a group of people in a kitchen a row of wine bottles with white labels

Experiences Designed for Coming Together

Group stays at The Hotel at Auburn University extend beyond the room. From campus centered gatherings and culinary moments to walkable traditions, gameday energy, and shared celebrations, every experience is thoughtfully designed to connect guests to Auburn’s spirit—creating meaningful moments before, between, and after the reason you’ve come together.

Unique Experiences for Every Group

a man and woman holding wine glasses

Sensory Wine Experience

A guided, multi-sensory tasting exploring the world of wine. Guests will enjoy six 3 oz pours paired with curated cheeses while learning about regional terroir, varietals, and winemaking traditions. Aroma exploration is woven throughout the experience to enhance understanding of flavor, structure, and tasting technique in an elevated yet approachable setting.

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 8 people | Maximum of 45 people
Located in the Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration
1.5 Hours
*Requires 4-week advance booking & based on availability

a group of women standing around a table with wine glasses and bottles

Wine Blending Experience

Step into the role of winemaker during this hands-on blending experience. Guests sample individual varietals, experiment with balance and structure, and create a custom red blend of their own. Equal parts educational and creative, this experience fosters collaboration and delivers a memorable takeaway that feels both personal and elevated.

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 8 people | Maximum of 45 people
Located in the Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration
1.5 Hours
*Requires 4-week advance booking & based on availability

a group of women standing around a table with wine glasses and bottles

Distilled Spirits Tasting

Embark on a curated spirits tasting experience designed for both the curious and the connoisseur. Guests will select their preferred journey, whiskey or tequila, and explore a guided tasting of six distinct expressions, each thoughtfully chosen to highlight the depth, character, and craftsmanship of the spirit. Led by our expert team, this experience offers an engaging introduction to flavor profiles, production techniques, and the nuances that define each pour.

Classes: Whiskeys of the World or Adoring Agave

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 8 people | Maximum of 45 people
Located in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration 1.5 Hours
*Requires 4-week advance booking & based on availability

a man and woman smiling at each other

Mixology Experience

A lively, hands-on cocktail experience where guests learn foundational mixology techniques while crafting their own drinks. From proper shaking and stirring to balance and garnish, this interactive class blends education with energy. Designed to be social and celebratory, it’s a natural fit for team gatherings, client entertainment, and group celebrations.

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 8 people | Maximum of 15 people
Located in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration
1 Hour
*Requires 4-week advance booking & based on availability

liquor flight

Distilled Spirits Tasting

Embark on a curated spirits tasting experience designed for both the curious and the connoisseur. Guests will select their preferred journey, whiskey or tequila, and explore a guided tasting of six distinct expressions, each thoughtfully chosen to highlight the depth, character, and craftsmanship of the spirit. Led by our expert team, this experience offers an engaging introduction to flavor profiles, production techniques, and the nuances that define each pour.

Classes: Whiskeys of the World or Adoring Agave

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 8 people | Maximum of 45 people
Located in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration

1.5 Hours
*Requires 4-week advance booking & based on availability

a man and woman smiling at each other

Mixology Experience

A lively, hands-on cocktail experience where guests learn foundational mixology techniques while crafting their own drinks. From proper shaking and stirring to balance and garnish, this interactive class blends education with energy. Designed to be social and celebratory, it’s a natural fit for team gatherings, client entertainment, and group celebrations.

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 8 people | Maximum of 15 people
Located in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration
1 Hour
*Requires 4-week advance booking & based on availability

a group of women standing around a table with cakes
a group of people in a kitchen

Art of the Chef’s Knife

The Art of the Chef’s Knife is a hands-on culinary experience designed to build confidence in the kitchen through essential techniques and foundational skills. Guests will learn proper knife handling, precision cuts, and preparation methods while crafting a beautifully roasted dish with seasonal vegetables. The experience concludes with guests enjoying the meal they’ve created, thoughtfully paired with red wine.

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 6 people | Maximum of 16 people
Located in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration
1.5 Hours
*Requires 4-week advance booking, based on availability, & usually not available Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM

a group of men in aprons making pasta

Art of Handmade Pasta

A warm, hands-on culinary experience centered around the art of fresh pasta. Guests will learn foundational techniques from mixing and kneading dough to rolling and shaping by hand, gaining an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind this timeless tradition. Approachable and engaging, this class brings people together around the table, concluding with the opportunity to enjoy the dish they’ve created.

Capacities & Venues
Minimum of 6 people | Maximum of 16 people
Located in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Duration
1.5 Hours
*Requires 4-week advance booking & based on availability

Browse More Group Experiences

A gardener works in a greenhouse, potting plants with tools and soil.

Roots of the Rane Center with Auburn University Horticulture

Meet the Auburn University Horticulture team on the rooftop for an intimate introduction to the gardens above the Rane Center. Continue to campus to explore vertical gardens and raised beds, learning how seasonally grown plants are integrated throughout the building and culinary experiences below.

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a group of people in a kitchen

1856 – Culinary Residence

A short walk away, 1856 – Culinary Residence offers a rare tasting‑menu experience where fine dining and education intersect. Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, each course tells a story of craft, curiosity, and Auburn’s elevated culinary future.

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a plate of spaghetti with clams

From Sea to Plate | A Chef’s Guide to Fish Preparation

An insider’s look at professional fish preparation, guided by our culinary team. Guests learn proper breakdown, seasoning, and pansearing techniques while exploring timing, temperature, and texture. Thoughtfully paced and techniquedriven, this experience highlights craftsmanship and offers a handson connection to refined cooking practices.

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a group of people cooking in a kitchen

Culinary Theater Experience

Dinner becomes the performance during this live, chefled dining experience. Enjoy a seasonal appetizer, entrée, and petite fours prepared before you, paired with sparkling wine and curated selections. Storytelling, technique, and elevated cuisine unfold in real time, creating an immersive evening that engages every sense.

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espresso extraction into cups

Art of Coffee Tasting

An engaging journey into the world of coffee, guided by experts at Thrive. Guests explore origins, processing methods, and brewing techniques through pourover demonstrations and guided tastings. A handson cupping session sharpens the palate while deepening understanding, offering coffee lovers a richer connection to every cup.

Request Info
Healthy lifestyle yoga exercise with a woman stretching outdoors on a rooftop.

Yoga on the Rooftop

Begin the day with intention during a private yoga session set high above campus in the rooftop gardens. Surrounded by fresh air and sweeping views of Auburn, this grounding experience blends movement and mindfulness, creating a restorative pause that feels both energizing and deeply connected to place.

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a group of people putting their hands together

Curated Scavenger Hunt

Designed for exploration and connection, this guided scavenger hunt invites groups to discover the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in a playful, immersive way. Through collaboration and friendly competition, guests engage with the space and one another, creating shared moments that feel both interactive and energizing.

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A woman in a blue dress handles a majestic eagle outdoors, showcasing wildlife training.

Raptor Center Experience

Step beyond campus for a private visit to the Auburn University Raptor Center, where conservation and Auburn tradition unite. Guests enjoy upclose encounters with birds of prey while learning about rehabilitation, flight training, and preservation efforts. This meaningful experience offers education, storytelling, and a powerful connection to Auburn spirit.

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