktail, a cocktail mixer and mobile bartending company. Carlton is dedicated to developing mixology-made-easy products using all natural ingredients.
August
Tuesday August 5 3:00-5:00
An Exploration of Old World/New World Wines
Step into the captivating world of wine as we guide you on a journey through the timeless classics of Old World wines and the bold, innovative flavors of New World wines! In this class, you’ll learn the key differences between these two wine regions, from Europe’s traditional, terroir-driven wines to the more contemporary and fruit-forward styles of areas like California, Australia, and South America.
Location: : High Country Wine and Provisions (please do not call High Country Wine to RSVP)
Guy Davis is the founder, farmer and winemaker of Davis Family Vineyards in Sonoma County. He is also the owner of High Country Wine & Provisions here in Highlands, a classic Sonoma wine country tasting room experience and the mountain home of Davis Family Vineyards.
Tuesday August 12 2:00-5:00
Effortlessly Elegant: The Appetizer Edition
Elevate your appetizer game in this stylish, hands-on class. Chef Susan Hansen will guide you through crafting three sophisticated yet simple starters that are perfect for any occasion. First, dive into the delicate art of making a Sushi Shrimp Bowl, featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp served atop a bed of sushi rice with fresh veggies, garnished with a splash of soy sauce and a hint of wasabi. Next, master the savory flavors of Sundried Tomato and Garlic Butter Bruschetta. Learn to make sundried tomatoes and garlic butter from scratch, then top them on crunchy toasted baguette slices for a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. Finally, discover the art of making Pesto Pinwheels. Susan will show you how to create fresh pesto from scratch, which you’ll then spread on puff pastry and roll into perfect pinwheels, ready for baking into golden, flavorful bites. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills to make these elegant appetizers at home, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a personal gourmet treat.
Location: Private Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
Susan Hansen has spent over 30 years creating and cooking all sorts of culinary delights in her kitchen and in various public eateries. She enjoys teaching others and bringing out each participant’s “inner chef!”
Tuesday August 26 2:00-5:00
Herbed Butter & Beyond: A Steak, Spice, and Salad Experience
Join us for a fun and hands-on cooking class where we’ll elevate your meal game! This class teaches you how to create delicious, herbed butter— perfect for topping juicy steaks, a flavorful dry rub for steak and chicken, and a tangy homemade salad dressing. Susan will demonstrate how to make each, and then we’ll dive into cooking a mouthwatering steak, juicy chicken, and a fresh salad topped with the dressing. It’s a full-course experience designed to give you new skills and tasty dishes to enjoy!
Location: Private Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
Susan Hansen has spent over 30 years creating and cooking all sorts of culinary delights in her kitchen and in various public eateries. She enjoys teaching others and bringing out each participant’s “inner chef!”
Wednesday August 27 3:00-5:00
Cacao and Wine: A Mindful Tasting Experience
Join us for a captivating class, “Cacao and Wine: A Mindful Tasting Experience,” led by Melody Germain, cacao artisan and mindfulness guide. Explore the art of savoring La La Land Organics cacao truffles through mindful tasting, encouraging an appreciation of flavors, textures, and aromas to enhance your overall enjoyment. Experience the poetic flavors of cacao during Melody’s mindfulness journeys that elevate your tasting experience. After learning about cacao, enjoy trying it with the dark berry and floral nuances of Davis Family Vineyards red wine.
Location: : High Country Wine and Provisions (please do not call High Country Wine to RSVP)
Melody Germain is a certified holistic wellness practitioner and craft chocolate maker, blending her SCAD Fine Arts degree with a passion for wellness. Since 2009, she has highlighted La La Land Organics’ artisanal cacao products in shops and spas and enjoys guiding others toward upliftment through sound healing and mindfulness.
September
Thursday September 11 2:00-5:00
Twirl and Taste: Curries and Noodles Unleashed
On this culinary adventure, you’ll learn how to make a flavorful Massaman Curry, the perfect Pad Thai, and a vibrant salad with a homemade dressing to balance those rich, bold flavors. This class will take you through essential techniques and spice blends to create unforgettable dishes. From curries to noodles and everything in between, get ready for a taste sensation!
Location: Private Residence. Address and further details will be emailed to registered attendees closer to the date.
Susan Hansen has spent over 30 years creating and cooking all sorts of culinary delights in her kitchen and in various public eateries. She enjoys teaching others and bringing out each participant’s “inner chef!”