BBQ Classes in the
Hunter Valley
Australia's most authentic open fire BBQ experience. Learn gaucho asado, parrilla, and churrasco from a Brazilian-trained specialist — in the heart of wine country.
Not Just Another BBQ Class
There are plenty of BBQ schools in the Hunter Valley. Pampa Flame is something different — a genuine gaucho experience rooted in South American tradition, delivered by a specialist who has cooked for thousands.
Authentic Gaucho Tradition
Givago Garcia Tissot is a Brazilian-trained chef and veterinarian who has spent decades mastering the art of open fire cooking. This isn't a generic BBQ class — it's the real gaucho experience, brought to the Hunter Valley.
Science Meets Craft
As a qualified veterinarian with deep expertise in meat science, Givago teaches you not just how to cook — but why. Understand muscle fibre, fat rendering, and the chemistry of fire to cook perfect meat every time.
Premium Cuts, Proper Fire
Forget gas. Forget kettle BBQs. Learn to cook over real wood fire on a traditional parrilla — the way it's been done in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil for centuries. Premium cuts, proper technique.
What You'll Learn
In four hours over open fire, you'll develop skills that most home cooks never learn. Givago's teaching style is hands-on, practical, and deeply rooted in the gaucho tradition.
- Fire management: building, controlling, and reading the fire
- Parrilla technique: height, timing, and heat zones
- Meat selection: which cuts work best over open fire and why
- Asado seasoning: the gaucho approach to salt, herbs, and chimichurri
- Churrasco on skewers: Brazilian espeto technique
- Resting and carving: how to serve meat at its best
- Smoke and flavour: using wood types to enhance your cook
- The science behind perfect crust and juicy interior
South American BBQ Traditions
Open fire cooking is not one thing — it's a rich tapestry of traditions from across South America. In our Hunter Valley masterclass, you'll experience the best of all of them.
Asado (Argentina & Uruguay)
The original open fire tradition. Slow-cooked beef, lamb, and offal over wood embers on a parrilla grill. The centrepiece of every Argentine and Uruguayan gathering.
Learn moreChurrasco (Brazil)
Brazilian BBQ at its finest. Meat on long skewers (espeto), cooked over high heat and carved tableside. Picanha, fraldinha, and costela are the stars.
Learn moreGaucho Parrilla
The gaucho way — a combination of Argentine and Brazilian traditions, adapted for the open range. Givago's signature style, refined over decades of cooking.
Learn moreEspeto & Skewer Cooking
The art of cooking on long metal skewers over open fire. From whole fish to beef ribs, espeto cooking is one of the most dramatic and delicious techniques in the gaucho repertoire.
Learn more
Your Host: Givago Garcia Tissot
Givago is a Brazilian-qualified veterinarian, chef, and Australia's leading open fire BBQ specialist. He combines scientific knowledge of meat with decades of hands-on gaucho cooking experience.
He was the first Gaucho practitioner to deliver open fire cooking at Sydney's Vivid Festival, and has cooked for thousands of guests across Australia. His masterclasses are intimate, educational, and deeply satisfying.
Based in the Hunter Valley region, Givago's classes draw participants from Newcastle, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, and beyond — all coming to experience the real thing.
BBQ Classes Near You
Pampa Flame draws participants from across the Hunter Valley region and beyond. Find information specific to your area: