If you’re joining our Belgium Beer, Food & Walking Cultural Adventure, you’re in for a treat before the first sip is even poured. You’ll be exploring Belgium with our longtime local guide, Yannick de Cocquéau, one of the most passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun beer experts in the country.
Yannick lives in Geraardsbergen but grew up in Ghent, a city he still proudly calls home. He embodies what he calls the “Burgundian Lifestyle.” This means living life to the fullest, savoring good food, great company, and the fermented treasures Belgium is famous for. His love of gastronomy runs deep. It shows in every story he tells, every brewery he introduces, and every tasting he leads.
What makes Yannick truly exceptional is his rare combination of expertise and warmth. He’s a certified beer sommelier, has brewed his own beers, guides tasting sessions for groups, and is actively involved in multiple beer associations. He was part of the team behind the renowned Zythos Beer Festival and even organizes international beer competitions. After years in the industry, he knows every Belgian brewer personally — and more importantly, he knows the stories behind their beers, their families, and their craft.
But Yannick’s palate doesn’t end with beer. His passion originally began with wine, leading him to become a wine sommelier as well. He remains involved behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest wine competitions, making him a true “pluralist” when it comes to all things fermented. Whether it bubbles, barrels, brews, or ages, Yannick can talk about it — and make you fall in love with it, too.
He’s guided Taste Vacations guests for many, many years, and his presence is often a highlight of the entire trip. Guests consistently rave about his enthusiasm, generosity, and ability to make everyone — from total beer newbies to seasoned enthusiasts — feel welcome and included.
Here’s what past travelers have said about him:
“Yannick was very attentive to all our needs and shared his time with all – always with a smile. He was so full of knowledge about both the culture, the areas we were visiting, and history of beer. Very impressed!”
“Yannick brought so much to the table with beer knowledge, local knowledge, and extraordinary energy and patience.”
When you travel with Yannick, you don’t just taste Belgian beer — you experience Belgium through the eyes of someone who loves this country deeply and wants to share that love with every guest. With him leading the way, you’ll gain insider access, meet the brewers behind your favorite pours, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Belgium’s beer culture than you ever thought possible.
If you’re thinking about joining us in Belgium, just know: you couldn’t ask for a better guide.
