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Sep 12
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Food and Wine Journey in Spain

Taste the Soul of Spain Through a Food & Wine Journey

By Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

What if your next vacation wasn’t just about seeing the sights, but about tasting the soul of a country? Let’s talk about a food and wine journey in Spain! 

Picture this: the sizzle of garlic and olive oil filling a cozy kitchen, the hum of conversation spilling out of a tapas bar, and the swirl of a wine at an intimate bodega catching the last rays of Spanish sunlight. In Spain, food isn’t just fuel—it’s culture, heritage, and passion served on every plate.

A Feast for the Senses

Few countries can rival Spain’s culinary diversity. On the coasts, freshly grilled sardines and seafood paellas capture the flavors of the sea. In Castilla, rustic stews and roasted lamb speak to centuries of tradition. And in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the vineyards produce some of the most celebrated wines in the world.

But here’s the challenge: with so many regional specialties and countless wine appellations, how do you know where to begin? Too often, travelers find themselves caught in touristy restaurants or missing the experiences only locals know how to unlock.

Anything But Bland

Spanish cuisine features uncomplicated, down-to-earth ingredients that when combined create incredibly complex flavors and textures. This extraordinary country’s culinary foundations are deeply rooted in history yet each region provides its own distinct flare.

Spain is truly a foodie’s paradise with so many wonderful dishes and wines to choose from.

Spaniards like to have options when it comes to food which is why one of their most iconic culinary traditions is tapas!

Tapas (also known as pintxos in the Basque language) is a popular Spanish dining style made up of a variety of hot and cold dishes that combine to make a full meal. It’s not uncommon to enjoy a tapas bar crawl, much like a regular bar crawl, where you visit several tapas bars in one night, ordering a different dish and drink at each one.

Similar to its cuisine, Spain is known for producing a wide variety of fabulous wines. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste Rioja’s famous big reds made primarily from Tempranillo blended with other reds such as Grenache and Graciano.

Or try a delicious Txakoli, a slightly sparkling, dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol content produced in Spanish Basque Country.

Food and Wine Journey in Spain

Why Go Alone When You Can Go Deeper?

Exploring Spain on your own can be thrilling, but it comes with hurdles: language barriers, crowded tapas strips, and difficulty securing visits at boutique wineries. Without insider knowledge, it’s easy to skim the surface instead of truly savoring what Spain has to offer.

That’s why a curated culinary journey changes everything. With a small group food and wine tour, every detail is thoughtfully designed so you don’t have to worry about logistics. Instead, you can spend your days indulging in flavors, connecting with locals, and discovering Spain through its kitchens, vineyards, and markets.

Food and Wine Journey in Spain

Highlights of a Spain Food & Wine Tour

Here’s what makes a Taste Vacations Spain Food & Wine Tour so unforgettable:

  • Exclusive winery visits in Rioja where you’ll meet the winemakers and taste vintages not available outside Spain.
  • Cooking classes with local chefs, learning the secrets of dishes like tortilla española and gazpacho.
  • Tapas crawls in vibrant city neighborhoods, hopping from bar to bar as Spaniards do.
  • Hidden gems and artisan producers, from olive oil estates to family-run charcuteries.
  • A balanced pace blending fine dining with relaxed, casual meals in authentic settings.

This isn’t about checking off famous sites—it’s about immersing yourself in the flavors and stories that make Spain extraordinary.

Don’t Just Visit Spain—Taste It

Travel is about more than seeing; it’s about savoring. And nowhere is this more true than in Spain, where food and wine embody the heart of the culture. With a Taste Vacations Spain Food & Wine Tour, you’ll do more than sample dishes—you’ll create memories and connections that stay with you long after the last glass of Rioja is poured.

If Spain has always been on your list, don’t just go. Taste it. Learn more about the Spain Food & Wine Tour with Taste Vacations

Jul 22
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Eat This City: 3-Day Food & Drink Guide to Lisbon

By Food, Taste Vacations, Travel Tips, Wine No Comments

This guide is for travelers seeking to extend their stay in Lisbon after our Portugal Food & Wine Vacation. This 3-day food and drink guide to Lisbon will take you from iconic bites to unexpected sips—with a few sunset views along the way.

Lisbon isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a feast for your tastebuds. From buttery pastries fresh out of 100-year-old ovens to wine bars tucked into cobbled alleyways, Portugal’s capital is a dream for food and drink lovers.

 

🍳 Day 1: Bold Breakfasts, Big Views & Classic Sips

Morning: Design-Driven Breakfast Crawl

Start your Lisbon adventure with style—and coffee.

  • The Folks: Minimalist, warm, and buzzy. Try their scrambled egg tartines or the Turkish eggs.

  • Seagull Method Café: Small but mighty. Get the pancakes with ricotta and honey or a savory brunch bowl.

  • Dear Breakfast: Sleek, calm, and great for solo travelers. Order the croque monsieur or matcha pancakes.

Pick one—or hop between them for a progressive Lisbon breakfast tour.

Midday Snack: A True Local Bite

Stop at As Bifanas do Afonso for one of the city’s most beloved pork sandwiches. This humble spot serves juicy bifanas (marinated pork in a papo seco roll) that are simple, spicy, and perfect with mustard.

Afternoon: Sips + View

Then, stroll to Largo das Portas do Sol, a scenic overlook where you can enjoy a cocktail or vinho branco at a plaza-side kiosk. This is the ideal lazy afternoon spot to people-watch with a breeze off the Tagus River.

Dinner: Alfama Flavors & Fado Feels

Book a table at São Jorge—not the castle, but the restaurant tucked into Alfama. Order the grilled octopus, which is smoky, tender, and perfectly Portuguese.

After, grab a small glass of Ginjinha, Lisbon’s signature cherry liqueur, from a hole-in-the-wall shop like A Ginjinha Espinheira near Rossio Square. Sip it standing up like a local.

 

🧀 Day 2: Pastéis, Local Wines & Rooftop Sunsets

Morning: Custard Tart Showdown

Start at Pastéis de Belém, the legendary origin point of the pastel de nata. Then compare with Manteigaria next door, beloved for its caramelized top and perfectly creamy center. There’s no wrong answer—just different styles.

  • Insider tip: Add cinnamon and eat them warm. Always warm.

Afternoon: 

  • Wander into the Cais do Sodré neighborhood for lunch at Sol e Pesca, a quirky restaurant built inside a former fishing tackle shop. Choose from a menu of Portuguese conservas (tinned seafood) paired with crusty bread and crisp white wine.

    • Try: Spiced mackerel + Vinho Verde

Dinner: Contemporary Lisbon at Antù

Set in the Alfama section, Antù blends industrial chic with upscale casual vibes. Think modern takes on Portuguese staples, moody lighting, and inventive cocktails.

 

🥂 Day 3: Hidden Cafés, Theater Bars & Rooftop Toasts

Morning: Slow Start at a Secret Café

Sleep in, then make your way to Teatro da Garagem. Behind this cultural center is a quiet café with excellent city views, a creative vibe, and surprisingly good food. Sit on the patio with a sandwich and espresso—or wine, no judgment.

Afternoon: One Last Toast at the Top

Before dinner, revisit Largo das Portas do Sol if you loved it, or head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte—another incredible lookout, often with musicians and couples watching the sun drop.

Grab a drink from a nearby kiosk or mobile bar and take it all in. Try a Porto Tonic—white port + tonic water, typically garnished with citrus and mint. It’s light, slightly sweet, and totally refreshing.

Dinner: Farewell Meal with a View

Tucked into a quiet alley near Santa Apolónia, Taberna Sal Grosso feels like eating in a local’s living room. It’s cozy, affordable, and full of flavor. The menu changes frequently, but expect creative twists on Portuguese comfort food like slow-cooked pork cheeks, octopus rice, or roasted pumpkin with goat cheese.

Or lean into spontaneity and ask a local for their favorite tasca (small tavern). Lisbon is full of hidden treasures waiting to be found.

 

Final Must-Trys (If You Missed Anything…)

  • Conservas (Tinned Fish): Try spiced sardines or octopus at Sol e Pesca.

  • Queijo da Serra: A soft, buttery sheep cheese from the mountains.

  • Craft Beer: Grab a pint at Dois Corvos in Marvila, Lisbon’s craft beer district.

  • Pro Tip: Reservations are highly recommended!

Hungry Yet?

Lisbon knows how to feed you—heart, soul, and stomach. We highly recommend spending at least three days exploring, as this city delivers layers of flavor at every turn.

📌 Save this 3-day food and drink guide to Lisbon for your next adventure—or send it to a travel buddy who owes you a bifana.

 

 

Jul 07
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private group tour

Think a Private Group Tour Isn’t for You? Think Again.

By Taste Vacations, Travel Tips No Comments

If you’ve ever dismissed the idea of a group tour because it didn’t seem like your style, what you may really be craving is a private small group tour—and that’s where Taste Vacations truly shines.

Private tours are not the big, impersonal bus tours you might imagine. Instead, they are crafted around you and your favorite people, filled with authentic food, wine, and beer experiences, and designed with flexibility and fun in mind.

Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions—and show you how a private group tour might be your dream vacation after all.

1. “The timing never works out for me.”

With a private tour, YOU pick the dates.

Stop waiting for someone else’s schedule to match yours. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an anniversary trip, or just a long-overdue getaway with friends, we work around your calendar to build the trip you want, when you want it.

2. “I prefer small groups—and definitely not tourist-packed places.”

Your group size is up to you, and your experiences are anything but touristy.

Private tours are perfect for small, intimate groups—whether that’s four friends, two couples, or a family gathering. Small groups mean you’ll enjoy hyper-local restaurants, boutique wineries, and authentic food experiences off the beaten tourist path.

3. “I like quieter, local places—not the typical tourist stops.”

That’s our specialty.

At Taste Vacations, we design our tours around the kinds of experiences that big tour groups can’t access—small family-owned wineries, off-the-map culinary gems, and hands-on local activities. Your private group gets to dive deep into a destination’s true culture.

4. “I don’t want to travel with strangers—or worse, that one annoying person who ruins the vibe.”

On a private tour, you choose your travel crew.

Your private tour is all about traveling with the people you know and love. Whether that’s family, friends, or a group of your favorite foodie co-workers, the experience—and the energy—comes from the group you bring together.

5. “A group tour sounds too rigid—I want to be able to do my own thing sometimes.”

Private tours give you options—and flexibility.

Our private tours come with thoughtfully planned itineraries—but what you do each day is up to you. Want to add an afternoon wine tasting or skip a morning activity for a little downtime? No problem. Your guide will help make it happen.

6. “I’ve already been to most of these places.”

But you haven’t been there like this.

Even if you’ve visited a destination before, you haven’t experienced it the Taste Vacations way: through in-depth culinary adventures, wine tastings with local producers, and meaningful experiences that most travelers never uncover on their own.

7. “Private tours sound expensive—and I like to plan vacations myself anyway.”

Yes, there’s a cost—but the value is huge.

With over 50 years of combined experience, our team curates tours filled with access and insight you can’t easily plan on your own. Plus, we handle all the logistics, bookings, and behind-the-scenes work—so you can simply enjoy the moment instead of managing the details.

And for those who love to plan? Great! We’ll collaborate with you to shape the perfect itinerary—and then we’ll take it from there.

Ready to Plan a Trip That Fits YOU and your travel interests?

At Taste Vacations, we believe travel should be delicious, meaningful, and most of all, yours. A private group tour gives you the flexibility, personal connections, and incredible experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory.

Curious about what’s possible? We’re always we’re always happy to chat about destinations, trip ideas, and ways to make your next vacation truly unforgettable.

Jun 24
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7 myths about group travel

7 Myths About Group Travel—And Why Taste Vacations is Nothing Like You’re Imagining

By Taste Vacations, Travel Tips One Comment

We recently asked our Taste Vacations community to complete a survey to weigh in on how they travel, what excites them most about exploring the world, and—most importantly—what they really think about group travel. 

And wow, were the responses surprising! It turns out there are a lot of group travel misconceptions floating around—especially when it comes to the unique, small-group, food- and drink-focused tours we specialize in at Taste Vacations.

So we’re here to clear the air (and clear a spot in your calendar). If you’ve ever said, “Group tours just aren’t my thing,” this post is for you.

Misconception #1: “I don’t want to travel with a bunch of strangers.”

Reality: You won’t feel like strangers for long—we promise.

When you join a Taste Vacations tour, you’re not just hopping on a bus with random people. You’re joining a small group of fellow wine lovers, foodies, craft beer fans, and curious travelers—people who chose this experience because they share your passions.

In fact, many of our guests tell us that the people they meet on tour end up being one of the biggest highlights of their trip. Travel has a funny way of turning strangers into friends, especially over a shared bottle of wine.

Misconception #2: “There’s always someone annoying in the group.”

Reality: Not often in our crowd

We totally get it—group dynamics matter. But here’s the thing: our travelers tend to be laid-back, curious, fun-loving, and open-minded. It is the nature of those who travel abroad and are interested in food and drink vacations. Plus, our expert guides are trained in group dynamics and dealing with any “personalities”.

Even guests who were hesitant at first often say they’re pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoy getting to know everyone. A shared plate of tapas and a few laughs can go a long way.

Misconception #3: “Group tours are too rigid. I want more freedom.”

Reality: On our tours, everything is optional.

While we do plan an itinerary filled with unforgettable experiences—think truffle tastings, vineyard visits, local markets, and chef-led dinners—you’re never required to participate in anything.

Want to sleep in? Go for it. Want to skip the afternoon activity for a quiet stroll through town? Totally fine. Your vacation should feel like yours, and we support that. Have something in mind that is not included in the tour? Your guide can also help to figure out how to make it possible for you during the tour. 

Misconception #4: “I don’t want to travel with a big group.”

Reality: Our groups are not big!

Taste Vacations group sizes typically range from 4 to 10 people. That’s it. We believe small is beautiful—and it also means we can visit the authentic, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, wineries, and villages that bigger groups simply can’t access.

No giant buses. No name tags. Just a tight-knit group of travelers exploring and making memories together, comfortably.

Misconception #5: “Group tours only go to touristy places.”

Reality: We go where real locals go.

While some of our destinations are well-known (hello, Tuscany!), we make a point of avoiding the usual tourist traps. Instead, we focus on hyper-local experiences that give you a deeper understanding of the region—like private winery tastings, dinners in local homes, and visits to places you’d likely never find on your own.

We don’t just show you a place—we help you experience it through the eyes (and taste buds) of those who call it home.

Misconception #6: “I’ve already been to most of your destinations.”

Reality: You’ve never seen them like this.

Sure, you may have visited France or Oregon before. But we bet you didn’t do it like this: no big crowds, no generic activities—just curated culinary adventures, insider experiences, and deep local flavor.

Even for seasoned travelers, our tours offer a completely fresh take on a destination.

Misconception #7: “Group tours are too expensive.”

Reality: The value is incredible—and the experience is priceless.

Yes, a guided vacation can be more expensive than a DIY trip. But what you get in return is huge:

  • Zero planning stress
  • A knowledgeable guide who handles all the logistics
  • Exclusive access to experiences you couldn’t book yourself
  • Delicious food and drink curated by experts
  • Time to truly enjoy your vacation without managing it

Our travelers tell us again and again that the experience is 100% worth it—and that a Taste Vacations tour gives them more value, more joy, and more flavor than they ever expected.

Final Thoughts: Group Travel, Reimagined

At Taste Vacations, we’ve crafted a style of travel that’s easy-going, enriching, and deeply delicious. Our tours aren’t what you imagine when you hear “group travel”—and we’re proud of that. 

We hope we have debunked the 7 myths about group travel. If you’re still unsure or have questions about what to expect, we’re always happy to chat. We can help you choose the right trip for your style, answer any lingering questions, or just talk travel dreams.

Because great vacations start with good information—and an enthusiasm for exploring.

Jun 18
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Pairing Food With Local Drinks: 8 Cities That Get It Right

By Beer, Food, Spirits, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

One of the best ways to explore a destination is through its flavors. It’s not just about what’s on your plate, but in your glass. Around the world, some cities go above and beyond, offering local pairings that are more than just delicious—they’re cultural experiences.

Whether it’s a flaky pastry paired with fortified wine or street tacos served with smoky mezcal, these 8 cities perfect the pairing game, giving food-loving travelers something to savor and remember. Let’s talk about pairing food with local drinks.

1. Porto, Portugal

Pairing: Pastel de nata + Tawny Port
Why it works: Portugal’s famous egg tart is a sweet custard dream, and when you pair it with a chilled tawny port, the caramel notes sing. In Porto, you can hop between pastry shops and historic port lodges in a single afternoon.

Pro tip: Visit Café Majestic for coffee and a tart, then cross the river to Graham’s or Taylor’s for a port tasting with cheese and chocolate or let us organize a perfect tasting for you.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Pairing: Bobotie + Chenin Blanc
Why it works: Bobotie is a spiced meat pie with sweet-savory flavors that shine next to a crisp, slightly fruity Chenin Blanc—a South African favorite that’s having a global moment.

Pro tip: Visit Franschhoek or Stellenbosch for a taste of the Cape’s best pairings, included on our South Africa Wine & Safari Vacation.

3. Brussels, Belgium

Pairing: Moules-frites + Saison beer
Why it works: Mussels in white wine sauce, served with golden fries, call for something dry and effervescent. Enter: saison—a Belgian farmhouse ale that’s bubbly, slightly funky, and perfect with seafood.

Pro tip: Pair each course with a different Belgian beer. You’ll find entire menus dedicated to beer pairings here.

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

Pairing: Khinkali (soup dumplings) + Qvevri wine
Why it works: Georgia is the birthplace of wine, and its amber-hued, skin-contact wines made in clay vessels (qvevri) pair beautifully with hearty local dishes. Khinkali—juicy, meaty dumplings—balance perfectly with the tannic bite of an unfiltered Rkatsiteli.

Pro tip: Try a wine bar like Vino Underground to taste traditional qvevri wines alongside small plates like lobio and sulguni cheese.

5. Mumbai, India

Pairing: Butter chicken + Indian craft beer
Why it works: Mumbai’s vibrant street food and bold curries need refreshment, and India’s exploding craft beer scene delivers. A hoppy pale ale or mango-flavored wheat beer cuts through rich dishes like butter chicken or pav bhaji.

Pro tip: Visit Bombay Canteen or Gateway Taproom for regional dishes paired with creative cocktails and local brews.

6. Bordeaux, France

Pairing: Entrecôte à la Bordelaise + Left Bank red
Why it works: Bordeaux may be famous for its wine, but the food deserves equal praise. A juicy steak in a red wine-shallot sauce sings with a classic Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot blend from the Médoc.

Pro tip: Go beyond châteaux—try a casual wine bar in the Chartrons district to sample regional bottles with cheese, pâté, and duck confit.

7. Mendoza, Argentina

Pairing: Empanadas + Malbec
Why it works: Mendoza’s empanadas (often filled with spiced beef and olives) are baked to golden perfection and practically demand a glass of inky, bold Malbec. The wine’s dark fruit and spice echo the smoky meat and flaky pastry.

Pro tip: Tour vineyards on bike in the Uco Valley, stopping for empanadas and asado lunches with mountain views.

8. Adelaide, Australia

Pairing: Kangaroo loin + Barossa Shiraz
Why it works: Adelaide’s food scene is fearless, local, and bold—just like its wines. Kangaroo, a lean, gamey red meat, pairs perfectly with the spicy intensity of a Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Pro tip: Head to the Adelaide Central Market for snacks, then take a short trip into wine country for cellar-door tastings with seasonal lunch pairings.

From the dumpling houses of Tbilisi to the wine cellars of Adelaide, these cities prove that food and drink are made to be enjoyed together. So next time you travel, don’t just ask what’s for dinner. Ask what goes with it.

Want to learn more about pairing food with local drinks? Check out our featured travel destinations!