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Bake artisan sourdough bread using local grains at the historic Taliesin estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Learn hands-on techniques from expert baker Kirk Smock in a weekend workshop.
Bake artisan sourdough bread using local grains at the historic Taliesin estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Learn hands-on techniques from expert baker Kirk Smock in a weekend workshop.
Book with Taliesin Preservation
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Operated by Taliesin Preservation · Spring Green, Wisconsin
Set against the historic Taliesin estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin, the Sourdough Breads with Regional Grains Workshop offers a unique blend of culinary craft and local heritage. This weekend workshop, led by baker Kirk Smock, immerses participants in the art of sourdough bread-making using grains sourced from the surrounding region. Spring Green itself is nestled in a landscape of rolling hills and farmland known for its vibrant agricultural roots, making it a fitting backdrop for this intimate culinary experience. The workshop centers on traditional techniques, teaching attendees how to nurture sourdough starters, mix dough by hand, and shape beautiful loaves. Beyond kneading and baking, participants connect meaningfully with the local grain economy, gaining insight into sustainable agriculture practices that sustain this area’s rich food culture. The setting is as inspiring as the work itself: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin estate, a place where architecture and nature harmonize. Here, historic significance meets hands-on creativity, elevating the culinary education. What sets this workshop apart is its focus on regional grains, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the source ingredients and their journey from field to table. The small-group format creates a welcoming atmosphere for bakers of varying skill levels to share stories and techniques. For visitors to Spring Green, this workshop is more than baking; it’s a sensory journey through Wisconsin’s artisanal grain scene and a chance to engage with the land in an authentically local way. Whether a backyard baker or professional chef, participants leave with not only their own sourdough starters but a lasting connection to the soils and traditions of this distinctive Midwestern landscape.
easy.
6–8 hours over two days.
Suitable for all fitness levels, mostly seated or standing work
No prior experience is necessary; the workshop welcomes all skill levels and teaches foundational techniques.
Yes, each participant takes home their own living sourdough starter to continue baking at home.
The grains used are traditional wheat and rye varieties; the workshop is not gluten-free.
Bring an apron, water bottle, comfortable shoes, and optionally a notebook for notes.
Activities take place primarily indoors in a kitchen studio space at the Taliesin estate.
Participants should check with the organizer, but generally, meals and snacks are not included.
Taliesin estate was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and reflects a deep connection to the Wisconsin landscape and culture.
Workshop emphasizes use of sustainably grown regional grains to support local farmers and reduce environmental impact.
Taliesin Preservation stewards the historic Taliesin estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin, preserving and sharing the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright through guided tours, specialty workshops, concerts, and seasonal events. The organization operates a variety of public and ticketed experiences on the 800-acre property, including multi-hour Estate Tours and Highlights Tours that showcase key structures like Hillside, Taliesin, and Tan-y-Deri. Taliesin Preservation also programs focused offerings that place visitors in close contact with the site’s architecture and landscape—photography workshops led by Andrew Pielage, intimate house concerts such as a solo performance by Grammy® Award-winner Mike Block, and culinary experiences like the Bread Baking Lab with Bazile Booth. Seasonal and one-day events include birthday celebrations for Frank Lloyd Wright, farm and garden tours tied to the Savor Farm and Food Tour, and holistic weekends exploring Japanese Kokoro practices. Taliesin Preservation presents experiences guided by knowledgeable staff and guest experts, providing historical context, practical instruction, and opportunities to engage with the property’s agricultural and cultural programs. Tours note the estate’s architectural significance and include light refreshments on selected longer itineraries. As the steward of a site that includes structures recognized for their cultural value, Taliesin Preservation focuses on conservation, education, and authentic experiences that connect visitors to Wright’s work and the Driftless Wisconsin landscape.
Book with Taliesin Preservation