The Epicurean Connection

The Epicurean Connection creates hands-on food experiences for private groups, corporate teams and visitors to Sonoma and Napa Valley. Its central offering is guided cheesemaking, with hosts leading participants through the process of making fresh cheese, learning about ingredients and techniques, and tasting artisan cheeses. The sessions are designed to be approachable for beginners and give groups a shared activity as well as something they have made themselves.

Organisers can arrange private classes for team-building, company retreats, client gatherings, birthdays, reunions and other celebrations. Experiences can take place in Sonoma or at an off-site location, and the business also offers virtual formats. Groups can choose from cheesemaking, cheese blending and tasting, pasta and pesto sessions, cooking experiences and cheeseboard workshops. Class formats and menus can be adapted to the group, with options for gatherings of ten people or more and larger events.

The team is led by cheesemaker and culinary educator Sheana Davis, alongside wine educator and cheesemaking host Ben Sessions. Their sessions bring together food knowledge, practical instruction and regional Wine Country flavours. Groups may also pair an experience with wine and cheese or other local food.

Selective catering is available for corporate gatherings, retreats, intimate weddings and private celebrations, either at the Sonoma location or off-site. Menus can include seasonal dishes, cheeseboards and grazing tables, with ingredients sourced from regional producers. The business also offers cheese consulting and artisan food products, while its shop is open during classes, special events and by appointment. Organisers can contact the team to discuss the group, preferred format and location.