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Chile and Argentina's Wine Country

Discovering Chile & Argentina’s Unforgettable Wine Country

By Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

What if the world’s next great wine adventure wasn’t in France or Italy—but across the Andes in the wine country of Chile and Argentina?

For many wine lovers, Europe tends to dominate the dream list. But those in the know are quietly turning south—where the valleys of Chile and Argentina are producing some of the world’s most exciting wines, paired with breathtaking scenery and rich culture. This is where bold Malbecs meet crisp Carménères, and where the journey itself—crossing the Andes—becomes as unforgettable as the tastings.

The Allure of South America’s Wine Regions

In Chile, the Colchagua Valley stretches wide beneath cloudless skies, its vineyards framed by the towering Andes. Family-owned wineries blend centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge innovation, pouring glasses that burst with character. Across the mountains, Argentina’s Mendoza region takes wine to new heights—literally. Here, vines grow at some of the highest elevations in the world, producing robust, complex Malbecs that have made Mendoza a global star.

Both regions are shaped by dramatic landscapes: snow-capped peaks, sunlit valleys, and rustic bodegas where winemakers welcome travelers as honored guests. To walk these vineyards is to step into a living postcard, one sip at a time.

A Feast Beyond the Glass

But wine is only part of the story. South America’s culinary traditions transform every meal into a moment of discovery. Imagine savoring handmade empanadas fresh from the oven, indulging in a slow-cooked Argentine asado beneath the stars, or sampling Chile’s exquisite seafood, caught that morning from the Pacific.

Each dish is a reflection of local heritage, rooted in the land and enhanced by the perfect wine pairing. Add in the music of tango, the warmth of gaucho culture, and the laughter of shared tables, and you’ll understand why this isn’t just a wine trip—it’s a sensory immersion.

Crossing the Andes: An Epic Journey

One of the most awe-inspiring highlights of this adventure is the passage over the Andes themselves. The road winds upward through rugged terrain, where glaciers gleam and peaks stretch into endless blue sky. Crossing from Chile into Argentina isn’t simply a transfer—it’s a grand journey, a moment that etches itself into memory.

Few wine experiences in the world can boast a backdrop this extraordinary. You’ll feel not only like a traveler but also like an explorer, connecting two vibrant wine cultures in a single, sweeping adventure.

Why Small Group Culinary Travel is the Key

A trip of this magnitude deserves more than surface-level sightseeing. That’s why a small group culinary tour makes all the difference. With Taste Vacations, you won’t find yourself jostling among crowds or rushing from one stop to the next. Instead, you’ll enjoy private tastings, intimate meals with winemakers, and plenty of unhurried time to savor both the wines and the landscapes.

It’s about authenticity, depth, and access—elements that turn a trip into an experience you’ll carry with you long after you’ve returned home.

South America Awaits

Traveling through Chile and Argentina’s wine country on a vacation isn’t just about tasting—it’s about transformation. It’s about discovering new flavors, forging connections across cultures, and witnessing landscapes that defy imagination.

This is more than a trip; it’s a story waiting to be written, one glass at a time.

South America is where your next unforgettable wine story begins.

Explore the Chile & Argentina Wine Vacation »

memorable food and drink destination

Where Food & Drink are Most Memorable in Small Group Settings

By Beer, Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

When it comes to travel, the most memorable parts of a destination are often the food and drink. But some places truly come alive when explored with a small group of like-minded travelers. At Taste Vacations, we design our itineraries around the culinary heart of a region, ensuring you don’t just taste the highlights—you savor them deeply. Here are some of the best examples:

  • Picture wandering through the vineyards of Bordeaux, where an intimate group size means you can sit at a winemaker’s family table and hear the stories behind each bottle.
  • Explore Belgium, not just sipping famous beers, but gaining behind-the-scenes access at breweries too small to host busloads of tourists.
  • In Mexico, a cooking class with a local chef becomes more than a lesson—it’s a shared cultural exchange where flavors spark conversation.
  • In Italy’s Tuscany region, go truffle hunting, tour a local pecorino (sheep’s cheese) farm in Pienza, and enjoy a a picnic with the local Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, or Nobile de Montepulciano wines.
  • Head south to Chile and Argentina, where you can cross the Andes from one wine culture to another, comparing the crisp Carménères of Chile with the bold Malbecs of Mendoza—all while forging friendships over unforgettable meals.
  • Travel north and you’ll find Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where you might share a glass of Pinot Noir with a winemaker at their kitchen table, or explore Portland’s eclectic food scene as locals do.
  • In Spain, tapas tours transform into evenings of laughter and camaraderie as you wander from one hidden gem to another with fellow travelers who share your passion for culinary discovery.

Food and drink shine brightest when you can slow down, connect, and go beyond the tourist trail. With small group travel, every meal becomes an experience, every toast a celebration, and every bite a story worth telling. Start Planning Your Culinary Journey...

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

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.

 

 

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!