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May 15
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Portugal tour

Portugal Tour Served Up Beauty, Bacalhau, and Bottles of Wine

By Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

I recently had the pleasure of guiding one of the most memorable tours I’ve ever experienced—our Taste Vacations Portugal Food & Wine Tour—and I’m still smiling just thinking about it.

We stayed at the stunning Vintage House Hotel in Pinhão—easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. With views of terraced vineyards and the Douro River right outside our windows, it was already magical. Then on Day 2, the power went out… across the entire country! But if you’re going to lose electricity for 12 hours, this was the place to be. The peaceful atmosphere, incredible scenery, and good company made it a night to remember.

While in the Douro, we enjoyed a wonderful tasting at Quinta da Aveleda, where gorgeous gardens and top-tier wines set the tone for the days to come. As one guest put it, “The excursions, wineries, and restaurants were exquisitely curated!”

Portugal Tour cooking class

Next, we headed to Porto, where the energy picked up and so did our appetite. We took a cooking class with the charismatic Chef Hugo, diving into traditional Portuguese dishes, like bacalhau and caldo verde soup, while sipping wine and laughing together in the kitchen. It was hands-on, delicious, and so much fun. Of course, no trip to Porto would be complete without tasting its namesake—Port! We enjoyed generous pours and learned just how special (and diverse!) these fortified wines truly are.

To round out the tour, we traveled to the Alentejo region and visited the walled town of Évora, with a stop in the tiny village of Monsaraz for a lunch I’ll never forget. At Sabores de Monsaraz, we were treated to an unforgettable lunch prepared by Dona Isabel, a small but mighty Portuguese woman who served us delicious home-cooked dishes—including fava beans and a homemade mint digestif that still have us talking. “Each meal had something special,” one guest shared. “The curation of the dining experiences was extraordinary!”

Portugal tour winery stop

Throughout the tour, I was joined by our amazing local guide, Francisco, whose deep knowledge of Portuguese history, wine, and culture brought every experience to life. His passion and insight made the trip even more meaningful.

What made this journey truly exceptional, though, was the group itself. “The trip exceeded our expectations. We had an amazing group of people on the trip, and everyone became quick friends,” said another guest. And that’s what Taste Vacations is all about—connecting over great food, exceptional wine, and unforgettable experiences.

Portugal tour boat tour

From vineyard views to home-cooked meals, the Portugal tour offered us warmth, flavor, and hospitality at every turn.

If Portugal’s now calling your name—trust us, it’s worth answering.

Mar 31
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Food Tastes Better on Vacation

5 Reasons Food Tastes Better on Vacation

By Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

There’s something undeniably special about the food we eat while traveling. A simple meal can feel like the most exquisite dish you’ve ever tasted, and a glass of wine can seem richer and more complex than any bottle you’ve opened at home. But why is it that food tastes better on vacation? Is it just the setting, or is there a more comprehensive reason that this seems to always be true?

The answer lies in a mix of psychology, environment, and experience. Traveling enhances our senses, shifts our perspectives, and allows us to appreciate flavors in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood along the coast, sipping wine at a centuries-old vineyard, or savoring a homemade dish in a cozy family-run restaurant, food and drink become an essential part of the journey. Here are five reasons why food tastes better when you’re on vacation:

1. The Power of Place

Food is deeply connected to its surroundings. A glass of wine in Bordeaux, a plate of pasta in Italy, or learning how to make bowl Pasteis de Nata in Portugal doesn’t just taste better because it’s authentic—it tastes better because you’re immersed in the environment that created it.

Local ingredients are often fresher and sourced in their prime. The tomatoes in a Caprese salad in Sorrento taste sweeter because they were grown in the Italian sun and picked at peak ripeness. The seafood in a coastal town seems more vibrant because it was caught that morning. Eating in a setting that enhances the dish—whether it’s a vineyard, a bustling market, or a quiet countryside inn—adds to the overall experience and makes the flavors even more pronounced.

2. The Joy of Discovery

One of the greatest joys of travel is discovering new flavors and culinary traditions. When we step outside our comfort zones, we open ourselves up to regional specialties, unfamiliar ingredients, and cooking techniques that tell a story about a place.

Tasting something for the first time heightens our sensory experience. Trying Georgian khachapuri while overlooking a vineyard, enjoying a traditional pintxos crawl through San Sebastián, or indulging in a perfectly prepared steak in Argentina introduces us to the culinary soul of a destination. These new experiences create lasting memories and make food taste even better.

3. The Influence of a Relaxed Mindset

At home, meals are often rushed. Between work, responsibilities, and daily routines, we rarely take the time to truly savor our food. On vacation, that all changes. We slow down. We take in our surroundings. We appreciate each bite without distraction.

Studies show that when we’re relaxed, our perception of taste improves. Less stress allows us to focus on flavors, textures, and aromas. A simple croissant and coffee, enjoyed on a quiet morning at a sidewalk café, can feel like a moment of pure bliss. The act of being present and engaged in a meal enhances our enjoyment and makes food taste better.

4. The Social and Cultural Experience

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience meant to be shared. Whether it’s an intimate dinner with fellow travelers, a guided wine tasting led by a passionate winemaker, or a communal feast at a local festival, the social element of food enhances our enjoyment.

When we travel, we have the opportunity to connect with locals, chefs, and artisans who share their culinary traditions with us. Learning the story behind the dish—where it comes from, how it’s made, and why it’s special—deepens our appreciation. A simple meal becomes extraordinary when it’s accompanied by stories, laughter, and cultural insight.

5. The Adventure Factor

Traveling pushes us to try things we might not normally eat at home. We step outside our comfort zones, take risks, and embrace the adventure of food. Whether it’s foraging for truffles in Italy, joining a hands-on cooking class in India to learn how to use those incredible spices, or sipping an unusual craft beer in Belgium, the excitement of new experiences heightens our senses and makes flavors more vivid.

We also tend to indulge more on vacation, allowing ourselves to enjoy rich flavors, multi-course meals, and leisurely dining experiences without guilt. This sense of freedom and adventure contributes to why food seems to taste better when we travel.

For those who love to travel for food, wine, and beer and agree that food tastes better on vacation, exploring destinations through guided culinary tours offers the ultimate opportunity to taste the world in a meaningful and unforgettable way (with someone else managing all the logistics and finding the hidden gems to discover). Whether it’s savoring wine in the rolling hills of Spain or indulging in farm-to-table dining in a hidden countryside retreat, the journey of food is one worth savoring. Discover how you can experience the best flavors the world has to offer. 

Jan 02
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7 Destinations Every Culinary Enthusiast Should Explore

By Food, Taste Vacations No Comments

For a true culinary enthusiast, travel is as much about the flavors as it is about the sights. The world is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and every destination offers a unique taste of its culture and traditions. From fragrant spices to decadent wines, here are the must-visit destinations every foodie should add to their travel bucket list.

1. India: A Symphony of Spices

India’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography. From the buttery richness of North Indian curries to the fiery flavors of South Indian dishes, there’s a dish to delight every palate.  Don’t miss the bustling street food scenes in Delhi and Mumbai, where you can sample samosas, chaats, and the famous pav bhaji.

Must-Try Dish: Biryani – a fragrant, spiced rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables, each region offering its own unique twist.

2. Georgia: A Hidden Culinary Gem

Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a food lover’s paradise that’s often overlooked. Georgian cuisine is all about bold flavors and heartwarming dishes. Try khinkali (juicy dumplings) or khachapuri (a gooey, cheese-filled bread that’s pure comfort). Pair these with local wines – Georgia is the birthplace of winemaking, with a tradition dating back 8,000 years.

Must-Try Dish: Adjarian Khachapuri – an iconic dish shaped like a boat and filled with gooey cheese, a soft egg yolk, and a generous pat of butter.

3. Portugal: A Coastal Feast

Portugal is a dream for seafood lovers, with its Atlantic coastline offering the freshest catch. Wander the streets of Lisbon and Porto, where you’ll find pastel de nata (custard tarts) in every café. For a more hearty meal, indulge in bacalhau (salt cod) dishes or the comforting cozido à portuguesa, a slow-cooked stew. Pair it all with a glass of port wine for the ultimate Portuguese experience.

Must-Try Dish: Grilled sardines – simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, especially during local festivals.

4. Peru: The Culinary Capital of South America

Peruvian cuisine has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. The country’s diverse geography – from the Andes to the Amazon – inspires dishes bursting with unique flavors. Lima, often hailed as South America’s culinary capital, is home to world-renowned restaurants. Sample ceviche, a refreshing mix of fresh fish, lime, and chili, or dig into lomo saltado, a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors.

Must-Try Dish: Ceviche – Peru’s signature dish, best enjoyed in coastal cities like Lima.

5. Spain: A Tapestry of Flavors

Spain’s culinary scene is a celebration of vibrant, bold, and social eating. From the tapas bars of Barcelona to the paella kitchens of Valencia, every region offers something unique. Sip on sangria as you indulge in Iberico ham, patatas bravas, or fresh seafood. For a sweet treat, churros dipped in thick hot chocolate are a must.

Must-Try Dish: Paella – Spain’s iconic saffron-infused rice dish, loaded with seafood or meats.

6. Tuscany, Italy: A Rustic Culinary Heaven

Tuscany is the epitome of farm-to-table dining, where simple ingredients shine in traditional recipes. Picture yourself in a charming vineyard, sipping Chianti while enjoying a hearty bowl of pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar ragu). Tuscany’s markets overflow with fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats, perfect for assembling the ultimate picnic spread.

Must-Try Dish: Bistecca alla Fiorentina – A thick, juicy T-bone steak cooked simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grilled over an open flame.

7. Bordeaux, France: The Epicenter of Wine and Gourmet Dining

Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, but its culinary offerings are equally impressive. Pair a glass of full-bodied red with local delicacies like entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak in a rich wine sauce) or indulge in the region’s famed canelés – small, caramelized pastries with a custardy center. The vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants make Bordeaux a dream destination for food and wine enthusiasts.

Must-Try Dish: Canelés – a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with Bordeaux’s exquisite wines.

A Journey for the Taste Buds

Traveling as a culinary enthusiast is about more than just meals – it’s about experiencing the soul of a culture through its flavors. Each of these destinations offers a unique story told through food, wine, and traditions. Whether you’re sipping wine in Bordeaux, indulging in street food in India, or savoring seafood in Portugal, your taste buds will thank you for the adventure. Travel with us to all these destinations and more!

So pack your bags and bring your appetite – the world is waiting to be explored, one bite at a time!

Nov 18
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Taste Vacations Travel Club

The Amazing Food & Wine of Georgia (The Country)

By Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

The food and wine of Georgia are captivating – that was one of the major impressions of my first trip to the country.

Georgian Wines

Georgia is currently one of the hottest locations in the wine world for industry insiders. It is known as the birthplace of wine, since it has a relic from 8,000 years ago containing resin from fermented grapes – farther back than anywhere else on the planet. Georgia has 350 native grape varieties, most of which you have never heard of. It is also famous in the wine industry for its emphasis on “natural wine”, or wine made from grapes without fertilizers or pesticides and produced with nothing added.

Then you throw in the romance of the kvevri, a clay vessel used for fermentation that is located underground, and you have an amazing wine industry producing excellent wines. But two other things impressed me the most when I was in Georgia. First, that the country has somehow kept alive its winemaking traditions for the past 8,000 years, despite multiple invasions, sometimes by countries intent on destroying its grapes. Second, that pretty much every restaurant boasted of serving Georgian wine – no need to convince the locals to drink and sell the local wine!

Georgian Food

Georgian food has no such equivalent cache as does the wine industry. Tell me – what do you know about the food from the country of Georgia? Chances are your answer is nothing. Once you start reading about traveling to Georgia, you will read about how great the food is. I was, nevertheless, blown away by the food, for multiple reasons.

  • There is a traditional way to eat in Georgia. Most meals are served family style and the dishes even come out in a traditional order. For me, this was a much more fun experience and certainly simplified ordering, since we could just order a bunch of dishes (and have our Georgian guide do it).
  • Much of the produce, grains, and meats are grown and raised locally. This is truly farm to table eating and they do it because it is the easiest thing to do, not because it is trendy.
  • Georgian cuisine uses a lot of vegetables and nuts and they are cooked into flavorful dishes rather than just served on their own. While meat is served at most meals, the country is truly a great place for those trying to increase their vegetable intake.
  • The supra, sort of a banquet feast, is by itself a common custom in Georgia. Normally there is a “toast maker” or master of ceremonies and the wines are integrated into the meal. You can (and will if you join us in Georgia) spend hours enjoying the food, wine, and culture of one supra.

The Food & Wine of Georgia

On our Georgia Food & Wine Tour, we of course indulge in lots of food and wine. But the tour is so much more than that. We visit different sorts of wineries where we speak with owners and winemakers, taste wines, and learn how the wine making process works. We visit markets and food producers. We do a craft beer tasting and have the opportunity to taste chacha, a homemade spirit made of the dregs from the wine grapes.

In the end, the best thing about visiting Georgia is that the experience is real. You are much more likely to encounter a home winemaker than an industrial winery in this country. And we think you will love it.

Join us for a Georgia Food & Wine tour in 2025 and find out for yourself!

Jan 22
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Best foodie vacation

What Makes For The Best Foodie Vacation?

By Food, Taste Vacations, Travel Tips No Comments

Foodie vacations cater to those who seek food (and beverages!) as a central focus of their travel experience, hoping to immerse themselves in the culinary richness of different cultures and destinations they visit. The best foodie vacations often involve exploring destinations that are, of course, known for their culinary scene and diverse gastronomic offerings. But, with a little know-how, a foodie vacation can be had almost any destination! Here are some of the key elements to look for when planning a foodie vacation:

Cover the Local Cuisine

Destinations that allow you to explore a breadth of traditional dishes, street food, and regional specialties allow you the best shot at getting an authentic taste of the culinary culture.

Hands-on Learning

Cooking classes immerse you in the local scene by allowing you to learn how to prepare traditional dishes. Often finding a culinary workshop will allow you to learn a specific skill such as pasta making or chocolate crafting, and then you get to bring a bit of the local flair back home with you.

Local Markets

Another tangible experience is exploring local markets where you can sample fresh produce and local specialties and get to chat with the vendors. It’s a great way to experience the food of the region straight from the source. 

In-depth Foodie Vacation Visits

Finding opportunities to visit with local food producers or tour hidden gems provides insights into the traditions of an area not found by just visiting restaurants. 

Food & Beverage Pairing

If you enjoy wine or are a beer geek, consider destinations with these as an important part of the culture and economy. Participating in tours and tastings and getting to experience pairing food with local beverages, provides another special level of culinary immersion. 

Intimate & Extraordinary Meals

When you think you have found a good destination, look a bit deeper to see what unique and out-of-the-ordinary dining experiences might be available there. An extraordinary meal can be an event you’ll never forget (or will always want to go back for). 

Sharing Culinary Experiences

We are strong believers that getting to share the outstanding experience of foodie travel with other enthusiasts, makes the experience (and the food) even better. Joining a tour focused on this kind of travel offers a special kind of dynamic joy of shared camaraderie when you are all in the moment with a tasty or unique delicacy.

For a sampling of ideas of terrific destinations we believe offer the above, visit the Vacations page of this site.