Domaine d'Esperance, the 18th century country home of le Comtesse J. L. de Montesquiou Fezensac, is surrounded by vineyards and the gently rolling hills of Gascony. Set in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, 1 1/2 hours from Bordeaux, the fresh air and rural atmosphere make it an ideal setting for the relaxed study of the art of French cooking.

Chef Natalia Arizmendi, a "Grand Diplome" of the Cordon Bleu, has taught both cooking and pastry for more than 10 years. A gifted and humorous teacher, she shares the refinements of her skills. Chef Arizmendi has planned the series of seminars to take advantage of the changing seasons to use fresh ingredients at their best. Autumn and winter courses will nourish and warm you with robust stews and flavorful roasts; spring and summer will bring the delights of fresh vegetables, salads and cold buffets.

Six times a year, one-week seminars are held in the spacious kitchen. Enrollment is kept to a maximum of nine. After a welcoming buffet, the course begins Monday afternoon and continues through Friday night. Each morning is devoted to theoretical instruction; in the afternoon you will gain practical experience, preparing the evening meal under the supervision of the chef.

Included in the program are group visits: on Wednesday morning to the local market, and on Saturday morning to the cave and aging cellars of neighboring domaines, followed by a buffet picnic before departure. The week's schedule allows ample free time. Depending on the season, the weather or your mood, you can read by the fire, walk in the wooded pathways or vineyards, take a swim in the pool, or taste the Armagnac from the Domaine's cellars.

Lodging is provided in the fresh and comfortable guest rooms of the house, each with two single beds, and a private bath.