An Exclusive Four-Night Culinary Retreat Showcasing Expert-Led Cooking Experiences, Elevated Dining, and Immersive Farm Engagements – Offered the First and Third Weeks of June and December 2025
Arizona’s premier luxury retreat, Castle Hot Springs, proudly unveils the Sonoran Epicurean Escape, an extraordinary four-night culinary retreat launching in June and December 2025. This exclusive experience offers guests an immersive journey into the artistry of fine dining led by the resort’s celebrated culinary team. With interactive workshops, curated dining events, and behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process, the Sonoran Epicurean Escape highlights the innovation and skill behind every dish at Castle Hot Springs. Hosted by Executive Chef Chris Knouse, Sommelier Sarah Foote, and Agronomist Ian Beger, the retreat delivers an unforgettable gastronomic experience to complement the all-inclusive offerings, which are a cornerstone of the experience at this top destination resort. This special program also supports the Phoenix community, with half of all proceeds from the June sessions directly benefitting the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
A Culinary Program Rooted in Innovation
At Castle Hot Springs, culinary excellence extends far beyond the farm. Under the direction of Executive Chef Chris Knouse, the resort’s dining program is defined by a passion for flavor, technique, and imagination. With an approach that marries classical training with a deep appreciation for the region’s natural bounty, Chef Knouse and his team create menus that evolve daily, inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients. The award-winning Harvest restaurant’s signature five-course tasting menu is a testament to the team’s ingenuity, transforming farm-fresh produce into dishes that celebrate the nuances of flavor, texture, and presentation.
From delicate seafood preparations to masterfully composed vegetarian dishes, every plate is a reflection of the collaboration between kitchen and farm. Agronomist Ian Beger works closely with the culinary team to cultivate over 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and florals, each grown to enhance Chef Knouse’s vision. The resort’s beverage program, led by Level 2 Sommelier Sarah Foote, is equally exceptional, offering expertly curated wine pairings alongside non-alcoholic creations crafted from farm-fresh ingredients. Guests can also enjoy Castle Hot Springs’ exclusive Lithium-Infused Lager, brewed with mineral-rich hot spring water and available only on tap at the resort.
Bar 1896 & The Art of Farm-to-Glass Cocktails
Innovation meets craftsmanship at Castle Hot Springs' Bar 1896, where farm-fresh ingredients and house-infused spirits take center stage. Moving beyond fine wines and craft beer, the cocktail menu offers expertly crafted drinks featuring hand-picked botanicals and seasonal flavors harvested directly from the farm. Whether savoring a citrus-forward refresher infused with estate-grown herbs or a seasonal cocktail showcasing farm-fresh fruit, Bar 1896’s commitment to quality and creativity ensures an unforgettable beverage experience. The bar also features exclusive spirit pairings and expertly crafted mocktails, offering a refined and refreshing complement to the resort’s culinary excellence.
“At Castle Hot Springs, every dish tells a story—one of technique, creativity, and a deep respect for ingredients. The Sonoran Epicurean Escape is our way of bringing guests into that story, allowing them to cook alongside our chefs, learn from our sommeliers, and experience the true artistry of fine dining,” says Executive Chef Chris Knouse. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity for guests to gain hands-on culinary skills while also connecting with the land, taking home exclusive keepsakes, and supporting a meaningful cause.”
An Immersive Culinary Journey
Designed for food lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs, the Sonoran Epicurean Escape invites just 16 guests per session to participate in an unparalleled dining adventure. Program highlights include:
A Lesson in Flavor: Embark on an interactive farm tour with Chef Knouse and Agronomist Ian Beger, learning about flavor profiles, growing techniques, and the importance of seasonal eating.
Chef’s Table Reception & Dinner: Extend the flavor lesson with an exclusive welcome reception and multi-course dinner, where Chef Knouse walks through each dish's creation—from ingredient selection to plating artistry.
Southwest Staples Cooking Class: Discover the lifecycle of a Southwest garden staple, from seed to plate, and contribute an element to that day’s lunch. Afterward, unwind with a hands-on charcuterie board class complemented by regional wines selected by Sommelier Sarah Foote, creating the perfect conclusion to your culinary journey.
Herbal Tea Blending Workshop: Create a personalized tea blend using farm-grown botanicals and learn the art of drying, blending, and steeping herbs.
Prep & Plate Cooking Class: Harvest ingredients, learn new culinary techniques, and master creative plating under Chef Knouse’s expert guidance, with dishes featured in that evening’s communal feast.
Grand Farm Feast Under the Stars: Savor a magical communal dinner under the stars, complete with curated wine pairings, craft cocktails, live music, and fireside lounge seating.
Sommelier’s Table Experience: After a full day of exploring the resort’s vast array of activities, join Sommelier Sarah Foote for a guided tasting of rare wines and learn the art of pairing–an idyllic way to wind down and close out the week’s festivities
The inaugural Sonoran Epicurean Escape retreats kick off June 1–5 and June 15–19, 2025, offering guests an immersive farm-to-table experience. Celebrating the rich seasonal bounty of Castle Hot Springs’ home-grown organic ingredients, the Sonoran Epicurean Escape’s multi-course meals feature dishes that help guests learn to prepare and plate. Standout menu offerings span the Fire Roasted Carrots with sweet corn yogurt, garden herbs, hatch chili oil and carrot charcoal, among the Wagyu Striploin Oscar with dungeness crab, rutabaga purée, dragon tongue arugula chimichurri and preserved lemon béarnaise at the Welcome Dinner; the Parsnip Leek Bisque with I’ltoi onion crema and crispy leeks, Herb-Roasted Cornish Hen, Prime Beef Ribeye Roulade, Faroe Island Salmon and Farmhouse Apple Pie featuring a white cheddar crust, vanilla gelato and apple cider caramel at the rustic, yet refined Farm Dinner; and the Sacchettoni pasta filled with mushroom ricotta in a parmesan reggiano brood with spinach oil at Moulard Duck Breast with vanilla-scented sweet corn purée, American Wagyu Beef Tenderloin with scalloped parsnip, smoked cherry tomato, pink peppercorn demi, all paired with rare, exquisite wines, at the Epicurean Wine Dinner.
A Deeper Connection to Community and Philanthropy
More than a celebration of fine food, the June retreats are also an opportunity to give back, with 50% of proceeds going to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through education, resources, and support services.
Beyond the Plate: Nature-Driven Wellness and Adventure at Castle Hot Springs
Castle Hot Springs offers much more than world-class dining, it’s a historic sanctuary rooted in wellness. Established in 1896 as Arizona’s first luxury and wellness resort, it has long been known as the wellness retreat of choice for America’s titans of industry, such as the Cabots, Vanderbilts, Wrigleys, Roosevelts, and Astors. Tucked against the Bradshaw Mountains just 50 miles outside of Phoenix, the sprawling 1,100-acre nature-driven resort melds its natural surroundings with a unique blend of restorative wellness programs and adventure activities designed to cater to travelers looking to experience the perfect mix of ‘soft adventure’ and ‘slow travel.’ Guests are invited to experience the rejuvenating powers of the ancient, lithium-rich hot springs–one of just ten in the U.S. with this rare mineral and celebrated for their healing properties. For those seeking deeper relaxation, the resort features an array of nature-derived signature spa treatments inspired by the landscape alongside unique wellness experiences like Watsu Water Therapy, Intentional Wellness, Paddleboard Yoga, and more. Thrill-seekers can dive into exhilarating experiences from UTV Razor Tours, Castle Peak Via Ferrata, Crater Canyon Exploration, and more, ensuring every guest finds their ideal blend of excitement and tranquility.
Reserve Your Culinary Getaway
The Sonoran Epicurean Escape is offered on June 1–5, June 15–19, November 30–December 4, and December 14–18, 2025, at an additional $1,000 per person (excluding accommodations). Availability is limited to 16 guests per session. To reserve your place, visit www.castlehotsprings.com/stay/events/sonoran-epicurean-escape/ or call (888)-767-4615.
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