Join us for a variety of educational and recreational events at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center! Wine tastings, cooking classes and other special events will be offered to the public throughout the year. Learn how to pair wines with your meal. Experiment with flavor. Rub elbows with professional chefs. The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management is eager to provide incredible opportunities for the community to enjoy its resources. Sign up for one or more of our upcoming events below. More events to come!
Birmingham’s Sushi Chef, Kelly Jo Viall, returns to the Rane Culinary Science Center for an exciting new class on selecting, butchering, and preparing tuna at home. Watch as she demonstrates her famous spicy tuna nachos, the art of building the perfect poke bowl, and how to expertly sear tuna—while you taste each preparation along the way.
If you attended Sushi 101, you know Chef Kelly brings energy, expertise, and approachability to every class. She makes bold flavors and new techniques feel accessible, leaving you inspired and confident to make tuna a regular feature on your table.
Menu
Tuna Poke Bowls
Tuna Nachos
Seared Tuna
Pineapple with Li Hing Mui
About the Guest Speakers:
Chef Kelly Jo Viall is the founder and lead sushi instructor at Birmingham Sushi Classes. She is in her 15th year of working as a sushi chef, with an additional 10 years of professional cooking.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Purchase Tickets
The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management invites the community to a variety of wine tasting classes with Master Sommelier Thomas Price in the spring 2026 semester. Guests will learn about the wines and tasting techniques in a fun, casual class environment. Tickets start at $85 per person and may be purchased online. Guests must be 21 or older and show proof of ID. Guests will taste various wines accompanied by light charcuterie.
About the Speaker: Master Sommelier Thomas Price has spent the last 35 years working in some of Seattle’s most prominent restaurants, including his own. Shortly after obtaining his Master Sommelier certificate in 2012, Price joined Jackson Family Fine Wines as National Director of Wine Education, in addition to working with Auburn University’s Hospitality Management program as a visiting sommelier over the last ten years.
Wines of South Africa: Ancient Soils, New Thinking
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
6:00 pm
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Wines of Australia: A Journey into Discovery
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
6:00 pm
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Tastes of Spain
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:00 pm
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The micro-credential program in Wine Studies is a short, focused program that is perfect for wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and lifelong learners who want to elevate their knowledge and credentials.
North American Wines: From Napa to New York!
Embark on an immersive exploration of North America’s diverse wine regions. Uncork the secrets of North America’s most celebrated wine regions with our brand-new micro-credential program. Exploring North American Wines: From Napa to New York offers an in-depth journey through the vineyards, laws, and traditions that shape the New World wine landscape.
From the iconic valleys of California to the rising stars of Oregon and Washington, and even the cool-climate gems of Canada and New York, this curriculum uncorks the secrets of these celebrated wine regions.
Spring Semester Enrollment Now Open – Reserve Your Spot Today!
Dates: January 22, February 12, March 5, April 2, and April 30, 2026
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Do you want to stay informed on upcoming events?
For questions, contact Caitlin Myers via email or 334-844-4267.
Tickets may be transferrable. No refunds or exchanges will be given the week of an event.