Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Nashville

Nashville Sushi Making Class at a Local Wine Bar: A Practical and Delicious Experience

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to spend an evening in Nashville, a sushi-making class at a local wine bar might just be your perfect pick. This experience, hosted by Chef Dylan, combines the art of crafting sushi with enjoying a carefully curated wine list—all in an inviting, relaxed setting. It’s a different kind of night out that caters not just to foodies but to anyone eager to learn a new skill while savoring good wine.

What immediately draws travelers to this experience are two key highlights: the hands-on approach to sushi—which means you’ll learn by doing—and the pairing of wine and food in a cozy bar environment. Plus, with all necessary ingredients and tools provided, you won’t need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.

One potential consideration is the duration—just two hours—which is enough time for an introduction but might leave those craving more advanced techniques wanting a follow-up class. Still, for beginners or casual sushi fans, this class offers a memorable, approachable way to get your hands dirty (or rather, ricey) without the hassle of sourcing ingredients yourself.

This tour is best suited for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, couples, or friends looking for a unique evening activity. It’s also great if you’re interested in picking up a new culinary skill without committing to a lengthy class or pricey private lesson.

Key Points

• Interactive Experience: You’ll actively learn to prepare seasoned sushi rice, slice fresh ingredients, and roll two different sushi styles.
• All Materials Included: Ingredients and tools are provided, so no need to bring anything but your curiosity.
• Wine Pairing: Enjoy expertly selected wines that complement your sushi creations, enhancing the tasting experience.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Hosted at a cozy local wine bar, perfect for a low-pressure, fun night out.
• Great for Beginners: No prior sushi experience needed—Chef Dylan guides every step.
• Book in Advance: Average booking window is about 35 days, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.

What to Expect from the Experience

When you arrive at the venue—Grinder’s Switch Winery at Marathon Village—you’ll find yourself in a friendly, inviting space that feels more like a local hangout than a formal classroom. The class lasts roughly two hours, during which Chef Dylan will guide you through the entire sushi-making process.

Making Sushi Rice: The foundation of any good sushi roll is the rice. Expect to learn how to season and prepare perfectly sticky, flavorful sushi rice that holds together but isn’t overly mushy. Chef Dylan’s approach emphasizes technique and understanding, so you’ll leave with skills that you can replicate at home.

Preparing Fresh Ingredients: The next step involves slicing a selection of ingredients with care. You’ll work with fresh avocado, cucumber, and mango—highlighting the bright, fresh flavors that make sushi so appealing. The slicing technique is straightforward but essential for creating visually appealing rolls.

Rolling Techniques: The highlight is assembling your two sushi creations. The first will be a classic California roll, featuring avocado, surimi (imitation crab), and cucumber. The second is a vegetable roll, with mango, cucumber, and avocado, offering a refreshing alternative. Chef Dylan emphasizes proper rolling and slicing, ensuring you create aesthetically pleasing and functional sushi.

Wine Pairings: Throughout the class, you’ll enjoy wines carefully selected to complement the flavors of your sushi. While drinks are not included in the price, the bar offers a selection ranging from $3 to $20, giving you options to enhance your experience.

Atmosphere: The setting’s relaxed vibe makes this more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a social, enjoyable evening. Many reviewers mention the friendly guidance of Chef Dylan and the laid-back environment as major pluses.

The Value of the Experience

At $75 per person, this sushi class offers a good value for an engaging, skill-building activity that combines food, wine, and socializing. When you consider that all ingredients and tools are provided, the cost is reasonable for what you get—an interactive lesson, two sushi rolls you make yourself, and the chance to enjoy some wine.

Compared to other culinary classes, this experience doesn’t require a hefty time commitment or a costly private setting. It’s accessible and structured to maximize fun while delivering a tangible skill. Plus, the fact that it’s hosted at a local wine bar adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it more than just a cooking class—it’s a mini night out in Nashville.

Travelers who have tried the class note that the instructor is knowledgeable and approachable, making the learning process easy and enjoyable. The ability to create something delicious and authentic in just two hours makes this a memorable, practical activity—especially if you’re a sushi beginner or looking for a fun, informal experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Grinder’s Switch Winery: The meeting point offers a warm, inviting space that feels more like a neighborhood bar than a formal class venue. The class begins at 6:00 pm, giving you a lovely evening kick-off.

Introduction & Demonstration: Chef Dylan quickly sets the tone—friendly, knowledgeable, and clear in his instructions. Expect to spend the first part learning how to make sushi rice and prep ingredients.

Hands-On Rolling & Slicing: The bulk of the time is spent actively rolling your sushi. The instructor provides individual guidance, so even newcomers will quickly get the hang of it. You’ll create two rolls, which means by the end, you’ll have a couple of beautiful, handmade sushi pieces to enjoy.

Wine & Conversation: As you work, you can sip wine and chat about techniques, flavors, or Nashville’s culinary scene—making it a social experience as well as a culinary one.

Wrap Up & Tasting: The class concludes with everyone showcasing their rolls and, of course, sampling the fruits of their labor. It’s a satisfying end to a lively night.

Authenticity and Practicality

What sets this class apart is its focus on real skills and an authentic environment. You won’t be watching a demonstration from far away—you’ll be actively participating, which means you’re more likely to remember the techniques. The fact that all materials are included removes hassle and lets you focus solely on enjoying the process.

The venue’s proximity to public transportation and the flexible cancellation policy (free if canceled 24 hours in advance) add to its practicality. The small group size (max 25) ensures personal attention from Chef Dylan, creating a friendly, less rushed atmosphere.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This class is ideal for beginners curious about sushi, couples seeking a fun date night, friends wanting a shared activity, or solo travelers looking to meet others with similar interests. It’s also perfect if you enjoy wine and want a relaxed environment to learn a new skill.

People who appreciate a local, intimate setting rather than a large, commercial experience will find this class more genuine and engaging. And if you’re staying in Nashville and want a night out that combines food, drink, and learning, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up

In essence, this sushi-making class at a Nashville wine bar offers a balanced blend of education, entertainment, and culinary pleasure. You’re not just watching a demonstration—you’re actively involved in creating something delicious, guided by a knowledgeable chef in a welcoming environment. The pairing with wine enhances the experience, making it feel special yet accessible.

It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to add a hands-on cooking skill to their Nashville itinerary without breaking the bank. The relaxed vibe and friendly guidance make it suitable for newcomers and casual foodies alike. Plus, with all materials included, it’s straightforward and stress-free—just show up, roll sushi, sip wine, and enjoy.

If you’re in Nashville and want a unique evening that combines food, fun, and learning, this class is well worth considering. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply trying something different, you’ll leave with new skills and tasty memories.

FAQ

Do I need any prior sushi experience?
No, this class is designed for beginners and does not require any prior sushi-making knowledge.

Are ingredients and tools provided?
Yes, all necessary ingredients and equipment are included, so you don’t need to bring anything.

Can I purchase drinks at the venue?
Yes, drinks are available for purchase at the bar, with prices ranging from $3 to $20.

What is the meeting point?
The class starts at Grinder’s Switch Winery at Marathon Village, located at 1310 Clinton St #125, Nashville.

What time does the class start?
The class begins at 6:00 pm.

How long is the class?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is the experience suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the class is designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs—just let the organizers know in advance.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.