Holiday Cooking & Wine Pairing Class

In this first of its kind opportunity in Anaconda, MT, Chef Ian Volberding will show 10 lucky individuals how to prepare two delectable holiday inspired appetizers. What's more, The Bighorn Bottle Shop will join him, and guide us in how to pair the best wines with our favorite foods. And if you’re so inclined, spend the night and enjoy the full hostel experience – on us!

About Chef Ian Volbering:

Chef Volbering is a native Montanan and an Italian trained chef, who spent three years in Florence, Italy at Apicius Culinary Institute. During his time in Florence, Ian absorbed the wonders of Italian cuisine and culture. He brought those skills to New York City, spending nearly a year working in the Big Apple and then nearly a decade working in kitchens in both Paradise and Gallatin Valley. Ian’s exposure to the best restaurants and busiest kitchens leaves him with a strong love and appreciation for good food and drink.

In time, Ian went back to college, earning his bachelor’s degree from Montana State University. After graduating, he began working as a realtor, which eventually led him to Anaconda in 2020. Ian enjoys working in real estate, but his true passion is food. He enjoys sharing his culinary knowledge and experiences with everyone, and relishes this opportunity to bring a particularly unique hands-on experience to Anaconda.

About The Bighorn Bottle Shop and Wine Bar: 

The Bighorn Bottle Shop and Wine Bar, just celebrating it’s one-year anniversary, is already a destination stop in Anaconda. The Bighorn provides a worldly, quality-driven collection of wine and beer on the retail shelves and behind the bar.

After completing her Masters in Business Administration, The Bighorn Bottle Shop owner Vanessa Romero attended the Washington Wine Academy in Washington, D.C. She received her professional wine certifications and diplomas from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust and the Court of Sommeliers. Prior to living in Montana, Vanessa worked as a vineyard hand in wineries in Argentina, Chile, and Italy. She spent 15 years working on the east coast and abroad while employed by international wine importers and the wineries they represented. After devoting many years and miles to making the finest wines in the world available in the States, she decided it was time to return to her small-town mountain-roots. She and her family moved to Anaconda in 2017.

At The Bighorn, she and her staff host educational wine classes, large tasting events (both public and private), Friday Night Flights, food and wine pairings, as well as wine club!  Vanessa and staff's wine expertise, combined with friendly, and engaging approach, appeals to the masses and yields successful events and happy customers.

What to expect from a night at Pintler's Portal Hostel: 

Pintler’s Portal Hostel opened new in August 2021. In 2023 it was voted Best Hostel in Montana in Distinctly Montana Magazine, and people who leave comments in the guest book frequently note it is the best Hostel they’ve stayed in anywhere in the world! 

The Hostel provides a comfortable stay featuring opportunities for social experiences in an exquisite lounge, robust kitchen, music corner, fireplace seating and even a multipurpose room (think games, yoga, you name it!). The Hostel offers affordable accommodations with sleeping rooms and beds simply designed for sleeping. In the Hostel you can rent a bed, a private room, or the entire facility. The Hostel features 11 rooms with bunks that sleep 2-4 people per room for a total of 38. The separate shower and bath suite optimize privacy. Whether you are a solo traveler, outdoor enthusiast, or participating in a family reunion, sporting event or business retreat, the Hostel may be just what you’re looking for.

What's included in the price: 

• Hands on cooking instruction from Chef Volbering
• Recipes and instructions to take home
• Ingredients and doughs you get to take home to replicate recipes
• Wine education on why we pair certain wines with certain dishes
• Wine to drink while cooking 
• Ability to order wine for upcoming dinners/holiday parties from The Bighorn 

What’s more – if you join the class and want to experience the Hostel – just let us know. Your night’s stay is on us!

We'll eat, drink, be merry and learn new skills. Space is limited to 10 guests. Bring friends and family for a full experience!

**Ticket sales end November 15th.