1440 Teaching Kitchen Workshop: Food as Medicine Wine Fundamentals

Expand your understanding of “food as medicine” and the role wine plays in holistic nutrition during a new 1440 Teaching Kitchen workshop instructed by Chef Ryan Fillhardt, Culinary Arts Education faculty and certified wine sommelier. This immersive educational experience introduces foundational wine principles through the lens of wellness and moderation. Participants will explore wine’s history, production, and varietals, while examining its potential health benefits and risks in alignment with 1440’s Food as Medicine philosophy. Chef Ryan emphasizes mindful consumption, pairing wine with nutrient-rich seasonal foods, and the role of polyphenols and antioxidants. Attendees will sample notable wines from California and France to illustrate key concepts.

This workshop also covers the historical and scientific foundations of wine as medicine, including its cardiovascular, psychosocial, and neuroprotective benefits. Chef Ryan will discuss resveratrol, a powerful polyphenol, and how modern research both supports and questions wine’s health claims. Participants will explore how wellness trends and marketing shape perceptions, with a focus on moderation.

Additionally, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of wine fundamentals, including labeling differences between Old and New World regions and the shift toward terroir-focused identity. The session covers viticulture and viniculture decisions, the phylloxera pest and its solution, grape crosses versus clones, and key terms like véraison, terroir, organic, and maceration. Differences between red and white winemaking and the role of malolactic conversion in softening acidity and enhancing texture are also explored.

Following the workshop, attendees will join other community education guests in Kitchen Table for a sustainable seasonal dinner mindfully prepared by the 1440 Culinary Team, who will share further insights into our Food As Medicine philosophy.

This engaging Teaching Kitchen workshop blends tradition and science to offer a balanced view of wine’s place in a healthy lifestyle, helping you Eat Well and Live Well. As a nonprofit philanthropic campus, proceeds from 1440 Multiversity bookings contribute to serving our community by providing scholarships and volunteer services in support of creating hope for living well. Cheers!

Key Learning Takeaways Include:

• Food As Medicine topics of historical use, modern science, Health-related aspects of wine: resveratrol, antioxidants, and cardiovascular effects
• Wine types and characteristics: red, white, rosé, sparkling
• The fermentation process and natural compounds in wine
• Tasting techniques and sensory evaluation
• Mindful tasting and moderation practices

Curriculum Wines to be Sampled:

• J. Lassalle 'Cachet d'Or' Premier Cru Brut, Champagne, France
• 2018 Paul Bara Special Club Rose Grand Cru, Champagne, France
• 2021 Heitz Cellar Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, USA
• 2021 Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay, Carneros, USA
• 2023 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, USA
• 2022 Rene Bouvier Fixin Crais de Chene, Cote de Nuits, France
• 2018 Nickel & Nickel Dogleg Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena, USA
• 2018 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 'Pichon Comtesse Reserve', Pauillac, France

Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Workshop Schedule:

• 4:00-4:30 p.m.: Arrival & Registration
• 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Food as Medicine Wine Fundamentals class with 1440 Culinary Arts Education faculty Chef Ryan Fillhardt
• 6:30-7:00 p.m.: Dinner at Kitchen Table
• 7:00 p.m.: Event Conclusion & Departures

Price: $120 per person. Includes class and wine tasting as part of curriculum, as well as dinner at Kitchen Table. This is a 21-and-over event.

Event Notes:

• If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, please email us at aW5xdWlyaWVzIHwgMTQ0MCAhIG9yZw== so we may do our best to accommodate you.
• The start time of the class is 4:30 p.m., and guests may check into campus up to 30 minutes before the class start to enjoy our Lodge Retail Shop and Bridge of Intentions. Please note that other locations of campus, including the trails and jacuzzi tub, are not available for Community Education Class guests due to other campus programming.
• This is an indoor event, held in in the 1440 Teaching Kitchen.
• 1440 will provide everything required for this class.
• Reusable water bottles are welcome -- filtered water stations are available throughout campus.
• Kitchen Table offers ample indoor and outdoor seating, including outdoor covered seating options.
• This is an 21-and-over event.

Cancellation Policy: Participants may request a refund up to 7 days before the event. After this period, all sales are final. All proceeds from Community Learning Events support our 1440 philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

for information about our campus policies. Please note that 1440 is a smoke-free, tobacco-free and cannabis-free campus. 1440 follows California law which only allows persons with disabilities to bring trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs to campus; all other animals are prohibited.

Visit our at 1440.org to explore our other community learning events, designed to engage you in the immersive 1440 experience.

Also check out other Workshops in Scotts Valley, Health & Wellness events in Scotts Valley, Food & Drink events in Scotts Valley.