Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Phoenix

If you’re looking for a unique evening activity that combines culinary skill with a relaxed social atmosphere, this sushi making class in Scottsdale might just be perfect. Hosted at a charming local wine bar, this two-hour experience offers a blend of hands-on sushi crafting and wine tasting. It’s a chance to learn new skills, enjoy delicious food, and meet like-minded travelers or locals—whether you’re a sushi fanatic or a curious beginner.

What we really love about this experience are three things: the personalized guidance from Chef Greg, the variety of sushi styles you get to make, and the casual, convivial setting of a wine bar. Plus, the opportunity to learn essential rolling and knife skills makes it more than just a fun night out. One thing to keep in mind is that drinks aren’t included in the price, so you might want to budget extra for wine or other beverages. This tour suits those who appreciate good food, enjoy learning new techniques, and want a laid-back environment to connect with others.

Good To Know

• Hands-on experience: You’ll actively participate in creating three unique sushi rolls, guided by a skilled chef.
• Wine pairing: Expertly curated wines are available for purchase, complementing your sushi creations.
• Educational value: Learn essential knife skills, rolling techniques, and ingredient pairings that you can replicate at home.
• Relaxed setting: The intimate wine bar environment fosters socializing and a comfortable atmosphere for beginners.
• Affordable price: At $75 per person, it offers good value for a focused, interactive culinary experience.
• Booking in advance: Most guests plan their visit about 27 days ahead, indicating popularity and planning necessity.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Venue and Atmosphere

The class is hosted at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale, a cozy spot that feels more like a friend’s living room than a classroom. The intimate setting enhances the learning experience, making it less intimidating for first-timers. The environment is inviting, with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe that encourages conversation and camaraderie.

The Instructor: Chef Greg

Chef Greg’s approach is approachable and attentive. From reviews, it’s clear he does a great job of attending to everyone, ensuring each participant gets hands-on attention. His guidance helps demystify sushi rolling, knife techniques, and ingredient pairings. Guests appreciated his ability to teach while keeping the atmosphere fun, with comments like “the chef did a fine job of attending to everyone and teaching.”

The Itinerary: What You Will Make

You’ll learn to craft three different sushi rolls, each with its own flavor profile and technique. The class begins with blackening ahi tuna for a flavorful, non-traditional sushi roll. This step likely involves a quick sear or blackening technique that adds a smoky depth to the tuna, appealing even to those who might typically avoid raw fish.

Next, you’ll roll up a spicy shrimp and cabbage roll — offering a satisfying crunch and a zesty kick. The fresh cabbage adds texture, while the spicy shrimp provides a punch of flavor. Finally, you’ll create a crispy Asian vegetable roll, packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients and finished with a crispy exterior, likely achieved through tempura or a similar method.

The Learning Process

Throughout the class, Chef Greg emphasizes essential skills—knife handling, perfecting rolling techniques, and ingredient pairing. You’ll get to practice your knife skills, which many reviewers found valuable, noting how the instructor’s attentiveness made learning approachable. The focus is on mastering techniques that you can take home, rather than just copying recipes.

Wine and Socializing

While wine isn’t included in the ticket price, it is available for purchase, and many guests enjoyed sampling curated options that paired nicely with their sushi. The social aspect is a highlight, with guests mentioning the opportunity to meet new people and share a fun evening. One reviewer noted how the class was a “lovely way to meet new friends and enjoy an evening out,” which underscores the casual, friendly vibe.

Duration and Group Size

This two-hour class is perfect for those with a busy schedule but a desire to squeeze in a fun, educational activity. The maximum group size is 25, ensuring plenty of personal attention without feeling crowded. Booking about a month in advance is recommended, especially during peak times.

Cost and Value

At $75 per person, this experience offers good value for the skills and social environment you gain. You’re not just paying for sushi—you’re getting a lesson in technique, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to enjoy wine in a friendly setting. The ingredients and equipment are all provided, which simplifies the experience and emphasizes hands-on participation.

What Sets This Experience Apart?

Authentic Hands-On Learning

Unlike some sushi classes that focus purely on demonstration, this tour ensures you’re actively involved. You get to roll your own sushi, which makes the experience memorable and practical. The guidance from Chef Greg helps beginners feel confident, making it suitable for all skill levels.

Quality of Food and Drinks

While the sushi isn’t raw (a detail some might find disappointing), the focus on cooked or prepared ingredients means you can enjoy the flavors safely and confidently. The reviews suggest that the food was delicious, and the curated wine selection adds to the enjoyment, elevating the experience beyond just making sushi.

Friendly, Social Environment

Participants consistently mention how the class fosters a welcoming environment. It’s a chance to meet fellow food lovers, swap tips, and potentially make lifelong friends, as one reviewer happily noted.

Flexibility and Practical Takeaways

Learn techniques you can replicate at home, from the proper way to handle a knife to how to layer flavors. The skills gained here aren’t just for the class—they’re useful beyond the evening.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This class is ideal for foodies eager to learn new skills. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, social activity. If you enjoy wine, food, or just want a fun night out that combines learning with enjoyment, this experience ticks many boxes.

It’s also suitable for beginners, thanks to Chef Greg’s approachable style, but those with some sushi experience will appreciate the opportunity to refine their techniques and learn new tricks.

Final Thoughts

This sushi making class at a Scottsdale wine bar offers a balanced mix of hands-on learning, great food, and social interaction. For just $75, you’re getting more than a cooking lesson—you’re investing in a memorable evening with the chance to develop new skills in a friendly environment.

While the absence of included drinks might be a small consideration for some, the option to purchase curated wines means you can tailor the experience to your preferences. The intimate setting, expert guidance, and variety of sushi styles make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to add a little culinary flair to their Arizona trip.

If you’re after a fun, practical, and engaging night, this class will leave you with new techniques, some tasty sushi, and hopefully some new friends to share it with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the instructor’s friendly guidance and small group size make it accessible for beginners eager to learn sushi making.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included but are available for purchase, allowing you to choose your preferred wines to pair with your sushi.

How long is the class?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to learn, create, and socialize without feeling rushed.

What ingredients will I use?
You’ll work with ingredients to make three different sushi rolls, including ahi tuna, shrimp, cabbage, and fresh vegetables. All equipment and ingredients are provided.

Can I book last minute?
Booking about 27 days in advance is common, but it’s best to plan ahead to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.

Is the sushi raw?
No, the sushi isn’t raw; the class includes cooked or prepared ingredients, which can be appealing for those wary of raw fish.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, everything needed for sushi and knife skills will be provided. Just bring your enthusiasm and curiosity.

What’s the best way to get there?
The class starts at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale, located at 4020 N Scottsdale Rd. Parking and public transport options should be checked in advance.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, helping you plan with flexibility.

This sushi and wine night in Phoenix offers a delightful mix of learning, tasting, and socializing that’s well worth considering for your next night out. Whether you’re a sushi newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll leave with new skills, tasty food, and hopefully some new friends.