Bake, Cure, Preserve:
The Artisan Culinary Experience
Dive into immersive, hands-on culinary adventures where every flavor has a story
Our Courses
Transform into an Artisan Foods Expert through our comprehensive program, starting with an introductory week followed by specialized courses in vegetable and seafood conserves, dairy and cheese production, bread baking, pastry making, and charcuterie from France, Spain, and Italy. Perfect for those dedicated to mastering artisan food production.
Kickstart your culinary career with our 8-week bootcamp. Cover all the basics from knife skills to sophisticated dishes, alongside essential modules in bread baking, pastry, cost control, and event planning. Ideal for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in culinary arts and kitchen management.
Spanish Cooking course
All-inclusive
A hands-on Spanish cooking course designed to introduce the essential techniques, products, and regional dishes that define authentic Spanish cuisine. Throughout this immersive culinary program in Spain, participants will prepare a wide variety of traditional Spanish recipes while developing a strong understanding of the foundations of the Spanish kitchen.
Spanish Cooking course
All-inclusive
More details coming soon
Explore bread making from fundamentals to advanced techniques in our two-week comprehensive program. Start with basic skills and ingredients, then progress to enriched doughs and sourdoughs. This course is designed for those who aim to master the complete spectrum of artisan bread making.
Begin your bread-baking journey with our one-week introductory course. Learn the essentials of baker’s math, delve into the key ingredients, and master basic techniques. Perfect for those aspiring to create artisan breads from scratch, this course sets the foundation for advanced baking skills and artistry.
Deepen your bread-making expertise in this one-week advanced course. Focus on enriched doughs and sourdough starters. Tailored for bakers looking to refine their skills and tackle more complex breads.
This one-week full-immersion experience will take you deep into the vegetable realm. Work hands-on while learning dozens of food conservation techniques. Master selecting produce, learn how to process it, and learn how to create delicious and creative conserves. We teach with an ethical approach to nutrition, well-being, and sustainability.
Develop a deep understanding of cheesemaking in our two-week comprehensive program. Start with the basics of European cheesemaking, then advance to complex techniques, including a focus on the pasta filata family. This course is designed for those aiming to master the entire cheesemaking process.
Dairy course
All-inclusive
Immerse yourself in the craft of European cheesemaking in our one-week introductory program. Learn foundational techniques for creating classic cheeses and dairy products. This course is designed for beginners interested in understanding the basics of dairy processing and artisan cheesemaking.
Refine your cheesemaking skills in our one-week advanced program. Focus on sophisticated techniques, with a special module on the pasta filata family, including mozzarella. Ideal for those with some cheesemaking experience who are ready to explore more complex processes and varieties.
Discover ancient and modern fish and seafood conservation techniques in our one-week intensive and full-immersion course. Learn how to select and buy fresh fish at the peak of its season, and understand how to use salt, fats, acid, microorganisms, and heat to make traditional European specialties and their modern variations. We uphold sustainable fishing practices and a zero-waste philosophy.
The Artisan Meats Specialist program is a comprehensive, all-inclusive, and hands-on culinary immersion into the world of artisanal meat delicacies spanning three renowned European cultures – French, Italian, and Spanish. This course, tailored for both professionals and culinary enthusiasts, delves deeply into the art and science of charcuterie from these three countries, offering an extensive understanding of meat transformation and preservation.
Discover the art of French charcuterie in this one-week intense program. Understand and use basic science principles of meat preservation and transformation in detail while working hands-on as we replicate the most representative French meat products: pâté, terrine, saucisson sec, jambon, fresh sausages, and foie gras.
Italy boasts over 580 unique regional salumi specialties, the most extensive meat culture worldwide. In this one-week full-immersion program, you will learn the artisan way of butchering a whole pig Italian style, make the big eight salumi marvels, and understand the vast culture surrounding salami with a nose-to-tail approach.
Master the full range of pastry arts in our two-week comprehensive program. Start with European pastry fundamentals, then advance to crafting exquisite frozen desserts. This course is ideal for aspiring pastry chefs aiming to perfect a broad spectrum of skills from classic confections to innovative chilled treats.
Dive into European pastry art in our one-week course. Learn to create classic European confections, exploring a variety of techniques and ingredients. This foundational program is perfect for those eager to master the elegance and diversity of pastry making.
Chill and thrill in our one-week course focused on frozen desserts. Master the art of making gelato, ice cream, granita, and sorbetto. Perfect for anyone passionate about crafting smooth, flavorful frozen treats that impress and delight.
Spain is the land of the legendary Ibérico breed. Spanish style charcutería has permeated the meat culture of many other countries. In this hands-on experience, you will learn traditional and genuine methods for artisan charcutería production while exploring the culture of Jamón, chorizo, and dozens of delicious meat products.
Transform into an Artisan Foods Expert through our comprehensive program, starting with an introductory week followed by specialized courses in vegetable and seafood conserves, dairy and cheese production, bread baking, pastry making, and charcuterie from France, Spain, and Italy. Perfect for those dedicated to mastering artisan food production.
Kickstart your culinary career with our 8-week bootcamp. Cover all the basics from knife skills to sophisticated dishes, alongside essential modules in bread baking, pastry, cost control, and event planning. Ideal for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in culinary arts and kitchen management.
Spanish Cooking course
All-inclusive
A hands-on Spanish cooking course designed to introduce the essential techniques, products, and regional dishes that define authentic Spanish cuisine. Throughout this immersive culinary program in Spain, participants will prepare a wide variety of traditional Spanish recipes while developing a strong understanding of the foundations of the Spanish kitchen.
Spanish Cooking course
All-inclusive
More details coming soon
Transform into an Artisan Foods Expert through our comprehensive program, starting with an introductory week followed by specialized courses in vegetable and seafood conserves, dairy and cheese production, bread baking, pastry making, and charcuterie from France, Spain, and Italy. Perfect for those dedicated to mastering artisan food production.
Kickstart your culinary career with our 8-week bootcamp. Cover all the basics from knife skills to sophisticated dishes, alongside essential modules in bread baking, pastry, cost control, and event planning. Ideal for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in culinary arts and kitchen management.
This one-week full-immersion experience will take you deep into the vegetable realm. Work hands-on while learning dozens of food conservation techniques. Master selecting produce, learn how to process it, and learn how to create delicious and creative conserves. We teach with an ethical approach to nutrition, well-being, and sustainability.
Discover ancient and modern fish and seafood conservation techniques in our one-week intensive and full-immersion course. Learn how to select and buy fresh fish at the peak of its season, and understand how to use salt, fats, acid, microorganisms, and heat to make traditional European specialties and their modern variations. We uphold sustainable fishing practices and a zero-waste philosophy.
Transform into an Artisan Foods Expert through our comprehensive program, starting with an introductory week followed by specialized courses in vegetable and seafood conserves, dairy and cheese production, bread baking, pastry making, and charcuterie from France, Spain, and Italy. Perfect for those dedicated to mastering artisan food production.
Kickstart your culinary career with our 8-week bootcamp. Cover all the basics from knife skills to sophisticated dishes, alongside essential modules in bread baking, pastry, cost control, and event planning. Ideal for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in culinary arts and kitchen management.
The Artisan Meats Specialist program is a comprehensive, all-inclusive, and hands-on culinary immersion into the world of artisanal meat delicacies spanning three renowned European cultures – French, Italian, and Spanish. This course, tailored for both professionals and culinary enthusiasts, delves deeply into the art and science of charcuterie from these three countries, offering an extensive understanding of meat transformation and preservation.
Discover the art of French charcuterie in this one-week intense program. Understand and use basic science principles of meat preservation and transformation in detail while working hands-on as we replicate the most representative French meat products: pâté, terrine, saucisson sec, jambon, fresh sausages, and foie gras.
Italy boasts over 580 unique regional salumi specialties, the most extensive meat culture worldwide. In this one-week full-immersion program, you will learn the artisan way of butchering a whole pig Italian style, make the big eight salumi marvels, and understand the vast culture surrounding salami with a nose-to-tail approach.
Spain is the land of the legendary Ibérico breed. Spanish style charcutería has permeated the meat culture of many other countries. In this hands-on experience, you will learn traditional and genuine methods for artisan charcutería production while exploring the culture of Jamón, chorizo, and dozens of delicious meat products.
Transform into an Artisan Foods Expert through our comprehensive program, starting with an introductory week followed by specialized courses in vegetable and seafood conserves, dairy and cheese production, bread baking, pastry making, and charcuterie from France, Spain, and Italy. Perfect for those dedicated to mastering artisan food production.
Kickstart your culinary career with our 8-week bootcamp. Cover all the basics from knife skills to sophisticated dishes, alongside essential modules in bread baking, pastry, cost control, and event planning. Ideal for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in culinary arts and kitchen management.
Develop a deep understanding of cheesemaking in our two-week comprehensive program. Start with the basics of European cheesemaking, then advance to complex techniques, including a focus on the pasta filata family. This course is designed for those aiming to master the entire cheesemaking process.
Dairy course
All-inclusive
Immerse yourself in the craft of European cheesemaking in our one-week introductory program. Learn foundational techniques for creating classic cheeses and dairy products. This course is designed for beginners interested in understanding the basics of dairy processing and artisan cheesemaking.
Refine your cheesemaking skills in our one-week advanced program. Focus on sophisticated techniques, with a special module on the pasta filata family, including mozzarella. Ideal for those with some cheesemaking experience who are ready to explore more complex processes and varieties.
Transform into an Artisan Foods Expert through our comprehensive program, starting with an introductory week followed by specialized courses in vegetable and seafood conserves, dairy and cheese production, bread baking, pastry making, and charcuterie from France, Spain, and Italy. Perfect for those dedicated to mastering artisan food production.
Kickstart your culinary career with our 8-week bootcamp. Cover all the basics from knife skills to sophisticated dishes, alongside essential modules in bread baking, pastry, cost control, and event planning. Ideal for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in culinary arts and kitchen management.
Explore bread making from fundamentals to advanced techniques in our two-week comprehensive program. Start with basic skills and ingredients, then progress to enriched doughs and sourdoughs. This course is designed for those who aim to master the complete spectrum of artisan bread making.
Begin your bread-baking journey with our one-week introductory course. Learn the essentials of baker’s math, delve into the key ingredients, and master basic techniques. Perfect for those aspiring to create artisan breads from scratch, this course sets the foundation for advanced baking skills and artistry.
Deepen your bread-making expertise in this one-week advanced course. Focus on enriched doughs and sourdough starters. Tailored for bakers looking to refine their skills and tackle more complex breads.
Transform into an Artisan Foods Expert through our comprehensive program, starting with an introductory week followed by specialized courses in vegetable and seafood conserves, dairy and cheese production, bread baking, pastry making, and charcuterie from France, Spain, and Italy. Perfect for those dedicated to mastering artisan food production.
Kickstart your culinary career with our 8-week bootcamp. Cover all the basics from knife skills to sophisticated dishes, alongside essential modules in bread baking, pastry, cost control, and event planning. Ideal for beginners eager to build a strong foundation in culinary arts and kitchen management.
Master the full range of pastry arts in our two-week comprehensive program. Start with European pastry fundamentals, then advance to crafting exquisite frozen desserts. This course is ideal for aspiring pastry chefs aiming to perfect a broad spectrum of skills from classic confections to innovative chilled treats.
Dive into European pastry art in our one-week course. Learn to create classic European confections, exploring a variety of techniques and ingredients. This foundational program is perfect for those eager to master the elegance and diversity of pastry making.
Chill and thrill in our one-week course focused on frozen desserts. Master the art of making gelato, ice cream, granita, and sorbetto. Perfect for anyone passionate about crafting smooth, flavorful frozen treats that impress and delight.
Taste Trails
Gourmet Getaways
Curious Cooks &
Food Lovers!
Learn with us in a place where every day begins with the smell of something new. Shape dough, cure meat, stir cheese curds, preserve the seasons, and cook purposefully. Wake up in Altea knowing the day ahead will bring new skills, flavors, friendships, and stories worth telling.
Learn by doing—taste by understanding.
Find joy in the details.
Feed your hunger for knowledge.
These are not just cooking courses.
It’s a way of living food.
“Working with Mariana and Juan almost feels like home away from home. They are so customer-centric that they try to meet individual needs as best as they can. Definitely money well spent for the detail, the passion, the loving service they provide to create a wholistic, immersive unforgettable experience.”
“I came to ACS to learn how to turn our family’s milk into real artisan cheese. The two-week program gave me structure, confidence, and skills I could bring back home. We’re now building our micro-dairy, and the ACS team is helping us.”
“Chef Juan is as passionate about food as he is for teaching. His in-depth knowledge of different cooking techniques, e.g. charcuterie, gives you both the how and why for each step in the process. More often than not you will also get the history of the dish or some colorful story from his time in the restaurant business, making each lesson a treat.”
“Coming to Altea for the Bread course was unforgettable. The town, the people, and the school made learning bread a true experience. At ACS I discovered how much more there is to bread.”
Recent Blog Posts
In Pursuit of Perfect Salumi
- By Juan Penzini
A Journey Into the Real World of Italian Cured Meats It’s almost midnight, and I’m flying down the highway from Torino to Fossano in a rental car. The thing feels more like a spaceship than an automobile. My Ryanair flight had been delayed for over two hours, so now I’m
Introducing our Artisan Taste Trails
- By Juan Penzini
Immersive Culinary Journeys Through Europe After spending a few months refining our vision and growth strategy, we have decided to expand our options for 2025 and beyond. We are excited to introduce a new chapter in our mission to educate and inspire food lovers: our Artisan Taste Trails. While we
The Secret Sauce: From Kitchen Banter to Business Blueprint
- By Juan Penzini
This guide covers nearly everything you need to know to develop a food product, whether it’s from a cherished family recipe or a new idea you’ve created. It offers a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in transforming your recipe into a marketable product, including development, packaging, and sales, no
What we should demand from our restaurants (and what we should expect when we get it)
- By Bill Schindler
100% scratch sandwich from sourdough to lunchmeats to condiments at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen We have set the bar for restaurants in this country far too low for far too long. The modern industrial food system has convinced us that we should focus on things that their misaligned infrastructure
Felix Vallugera: Perfecting the Art of Capa Fina Rice
- By Juan Penzini
Spain is renowned for its rich culinary scene, and if there’s one thing that screams Spanish cuisine, it’s rice. From the hearty and rustic arroz al horno to the layered complexity of arroz caldoso, rice dishes are as varied as they are delicious. But not all rice dishes are created
November, December, and January Update
- By Juan Penzini
November, December, and January at the Artisan Culinary School were filled with exploration, skill-building, and new collaborations. From attending Spain’s largest food and beverage fair to awarding our first Artisan Meats Specialist diploma, these three months showcased our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Notably, these were our first three
October Update
- By Juan Penzini
Greetings from Altea! October has been a busy month for us at the Artisan Culinary School, and as our first course dates approach, the excitement is palpable. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve been up to: Uniforms, Manuals, and More Our courses are about to kick off, and we’re
September 2023 update!
- By Juan Penzini
Greetings from beautiful Altea! We’re thrilled to give you an exciting update on the journey of establishing our culinary school from the ground up. It’s been an incredible adventure, filled with innovation, challenges, and inspiring moments. As we get closer to opening day, we’d like to share some insights into
Colomba di Pasqua: from industrial product to artisan delicacy
- By Juan Penzini
Artisan food crafts have been around for centuries. Imagine, for a moment, the first artisans who developed the products we eat today – the bakers who first mixed flour and water to create bread and ended up creating a baguette, the cheesemakers who discovered the magic of curdling milk in
Designing a unique culinary school for artisans
- By Juan Penzini
The realities of the post-Covid19 hospitality industry scene The hospitality industry, especially the restaurant segment, has long been notorious for its high-pressure, high-stress environment. Functioning long hours, demanding customers, and physically demanding work, even the most passionate workers can be affected. Unfortunately, the industry has been further impacted by the