April 4-6, 2025
Sebastopol, California

Join James Beard awarded cookbook author Sarah Owens as she guides you through a weekend of learning and feasting with the unique offerings of California springtime. We will use sourdough leavening and locally grown and milled flours to create delicious and wholesome breads and pastry. Seasonal produce, dairy, eggs, and meat from nearby farms will accent our bakes and supply our meals. While our breads proof, we will make a simple preserve together for you to take home along with a recipe packet, bread, and pastry. 

The workshop will take place at a rustic historic farmhouse nestled within the context of a working farm, residential community, and a collective of small businesses. The farm is located 20 minutes northwest of Sebastopol, CA in the rolling hills of wine country. We will use a Rofco B40 for our bakes, with a focus on wholegrain wheat, spelt, and rye flours. The weather of early April in northern California can be unpredictable but generally brings crisp, sunny days and cold nights - perfect weather for baking and gathering around the fire. 

Example Itinerary, subject to change upon ingredient availability:

Friday April 4th - Settle In

6 pm - 8:00 pm Aperitivo and dinner at the farmhouse featuring local wine, produce, meat, wholegrain bread, and cheese. 

Saturday April 5th: Bread, Pastry, and Preserves

8 am Continental-style breakfast featuring wholegrain baked goods, local produce, dairy, eggs, and coffee. 

8:30 am Introductions and Wholegrain Sourdough Bread Lesson 

11 am Preserving activity using seasonal fruits or vegetables.

12:30 pm Shape and bake seasonal savory tart.

1:30 pm Lunch featuring savory tart, soup, salad, and dessert. 

2:15 pm Wholegrain Pastry Lesson and Bread Baking

4 pm Workshop conclusion.

6:30 pm Aperitivo and dinner at the farmhouse featuring local wine, produce, meat, wholegrain bread, and cheese. 

Sunday April 6th: Baking, Review, and Farewell

8 am Continental-style breakfast featuring wholegrain baked goods, local produce, dairy, eggs, and coffee. 

8:30 am Pastry Bake-off and final discussion.

10:00 am Until next time!

Registration Details and Considerations

• Workshop registration includes all lessons, 2 homemade continental breakfasts, 1 abundant lunch, and 2 generous wine dinners, all featuring local products. This does not include accommodation. Everyone must purchase this option from the drop-down menu and add to cart, regardless of whether you are sleeping at the farmhouse. 
• Basic farmhouse accommodation is available for single, double, triple, or quadruple occupancy with shared bathroom facilities. This does not include workshop registration. Please choose from drop-down menu and add to cart. 
• Camping is available with outdoor bathroom and shower facilities. This does not include workshop registration. Choose from drop-down menu and add to cart. 
• Vegetarian options for meals are available if requests are made 2 weeks in advance of the workshop. 
• Eggs, dairy, nuts, and seeds will be used in the workshop lessons. 
• Airfare and transportation to and from the farmhouse are not included. The closest airport is Sonoma County Regional Airport. SFO and Oakland Airports are approximately 2-2.5 hours from workshop location. 
• Workshop location is rural and cell service is spotty at best. Wifi is available but not consistently reliable, so please plan accordingly. 
• Upon purchase of the workshop, the address will be sent in an email separate from your confirmation. Two weeks in advance of the workshop, we will be in touch with a suggested packing list and tips for visiting the area. 
• While we strive to provide a comfortable and safe environment for all participants, a waiver and release of liability form will be required in advance of attendance. 
  
• No refunds. In the unlikely event the workshop must be postponed due to flooding, fire, or other "acts of goddess", registration fees will be applied to the reschedule date.