Photo of a young woman and older gentleman plating some food.

Community Events

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!


Chef Rob McDaniel’s Dinner Party

Indulge in the cuisine of esteemed owner and executive chef of Birmingham’s hot culinary destination, Helen. James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Rob McDaniel will prepare a multi-course, wine-paired meal for an exclusive dinner party of 40 people in the Community Dining space of the Rane Culinary Science Center. Get your tickets to this unique culinary experience!

About the Chef: In addition to being an Auburn alum, Chef McDaniel is a five-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef: South semifinalist (2013-2017) and was honored as Auburn University’s 2012 Outstanding Hotel and Restaurant Management Program Alumnus.

Sponsored by Helen Hospitality LLC

Chef Rob McDaniel photo credit Elise-Ferrer

Monday, September 18, 2023
6:00pm -7:30pm
Purchase Tickets


Old Forester’s Taste Through History

In celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, come to Old Forester’s Taste Through History at the Rane Culinary Science Center! In this educational class, guests will taste four bourbons from the Whiskey Row Series and learn about the evolution of bourbon in key moments of history.

Charcuterie snacks will be served. Guests must be 21 or older. Proof of ID required.

Old Forester is the longest, continuously-running bourbon brand on the market today with Alabama being its largest market.

Sponsored by Old Forester

Row of Old Forester's Whiskey Bottles

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Purchase Tickets


Wine Tastings

The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management invites the community to an evening of tasting exquisite wines from around the world with Master Sommelier Thomas Price. Guests will learn about the wines and tasting techniques in a fun, casual class environment. Come with your friends, your significant other or on your own and enjoy the benefits of having the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in our community! Tickets are $40 per person and may be purchased online. Guests must be 21 or older and show proof of ID.

These classes are basic wine appreciation classes that feature a different country or theme each month. Guests will taste various wines accompanied by light snacks.

  • July – France
  • August – Napa vs. Sonoma
  • September – Tailgate Pairings
  • October – Mediterranean
  • November – Deductive Tasting 101
  • December – Deductive Tasting Challenge


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 Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management as a visiting sommelier over the last eight years. Read more about Mr. Price’s journey in this feature from Wine Spectator.

Wine Tasting Event September Icon

Saturday, September 23, 2023
2:00 - 3:30 pm
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Wine Tasting Event October Icon

Saturday, October 7, 2023
2:00 - 3:30 pm
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Wine Tasting Event November Icon

Saturday, November 4, 2023
2:00 - 3:30 pm
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Wine Tasting Event December Icon

Saturday, December 9, 2023
2:00 - 3:30 pm
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For questions, contact Caitlin Myers via email or 334-844-4267.