If you enjoy chef profiles in Global Traveler, Triple Creek Ranch in Montana offers an appealing opportunity. The ranch hosts a series of Cooking School Vintner Weekends that let guests take part in ranch activities and hands-on cooking and wine experiences with notable vintners. These weekends are designed to be relaxed and educational, and participation in the food and wine programming is included with the nightly cabin rate.
Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman, who cooked for a sold-out audience at the James Beard Foundation in 2013, recently marked his tenth year leading the Triple Creek Ranch kitchen. Classically trained in French cuisine, Chef Leatherman and his team welcome cooks of all levels. They teach practical techniques and recipes in a friendly, informal kitchen setting, while sommelier Jeremy White offers guidance on wine pairings to complement the cooking sessions.
The upcoming Cooking School Vintner Weekends at Triple Creek Ranch include a range of winery-focused weekends and a dedicated cooking weekend:
- Chateau Montelena, Napa (Feb. 19–22): The Napa Valley producer that helped put California wines on the international stage at the famous 1976 Paris tasting.
- Et Fille, Oregon (Feb. 26–March 1): The father-daughter team Howard Mozeico and Jessica Mozeico-Blair of Et Fille, based near Portland, are known for their award-winning Pinot Noir.
- Cooking School (April 23–26): A weekend dedicated solely to the Cooking School, allowing guests to immerse themselves in classes led by Chef Leatherman.
- Et Fille Vintner Weekend (May 14–17): A weekend highlighting wines sourced from the distinct viticultural areas of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
- Chappellet Vintner Weekend (May 21–24): A California vineyard producing notable wines since 1967 on the rugged slopes of Napa Valley’s Pritchard Hill.
- Merry Edwards Vintner Weekend (June 4–7): Celebrated for its Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, Merry Edwards brings its signature style to the ranch.
These weekends combine culinary instruction, guided tastings, and the casual, scenic ranch atmosphere. They are suited for guests who want to expand their cooking skills, learn more about wine, and enjoy the hospitality and outdoor offerings of Triple Creek Ranch, all while connecting with accomplished winemakers and chefs.