Back in May, I put up a post with links to free education resources, which I had started as part of my job during COVID.  The amount of free education out there online is staggering. If you don’t care about certification or diplomas, just about learning stuff, the world is filled with people who will teach you. Because, in spite of what the news wants you to believe, most human beings are pretty awesome.

To avoid overwhelm, I’m breaking up the things I have come across by subject. Today’s topic are some free classes about food and wine. Many of these dive deep into culinary science or history. I haven’t taken them yet, so I can’t review them properly, but feel free to ping me with feedback if you’ve given them a go.

Cooking & Baking

Harvard University – Science & Cooking
Taught by top chefs and Harvard researchers that explores how traditional and modernist cooking techniques can illuminate basic principles in chemistry, physics, and engineering.
https://www.edx.org/course/science-cooking-from-haute-cuisine-to-soft-matte-2

Home Made Cooking
Free online cooking classes with real chefs, real people, and really good food.
https://www.homemadecooking.com/

Institute of Culinary Education
Online versions of consistently sold-out classes with new menus and professional chef instruction via live video.
https://www.ice.edu/about/events/free-online-cooking-classes

The Art of Baking with Yuppiechef
Understand the basics of baking, including easy cake chemistry, pantry essentials and the golden rules of baking.
https://www.udemy.com/course/art-of-baking/  

Cuisinart Culinary School
(Via YouTube playlist)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojZIgseX7Xo&list=PLzI9I8xeK5kSkzn6mmMu-yM92EJ_4kHjs

Fermentology  
NC State: A series of short talks (20 minutes on average) about the culture, history and science behind the foods you have at home. (If you are into the science of sourdough, check this one out)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_cwC71gfzk&list=PLsSlVlDbPkFQrvOUmjuhFbo92RkbVzYwh

Wine

World of Wine: From Grape to Glass
University of Adelaide, through ED/X
An introduction to the world of wine, including viticulture, winemaking, and wine appreciation with diverse instructors and guest lecturers.
https://www.edx.org/course/world-of-wine-from-grape-to-glass

Wine Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis,
University of California (Davis) through Coursera:
An introductory-level course on professional sensory analysis of wine from a renowned teacher.
https://cpe.ucdavis.edu/section/wine-tasting-sensory-techniques-wine-analysis-coursera

An Introduction to Wines
Learn the most up-to-date techniques of wine preparation, blending and storage with this free online course.
https://alison.com/course/an-introductory-course-on-wines

Napa Valley Cultivating Excellence Videos
Napa Valley Cultivating Excellence is engaging wine content digging into what makes the Napa Valley America’s premier winegrowing region. Explore the unique geological formation of the valley, why it is the ideal climate to grow grapes, historical milestones and the tradition of leadership that continues today.
https://napavintners.com/trade/napa-valley-cultivating-excellence/

Rioja Wine Academy
RWA courses will take your knowledge of Rioja to the next level and increase your confidence when choosing a Rioja wine or when talking about it, whether with friends, clients or wine students.
https://riojawineacademy.com/en/home