This summer, female-led culinary and farming events are taking luxury hotels and resorts by storm - from sporting clays with an Olympic gold medalist in Park City to paella making with a top female chef in Los Olivos and pastry-making classes in Paris, here are the top female drive culinary events for the summer.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection| Park City, Utah (pictured)
From July 25-28, The Lodge at Blue Sky will celebrate the exceptional talent of women in the food and agricultural industry with their Women in Food and Farming series. The week-long events include several visiting masters such as Barb Phillips, the Owner of The Lodge at Blue Sky; Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang of Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection; CEO + Founder of Phifer Pavitt Winery, Suzanne Phifer Pavitt; and 3-time Olympic medalist, Corey Cogdell-Unrein. Together, they are redefining a traditionally male-dominated industry, where women lead the charge into a new era of exceptional female artistry. The Women in Food and Farming series is hosted by Lynsey Gammon, the Director of Farming at Gracie's Farm, where guests can choose from several intimate experiences alongside these experts, such as sports clays with Corey Cogdell-Unrein, guided wine tastings by Suzanne Phifer Pavitt paired with light bites, and a 6-course tasting menu featuring organic ingredients harvested from Blue Sky's very own female-led regenerative farm, among more. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection is located on a sprawling 3,500-acre private ranch, nestled within the scenic Wasatch Mountain Range.
Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection | Napa Valley, CA
Situated in the heart of Calistoga wine country on 22-acres surrounded by panoramic mountains and picturesque, Solage Auberge Resorts Collection provides an incredible destination for great food, wine and exclusive guest experiences. Exclusively available to Solage guests each Monday, the resort has launched a female-led private wine tasting experience with Chateau Boswell's lead winemaker Allison Nunnikhoven, one of the youngest winemakers to achieve a 100 point score from Robert Parker, the world's most trusted authority in wine. Guests can savor critically acclaimed wines, explore the nearby Estate's natural bedrock exposed cave, dating back over 4 million years, and enjoy direct access to one of Napa Valley's most talented young female in the industry. The experience is available by appointment for up to six guests on Mondays through July 15, and it’s $165 per person.
The Peninsula Paris | Paris, France
Parisian travelers can try their hand at pastry making with the hotel's award-winning Pastry Chef, Anne Coruble. Guests are invited to don chefs’ aprons and join in for an afternoon of dessert-making and sampling, especially perfect for the little ones. The adventure starts in The Peninsula kitchen, where Chef Coruble will share the secrets behind some of her signature creations – such as hazelnut spread, crunchy double-chocolate cookies, and soft sugared brioche dough. Afterward, guests can gather at Le Lobby for classic Afternoon Tea, whose menu includes many of Chef Coruble’s sweet creations. After the class, guests will be able to take some of their desserts with them to share with friends and family. This offering is part of The Peninsula Paris’ Peninsula Academy, boasting a variety of experience-led offerings for families, couples, and friends.
The Hermitage Hotel | Nashville, TN
The Hermitage Hotel hosts a Yellow Rose Tea every August in honor of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, which had its headquarters at the historic hotel. This special experience is inclusive of a glass of champagne, yellow rose upon departure, and a commemorative keepsake menu. The pivotal decision granting women the right to vote nationwide came down to Tennessee delivering the 36th and final state victory. During the scorching summer of 1920, The Hermitage Hotel, located across the street from the State Capitol, was the epicenter of an embattled mix of pro- and anti-suffragists, legislators and lobbyists in the weeks leading up to the ratification of the 19th amendment. With anti-ratification forces wearing red roses squaring off against yellow-rose-wearing pro-suffrage campaigners, the suffrage struggle at The Hermitage Hotel came to be known as “The War of the Roses.” Guests can step back in time to the origin of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, which began as an impassioned discussion about women’s rights among five women gathered for afternoon tea. Named a National Historic Landmark for its role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, The Hermitage Hotel welcomes guests and locals alike to enjoy a collection of tea sandwiches, scones and pastries while learning about the events that transpired inside The Hermitage Hotel leading up to the ratification of the 19th amendment.
Visionary Women Outstanding in the Field Dinner on Malibu Pier | Malibu, CA
Los Angeles’ premier social impact non-profit organization, Visionary Women, which supports the advancement and empowerment of women and girls, will host a once-in-a-lifetime sunset dinner experience with Outstanding in the Field on Sunday, September 10. Set on the iconic Malibu Pier, the extraordinary culinary experience will pair a multi-course meal with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and offer an incredible night celebrating the origins of food and the land, among a group of powerhouse women across various professional fields. The spectacular culinary experience will place from 5pm-8pm on September 10, and is open to Visionary Women members and the public, wit proceeds will benefiting organizations that support the advance economic empowerment of women in the U.S.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection | Los Olivos, CA
Guests of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection have the opportunity to learn the art of Paella with female Executive Chef, Rhoda Magbitang. Learn the secrets of paella with an interactive cooking demonstration led by the inspirational female chef of the property. The experience provides an in depth lesson on traditional paella making along with tips and tricks so you can recreate the recipe at home. After the workshop guests get to enjoy their creation while sipping Spanish wines and sharing stories around our communal table. Tickets are $140 per guest, and can be booked here.
Beekeeping at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection | Santa Fe, NM
The Tesuque Creek flowing through Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is not only a source of hydration for the wildlife, but also for bees. This beautiful source of water is the backdrop for happy honey bees in two hives on-property, home for a guided bee experience available for bookings mid-June through early Fall. Head to the path behind the garden for an afternoon with the bees. Wear the provided beekeeper suits and the program’s beekeeper, Melanie Margarita Kirby, will show the hives and tell everything there is to know about bees. Guests can leave with a little jar of honey to take away as a souvenir of their experience. The program’s leader, Melanie Margarita Kirby, is an entomologist by education, agroecologist by practice, and a poet at heart. A registered tribal member of Tortugas Pueblo – a non-federally recognized mestizo indigenous community located in southern New Mexico, Melanie and her familia have been practicing their cultural and traditional beliefs and practices for generations.