Galician cooking in the heart of O Salnés!. Discover the must-do Cooking Workshops

My Experience at a Cooking Workshop in O Salnés

This time, I’d love to share my experience at one of the cooking workshops hosted by Quinta de San Amaro, a charming rural hotel nestled in the heart of O Salnés, in Meaño (Pontevedra). It’s the kind of plan that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking, learning new flavours and soaking up the essence of Galicia through all the senses

I’m sure many of you have thought about joining a cookery course at some point but haven’t known where to start — or maybe the idea feels like a lot of effort.

As always, I’m also sharing new recommendations and foodie adventures every day over on my Instagram account, so feel free to follow along.

It’s true that when searching for amateur cooking classes in Pontevedra, it can be tricky to find up-to-date information or something that suits your tastes.
So I’m here to tell you about my experience — and don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to know more or have any questions.

Discover Galician cuisine from the stove up 

Whenever friends visit Galicia, one of their first requests is always the same: “Can you find us a quick class to learn the basics of Galician cooking?”

Mastering traditional Galician recipes isn’t easy — you need a certain flair in the kitchen — but the good news is that you can learn the essentials and build your skills from there.

The most iconic dishes in Galician gastronomy include pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus), empanadas, hearty stews, seafood caldeiradas, and sweet treats like filloas or rice pudding.
At these O Salnés cookery workshops, held at Quinta de San Amaro, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing several of these, and plenty more.

Cooking at. Quinta de San Amaro 

This beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the Rías Baixas was recently awarded the title of «Best Wine Tourism Experience in Spain» by ACEVIN — a well-deserved recognition, adding to its list of accolades including “Best Boutique Hotel in Spain” a few years ago.

As I mentioned, they regularly host a range of cookery workshops, open to both hotel guests and anyone curious about Galician cuisine.

The aim? Learn something new — but above all, enjoy the moment.

These workshops are a fantastic option when you’re looking for something different to do with friends — the perfect excuse to get together, cook, laugh, and eat well.

There’s something for everyone:

• Short three-hour sessions
• Cookery workshops that include a boat trip
• Even options where you’ll head to the local market to buy fresh fish and seafood before preparing your dishes

And for those with a taste for international flavours, they also offer themed classes inspired by world cuisines — the important thing is to have fun and learn along the way.

Naturally, the best part comes at the end: sitting down to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, glass of local wine in hand.

Prices and Format

The idea behind these workshops is to offer a relaxed, enjoyable experience for small groups of friends, colleagues, families or anyone interested in learning.

Prices start from €65 per person, which includes the class, recipes, and a sit-down meal with wine — a lovely, slow-paced way to savour your culinary efforts.

Group sizes are kept small (minimum 4, maximum 10 people) to ensure a personalised and interactive experience.
The best thing to do is contact Quinta de San Amaro directly — they’ll tailor the workshop to your preferences and needs.

For example, the standard Galician cookery workshop lasts around three hours.
There’s also an extended “XL” version, which includes a guided visit to the market before cooking.
For the more adventurous, there’s the «Ruta de las Artes de Pesca», a maritime experience exploring the traditional fishing crafts of the Ría de Arousa — including a visit to a batea (raft) to see how mussels are farmed.

Cooking with friends at Quinta de San Amaro 

Planning something fun with friends is always a great motivator — and let’s face it, we often spend more time searching for ideas than enjoying them.
Cooking as a group is a fantastic way to bond, and you always pick up new tips or tricks you can use at home.

Personally, I love making starters and desserts — and I can’t resist laying the table just right, with a little flair and a touch of theatre when it comes to plating and presentation.

Of course, not everyone has the same tastes, and some participants may have dietary restrictions or intolerances — just let them know when you book so they can adapt the session for you.

These Quinta de San Amaro cookery workshops are among the most highly rated in Galicia — and it’s no surprise.

Their wine tourism experiences include:

• Wine tastings with expert sommeliers
• Guided visits to nearby wineries
• Seasonal tasting menus paired with D.O. Rías Baixas wines at their own restaurant

Speaking of which, the hotel’s restaurant is a true gastronomic gem, offering creative, seasonal dishes in a tranquil, beautifully decorated setting with panoramic views over the O Salnés valley.
Highly recommended — be sure to book in advance!

Stay in style in the Rías Baixas 

After a full day of cooking and wine tasting, there’s no better way to round off the experience than staying overnight in this unique and elegant rural hotel.

Quinta de San Amaro is one of my favourite places to stay — and many other travellers feel the same.

Expect:

• Thoughtful, stylish décor
• Beautiful gardens
• An outdoor pool
• Cosy corners to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere

Nearby, you’ll find stunning beaches, quaint fishing villages, and lively towns well worth exploring.

On the blog, you’ll find itineraries for beaches around Sanxenxo, things to do in Pontevedra, or even day trips to Santiago de Compostela.

During your stay, the team at Quinta de San Amaro will be happy to help you plan activities and explore the region — I guarantee you’ll want to come back.

Let me know if this idea of a cookery workshop in O Salnés inspires you — and if you’ve already taken part, I’d love to hear about your experience!

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