Paris Croissant & Wine Experience with Chef Matthew Duffy and Chef Richard Gruica

There is no place in the world more synonymous with pastry than Paris. The scent of warm butter, the crisp shatter of a perfectly laminated croissant, and the elegance of a well-paired Cabernet are part of the city’s culinary soul. The Art of Dough: Croissants to Cabernet is an exclusive Paris culinary experience that invites you to step inside that world and learn from two master chefs.

This immersive, hands-on cooking experience in Paris combines artisanal croissant baking, dough mastery, and refined wine pairing in an intimate, elevated setting. Led by Chef Matthew Duffy and Chef Richard Gruica, this is more than a cooking class — it is a curated gourmet journey designed for serious food lovers and culinary travelers.

Schedule Overview

This exclusive culinary journey runs June 14–21, 2026 in Paris and the Loire Valley and includes a thoughtfully curated week of immersive experiences. The trip begins with a welcome meet-and-greet in Paris followed by a guided foodie walking tour, wine tastings, and a hands-on cooking immersion. You’ll then travel to the Loire Valley for masterclasses in baking, visits to historic mills and world-class wineries, artisan workshops, and regional cultural excursions. Each day combines learning with leisure, including château living, BBQ dinners, private tastings, walking tours, and scenic visits. The finale brings you back to Paris for a Michelin-starred farm-to-table lunch and a sunset Seine River cruise before the farewell on the final morning. Luxury accommodations, meals, excursions, and transportation after Paris pick-up are included throughout the 7-night experience, with breakfasts, most lunches, and most dinners provided as part of the program.

Tour Schedule: June 14–21, 2026
Paris & Loire Valley Culinary Experience

Day 1 – Arrival in Paris
Guests arrive in Paris and settle into the experience with a welcome meet-and-greet. This opening evening sets the tone for the week with introductions, conversation, and anticipation of the culinary journey ahead.

Day 2 – Paris Food & Wine Immersion
The day begins with a guided foodie walking tour through Paris, exploring local markets, artisan shops, and iconic culinary neighborhoods. Guests enjoy curated tastings and wine experiences before participating in a hands-on culinary immersion in the city that defines pastry excellence.

Day 3 – Travel to the Loire Valley
After breakfast, the group travels to the Loire Valley, known for its vineyards, historic châteaux, and pastoral beauty. Upon arrival, guests settle into château accommodations and enjoy a relaxed evening, often featuring regional cuisine and wine.

Day 4 – Baking Masterclass & Artisan Visits
This day focuses on dough mastery and hands-on baking instruction with the chefs. Guests also visit historic mills or artisan producers to better understand traditional flour production and regional culinary heritage.

Day 5 – Winery Visits & Loire Exploration
The experience continues with private winery tours and tastings in the Loire Valley. Guests explore the nuances of wine pairing while enjoying scenic vineyard landscapes and learning directly from local producers.

Day 6 – Cultural Excursions & Château Living
The group explores nearby villages, markets, or historic sites, deepening their connection to French culinary and cultural traditions. Evenings are spent enjoying château hospitality, shared meals, and relaxed conversation.

Day 7 – Return to Paris & Michelin Farewell
Guests return to Paris for a Michelin-starred farm-to-table lunch experience. The journey concludes with a sunset Seine River cruise, offering iconic views of Paris and a celebratory farewell dinner.

Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, guests depart Paris with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for French pastry, wine, and culture.

What Makes This Paris Cooking Experience Unique

Paris offers many food tours and cooking classes, but The Art of Dough stands apart for its depth, intimacy, and expertise. This is not a demonstration. It is a masterclass.

Participants learn the true art of laminated dough, the precision required to create flaky croissants, and the technical foundations that define great French pastry. You will understand the science of butter, temperature, folding, resting, and timing — the details that separate good baking from exceptional baking.

Alongside pastry technique, guests explore wine pairing principles, focusing on how structure, acidity, tannins, and flavor notes enhance baked goods and savory components. From croissants to Cabernet, each pairing is intentional and educational.

Meet Chef Matthew Duffy

Chef Matthew Duffy brings years of culinary experience and a deep respect for traditional technique. His teaching style is precise yet approachable, ensuring that both beginners and experienced home cooks gain practical, repeatable skills.

Under his guidance, you will learn how to laminate dough properly, shape croissants with confidence, and bake with consistency. This is the kind of knowledge that transforms your home kitchen long after your time in Paris ends.

Meet Chef Richard Gruica

Chef Richard Gruica complements the experience with refined culinary insight and wine expertise. His understanding of flavor balance and pairing elevates the experience beyond pastry into a complete sensory journey.

Together, these two chefs create a dynamic, collaborative environment that blends French culinary tradition with modern gourmet sophistication.

What You Will Learn During the Croissant and Wine Masterclass

During this Paris croissant baking class, guests will:

• Master laminated dough techniques used in authentic French pastry
• Understand the structure and timing behind artisan croissant production
• Develop shaping and proofing skills for consistent results
• Explore professional baking tips used in fine kitchens
• Learn the fundamentals of wine pairing with baked and savory dishes
• Experience curated Cabernet selections alongside your creations

This is a hands-on culinary workshop designed for active participation and meaningful learning.

Who This Paris Culinary Tour Is Perfect For

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking:

• A luxury food experience in Paris
• An authentic croissant baking class in France
• A chef-led gourmet workshop
• A romantic culinary activity in Paris
• A refined alternative to traditional food tours
• An immersive culinary travel experience

Whether you are a passionate home baker, a wine enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, The Art of Dough offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from expert chefs in one of the world’s most iconic culinary cities.

Why Culinary Travelers Choose Paris

Paris remains the global capital of pastry and wine culture. Participating in a croissant and wine masterclass here connects you directly to centuries of tradition. The environment itself enhances the experience — the ingredients, the technique, the rhythm of the city.

For travelers who value intentional, meaningful experiences over passive sightseeing, this Paris cooking experience delivers depth, skill, and memory in equal measure.

Reserve Your Place in This Exclusive Paris Experience

The Art of Dough: Croissants to Cabernet with Chef Matthew Duffy and Chef Richard Gruica is an intimate culinary experience with limited availability.

If you are searching for the best croissant baking class in Paris or a luxury wine and pastry workshop, this is your opportunity to immerse yourself in true culinary artistry.

Reserve your place today and experience Paris through the lens of butter, dough, and Cabernet.