Campuses

CIA California

CIA Greystone in St. Helena, CA is one of the world’s most unique and inspiring places for culinary and wine education.

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CIA California

Explore the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, here you’ll be surrounded by world-class vineyards, growers, farm-to-table restaurants, and have plenty of opportunity for outdoor fun. In addition, you’re just a short ride from all the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer, from Michelin-starred restaurants to Giants baseball. Best of all, at CIA California, you’ll be part of a close-knit campus that feels like family.

CIA California—The Flavor of the Napa Valley

Campus Highlights

Once home to the Christian Brothers Winery, the spectacular main building is the hub of activity at the CIA’s California campus that features:

Viking Teaching Kitchens

This state-of-the-art kitchen was custom-built under the direction of CIA chefs. Part of a total re-design of the first floor, south wing, the Viking Teaching Kitchen’s unique configuration of cooking technologies and work spaces is seamlessly incorporated into the historic architecture of the Greystone building.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Discovery Center

Designed to provide ideal confectionery-making conditions. This is where the fabulous Greystone Chocolates are handcrafted from premium, single-source chocolate.

Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies

This state-of-the-art wine education center features sensory classrooms designed for analyzing wines and beverages, wireless keypad response systems, and built-in lightboxes.

Williams Center for Flavor Discovery

Home to the Gatehouse Restaurant, where advanced CIA students transform the freshest regional ingredients as well as those from the college’s own farm and herb gardens into creative contemporary dishes.

A CIA Greystone chef in a white uniform and hat holds up a dessert. The layered confection topped with blackberries and an elegant chocolate spiral is presented on a white plate with a sauce drizzle. The chef smiles proudly in a blurred culinary background.

Programs Offered in California

At CIA California, you’ll explore big ideas, learn practical skills, and be mentored by some of the best minds in food and academics. Our associate degree programs at our California campus follow the same in-depth curriculum as our main CIA campus in Hyde Park, NY. Here you’ll gain core knowledge and skills that are the foundation of everything you’ll do at CIA—and out in the food world.

Associate Degrees

Certificate

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CIA’s ACAP Certificate

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Chat With a Student

Are you curious about what it’s really like to attend CIA? We’ve got you covered. Our students are ready to answer the questions you haven’t asked anyone else, share their own personal experiences, and give you genuine advice—because they’ve gone through it, too.

Get an Up-close look at CIA

Tour Campus or Attend an Online Event

Whether you’re looking to visit our campus or would prefer the convenience of a virtual event, there’s no better way to learn more about CIA than with one of our admissions events.

Visit CIA

Admissions

Food is your pathway. Plan a visit to learn more about student life on campus.

Are you ready to explore the #onlyatcia experience? Throughout the year we offer campus tours, open houses, and online events so that you can ask questions, learn more about our programs, and chat with admissions counselors. Do you have specific questions about student life at our Texas campus? No problem! We’d be happy to help and tell you more about our on-campus opportunities.

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Also in This Section

From dining experiences and hands-on cooking classes to wine tasting, shopping, and fun-filled events, there is always something new to discover at CIA California.

Food and Wine Enthusiasts Courses

Cook, bake, and taste your way through multi-day Boot Camps, single-day classes, and beverage classes in our state-of-the-art facility.

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CIA Restaurants

Visit our two locations with a multitude of dining experiences: CIA at Copia in Napa, CA, where CIA alumni are at the helm of the kitchen, and CIA Greystone in St. Helena, CA, where students run the show.

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Weddings and Special Events

CIA offers breathtaking views, beautiful gardens, and both impressive classical and modern spaces for your next event.

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Spice Islands® Marketplace

Your one-stop shop for all things food and wine, you can browse our books, learn something new about spices and herbs, talk to a chef-in-training…all in one day.

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