Learn to cook like nonna, paint like Picasso and master the craft of brewing beer during one of Ballarat’s most popular workshops.

1. Beekeeping experience  
Join one of Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat’s small group tutorials on beekeeping basics. Choose from ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’, ‘Secret Life of Bees: Open Hive Experience’ or ‘Advanced Beekeeping Course’.

2. Beer school  
Aunty Jacks is the place to learn about all things beer. It’s not only a space where you can drink craft beer, but where you can come and develop your knowledge of the brewing process.  
Take part in a hands-on experience, learn about the craft of brewing or take a tour of the 100,000-litre per year brewhouse. 

Each weekend, Ballarat’s Dr Beer takes visitor’s beer palates on a journey around the world by sampling beers from different countries as part of the Aunty Jacks’ Beer School. Other courses include ‘Brew for a day’, ‘Beer judging and evaluation’ and ‘Improving your homebrewing’.

3. Maker workshops and masterclasses
Sign up for one of the regular workshops at The Green House Ballarat, which range from watercolour and ceramic classes, to propagation and terrarium making workshops – all hosted by local makers, including artist and illustrator Kelsie White.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn jewellery making, then let us introduce you to local artisan Sylvia Nevistic. Sylvia hosts a series of courses and workshops from her studio right here in Ballarat.

For wine lovers, you’re not going to want to miss signing up for a year-long journey from vineyard to bottle with Mitchell Harris’ The Curious Winemaker.

4. Traditional pasta making class  
Learn traditional Italian recipes straight from the masters at Carboni’s monthly cooking masterclasses. Join chef Dona Pietrantuono and his team as they show you how to make fresh pasta, gnocchi or pasta sauces before enjoying the fruits of your labour over a glass of wine at lunch. 
 
5. Get creative (while you sip away on wine)
If wine is more your thing (yes, we meant to say that), then you could always let your inner artist shine over a glass of wine at Pinot & Picasso Ballarat.

Or, explore the world of boutique fragrances at a Sweet Fern perfume masterclass. Over a glass of champagne and a sharing platter, you’ll identify the major fragrance accords and uncover the perfect scent for you.