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Learn to Make Tamales by Hand

Make authentic tamales from scratch with Gerardo Diaz. Learn to prepare the masa, fill, wrap, and steam your own batch in this hands-on Sonoma class.

Join instructor Gerardo Diaz for a hands-on evening of tamale making. You’ll learn each step of this beloved tradition, from preparing the masa to seasoning the filling, wrapping in husks, and steaming to perfection. Along the way you’ll pick up the techniques and tips that make tamales so satisfying to craft at home. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or looking to perfect your skills, you’ll leave with a batch of your own creations and the confidence to make them again. Sign up today and bring your appetite to the Sonoma Community Center.


Gerardo Diaz

Gerardo Diaz is a passionate individual with a love for the great outdoors, culinary arts, and family connections. Born and raised in Mazatlan Sinaloa Gerardo’s affinity for nature was fostered from a young age. His earliest memories are filled with the sights and sounds of the ocean waves sparking a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure.
Beyond his love for fishing, Gerardo is also a skilled culinary enthusiast. He delights in the art of cooking, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to create mouthwatering dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From sizzling seafood caught on his own fishing excursions to hearty meals prepared with love for his family, Gerardo’s kitchen is always brimming with creativity and flavor.

Above all else, Gerardo treasures time spent with his family. Whether they’re gathered around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter or embarking on outdoor escapades together, the bond they share is unbreakable. He believes that family is the cornerstone of happiness and finds true joy in nurturing those relationships through shared experiences and cherished moments.


Membership Has It’s Benefits

All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.

Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.


We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

All credits must be used within 1 year.

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.

  • All Levels
  • Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
  • Beginning
  • Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
  • Intermediate
  • Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
  • Advanced
  • Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.

We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.

Registration Open

Date & Time

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

This Session

Event Series (See All)

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Location

276 East Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476

Category

Experience Level

Experience Level

All-Levels, Beginning and Advanced

Ages

Age(s)

18-over

Registration Cost:

$100

Materials Fee:

Included


Total Registration Cost:

$100