Developing a diverse cultural palate through food begins young

Cakebread Cellars commitment to food extends beyond its wines.  As part of Cakebread’s community outreach, Culinary Director Brian Streeter visits the Mount George elementary school in Napa once a month during the school year to educate the children about where their food comes from, to gain confidence with cooking and to experience international cuisines.  For example, a recent class centered around the different flatbreads of the world.  Chef Streeter has only two rules that he gives the children at the outset of each class.  “You cannot say yuck,” in part because it would be rude to the person offering the food and, while they do not have to finish anything, they have to at least try it.

Children’s empowerment and enjoyment of food is also encouraged at the winery, where Cakebread dedicates one of their monthly cooking classes to children ages 7-12 with their Kids’ Pizza Party on July 21, 2010.  Parents are not allowed and must drop off their children in the morning.  In this course, the children gather the produce from Cakebread’s organic gardens, prepare the dough and sauces, and grill the pizzas using the outdoor wood-fired oven, all under the supervision of the Master Gardener and resident chefs.  The children also get a lesson on table service for when their parents return, as they dine with their children.  The cost is $75 per child excluding taxes and include the parents’ lunch.

Cakebread Cellars, 8300 St.Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573.  1.800.588.0298