Skip to main content
All Posts By

Sarah Wohlner

May 28
Love0
The benefits of going on a group tour

6 Reasons Why You’ll Love Small Group Tours

By Taste Vacations, Travel Tips No Comments

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a new destination without the stress of planning or the overwhelm of a huge tour group, small group travel might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re sipping wine in Tuscany, tasting trappist beers in Belgium, or wandering Portugal’s coastal towns, small group tours create a richer, more personal, and more immersive experience.

Here are six reasons why travelers love small group tours, and why you may never want to travel any other way.

1. Enjoy a More Personal, Intimate Travel Experience

When you travel with a small group (typically 4–16 people), everything feels more relaxed and personable. You’re not lost in a crowd — you’re part of a welcoming group where conversations flow naturally and connections form quickly.

Small group tours allow you to:

  • Build genuine relationships with fellow travelers

  • Enjoy meaningful time with your guide

  • Share meals and moments that feel like friends traveling together

This intimate atmosphere is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and anyone who wants community without chaos.

7 myths about group travel

2. Access Local, Authentic Experiences Large Groups Can’t Reach

One of the biggest advantages of small group travel is access. Big groups are limited to large, tourist-oriented venues — but small groups can visit boutique, family-owned, and off-the-beaten-path spots that truly represent the heart of a destination.

Expect special experiences like:

  • Private wine tastings at small wineries

  • Hands-on cooking classes with local chefs

  • Meals in family-run restaurants

  • Visits to farms, markets, and artisans

  • Behind-the-scenes tours not available to the general public

These are the authentic, memorable moments travelers crave.

3. Enjoy More Flexibility and a Comfortable Travel Pace

Small groups move smoothly and efficiently. There’s no herding dozens of people or rushing through experiences.

With fewer travelers, your guide can adjust the timing, add spontaneous stops, or linger in places the group loves. This creates a travel pace that feels:

  • Relaxed

  • Organic

  • More aligned with your interests

It’s the perfect blend of structure and flexibility.

4. Learn From Knowledgeable Local Guides Who Truly Have Time for You

Great guides are the secret ingredient to unforgettable travel. On a small group tour, your guide isn’t just a leader — they’re a storyteller, cultural expert, and resource who has the time to engage with everyone.

You’ll benefit from:

  • Local insights and stories

  • Personalized recommendations

  • In-depth explanations of history, culture, food, and wine

  • Guides who know the region — and its people — extremely well

On Taste Vacations tours, for example, many guides personally know the winemakers, brewers, and chefs you’ll meet, allowing for rare insider access.

5. Stress-Free Travel With the Perfect Level of Adventure

One of the biggest reasons travelers choose small group tours is convenience. Everything is arranged for you — transportation, tastings, meals, reservations, and logistics.

You get all the best parts of travel — discovery, culture, food, and fun — without the headaches of planning.

Small group tours let you:

  • Skip long lines

  • Avoid logistical hassles

  • Relax while your guide handles details

  • Focus on enjoying every moment

It’s adventure, made effortless.

6. The Ideal Balance of Social Time and Personal Space

Small group tours offer the best of both worlds: companionship and independence. You’ll enjoy shared experiences that spark conversation, but you’ll also have time to explore on your own.

This balance creates a smooth, enjoyable travel rhythm — especially helpful for solo travelers or people who want both connection and space.

Why Travelers Keep Choosing Small Group Tours

Small group tours offer deeper cultural immersion, more authentic experiences, and more meaningful connections. They give you the comfort of guided travel while preserving the excitement of discovering something new.

If you’re ready to see what small-group travel feels like, explore Taste Vacations’ trips such as:

These tours highlight everything small group travel does best: discovery, connection, incredible food, and unforgettable wine and beer. Join us and see why traveling on a small-group tour is the best!

Mar 03
Love0
Portugal hot destination

Why Portugal Is the Hottest Travel Destination

By Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

If you’re wondering why everyone seems to be falling in love with Portugal, you’re not alone — and you’re not late to the party. This magical country is having a moment, and for good reason. Here’s why Portugal is red hot and we’ll give you a recommendation on how best to enjoy it!

1. Portugal’s Natural Beauty Is Irresistible

From the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley to the rolling plains of Alentejo, Portugal packs a breathtaking variety of landscapes into a relatively small footprint. On our Portugal Wine Food Vacations, you’ll wake up to vineyard views, cruise on the Douro River, and explore historic hill towns — all woven into one immersive journey.

2. Food Is at the Heart of Everything

Portugal’s cuisine is simple, soulful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Think: grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), hearty stews, and of course, pastéis de nata. On our tour, you won’t just eat — you’ll cook alongside local chefs, learn Portuguese recipes in hands-on classes, and dine in hidden gems that only insiders know about.

3. Wine That’s World-Class (and Often Under-the-Radar)

Portugal’s wine regions are having their moment. The Douro Valley isn’t just for port — there are elegant reds, crisp whites, and boutique quintas that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations. We recommend you:

  • Visit family-run vineyards and historic wine estates

  • Taste both port and table wines

  • Learn about wine production from winemakers themselves

  • Take part in blending or cellar experiences

4. Rich Culture — Without the Overwhelming Crowds

Portugal masterfully balances its history and modernity. You’ll wander through Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods, explore Porto’s tile-clad alleys, and even step into the Roman and medieval heritage of Évora.

5. Perfect Weather, Year-Round

Whether you’re traveling in spring, summer, or fall, Portugal tends to deliver. The climate is ideal for outdoor meals, wine tasting under the sun, and exploring villages by foot. However, we recommend Spring and Fall because you’ll still get great weather, but miss the summer crowd surge.

6. Warm, Welcoming People

Portuguese hospitality is genuine and heartfelt. On the Portugal Vacation, travelers repeatedly tell us that the guide, Francisco, was a highlight — deeply knowledgeable about wine, history, and local life. Our guests also bond with each other: as one past traveler put it, “everyone became quick friends … connecting over great food, exceptional wine, and unforgettable experiences.”

Portugal isn’t just trending — it’s a destination that delivers on beauty, flavor, and soul. And there’s no better way to experience it than with a journey that’s designed to awaken all your senses. If you’re ready to explore, taste, and connect, our 2026 Public Portugal Wine Food Vacation is calling your name.

Feb 03
Love0
Yannick

Meet Yannick de Cocquéau: The Heart (and Hop Spirit) of Our Belgium Tours

By Beer, Food, Taste Vacations No Comments

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.

Jan 15
Love0
Bordeaux wine

What to Expect on a Bordeaux Wine Tour: A Complete First-Timer’s Guide (2026)

By Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

What to expect on a Bordeaux Wine Tour… if you’ve been dreaming of swirling a glass of world-class red while gazing over centuries-old vineyards, there’s no better place to start than Bordeaux. As one of the most prestigious wine regions on Earth, Bordeaux offers an unforgettable blend of grand châteaux, charming medieval towns, gourmet cuisine, and—of course—phenomenal wine.

But what actually happens on a Bordeaux wine tour? What should first-time visitors know before they go? Whether you’re planning your first tasting trip or joining our Taste Vacations Bordeaux Food & Wine 2026 Tour, here’s everything you can expect from the experience.

1. You’ll Taste a Wide Variety of Wines (Not Just Reds!)

Bordeaux is famous for its bold, structured red blends, but your tastings will likely include:

  • Elegant Left Bank Cabernet-forward blends

  • Silky Right Bank Merlot-driven wines

  • Crisp whites from Graves

  • Refreshing rosés

  • And even sweet Sauternes made from grapes touched by noble rot

2. You’ll Visit Both Grand Châteaux and Smaller Family Estates

Bordeaux is home to some of the most recognizable wine estates in the world—but the real magic often comes from visiting a mix of properties. Expect:

  • Legendary châteaux with ornate architecture and expansive barrel rooms

  • Smaller family-run estates where the winemaker pours your tasting

  • Historic cellars that date back centuries

  • Modern wineries experimenting with organic and biodynamic methods

Our Bordeaux Food & Wine 2026 tour combines both iconic names and intimate hidden gems.

3. You’ll Learn How Bordeaux Wine Is Made

Even if you’re not a wine geek, watching the process from grape to glass is fascinating. Tours often include:

  • Vineyard walks

  • Barrel cellar visits

  • Production explanations

  • Demonstrations of blending techniques

By the end, you’ll understand why Bordeaux wines taste the way they do—and you’ll be able to describe them with confidence.

4. You’ll Explore Charming Towns Like Saint-Émilion

A proper Bordeaux wine tour is about more than wine. Expect cultural experiences like:

  • Wandering the medieval village of Saint-Émilion

  • Touring its famous underground monolithic church

  • Enjoying local markets and riverside walks in the city of Bordeaux

  • Climbing the stunning Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune

5. You’ll Enjoy Spectacular Meals Paired With Local Wines

One of the highlights of any Bordeaux trip is the food. You can expect:

  • Multi-course meals

  • Fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay

  • Foie gras and artisan cheeses

  • Local specialties like canelés

  • Wine-paired dining experiences

On our tour, guests enjoy carefully selected restaurants and curated pairings designed to highlight the best of the region.

6. You’ll Get Insider Access With a Knowledgeable Guide

The right guide transforms a good trip into a great one. On a guided tour like ours, you’ll:

  • Meet winemakers

  • Access private tasting rooms

  • Learn about Bordeaux’s complex classification systems

  • Discover estates most travelers never get into

  • Receive personalized recommendations

A local expert removes the guesswork and opens doors—literally.

7. You’ll Leave With a Deeper Appreciation for Bordeaux

By the end of your trip, you’ll not only understand the wines—you’ll feel connected to the region. Most first-timers say they leave wanting to come back… and with a few bottles in their luggage.

If you’re ready to experience Bordeaux in an immersive, delicious, and culturally rich way, explore our Taste Vacations Public Bordeaux Food & Wine 2026 Tour for the ultimate first-timer-friendly itinerary.

Jan 05
Love0

The Taste Vacations Difference: Small Group Culinary Tours You’ll Never Forget

By Beer, Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

When it comes to food and wine travel, not all culinary tours are created equal. At Taste Vacations, we believe a great trip should go beyond checking off sightseeing boxes—it should immerse you in authentic, local flavors, warm hospitality, and memorable moments shared with like-minded travelers.

With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry (including our sister companies Zephyr Adventures and Travel Montana), we’ve crafted a unique approach to culinary tours that food, wine, and beer lovers keep coming back for.

Here’s what makes Taste Vacations the best choice for your next delicious escape:

1. Small Group Culinary Tours With Big Flavor

We keep our groups intentionally small—typically 15 guests or fewer—so you enjoy more personal attention, flexibility, and access to places larger tour groups can’t go. Whether you’re exploring a vineyard in Tuscany or sharing a meal in a local’s home in Georgia, our intimate group size fosters deeper connections and more authentic experiences.

2. Start in the City, Stay in the Storybook

While we often start or end our tours in major cities like Bilbao, Lisbon, or Florence for convenience, we spend the heart of the trip in charming, lesser-known towns that offer both tranquility and character. These hidden gems let you slow down, unwind, and truly taste the culture—without the crowds.

3. Real Local Experiences You Can’t Google

Our itineraries are built around hands-on, immersive moments—not lines and landmarks.

  • Cook a regional dish alongside a local chef

  • Visit small, family-run wineries you won’t find on TripAdvisor

  • Savor meals at under-the-radar restaurants the locals actually eat at

  • Enjoy private tastings, chef-led dinners, or visits to artisan producers

These aren’t your average culinary tours. They’re personalized, curated, and full of flavor—literally and figuratively.

4. Comfortable Luxury in Every Destination

From boutique hotels in French wine country to stylish guesthouses in Portugal’s coastal towns, we prioritize comfort, charm, and local flair. You’ll stay in unique accommodations that reflect the personality of the region, all while enjoying the level of luxury you deserve on vacation.

5. Local Guides Who Feel Like Friends

Every Taste Vacations tour includes a professional local guide who travels with you throughout the experience. Think of them as part concierge, part cultural translator, and part storyteller. Whether you need help ordering a regional dish, finding a quiet wine bar, or understanding a local custom—they’re there to support you.

6. Where We Go: Food & Wine Destinations Worth Traveling For

We lead culinary tours in some of the world’s most delicious destinations, including:

  • Italy – We start our tour in Florence, capital of the Medici, and hit major areas including Chianti, Arezzo, Assisi, and Montepulciano, with a side trip into Umbria.

  • France – We’ll taste a wide range of Bordeaux wines from both the Left and Right Banks

  • Spain & Portugal – Discover tapas, paella, vinho verde, and ginjinha

  • Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia & More

Explore all our destinations here →

💬 What Guests Are Saying

“It felt like traveling with friends—without the stress of planning. The meals, the people, the wine… it was perfect.” – Taste Vacations Guest

“Every day included something I never would have discovered on my own. You can’t put a price on that.” – Spain Taste Vacation Guest

Ready to Savor Your Next Vacation?

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply craving an unforgettable escape, we invite you to join us on a tour that feeds your appetite for travel.

Don’t miss our special public tours that are open to everyone: