An itinerary that is centered around food and wine can be an immersion into the soul of a place, its culture, and the art of its cooking. It represents the essence of slow travel. Think lingering over the final glass of wine or savoring multi-course meals that unfold over hours. But what goes into planning a whole trip around food and wine? And where do you start ( other than hiring your expert travel advisor)? Here are our top tips..
Questions to Answer Before You Start Planning A Culinary Adventure
The first place to start is to narrow down your preferences. While the questions below are phrased in an “either-or” style, it doesn’t mean your trip will be solely one or the other. These questions are meant to help you understand where your focus and preferences are. What will make up 80% of your food-and-wine focused adventure?
[Photo credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]
The best way to answer these questions is not to think too much – what is your gut reaction?
Focus: Is your heart set on the food, the wine, or an equal balance of both?
Boundaries: Are there specific cuisines or ingredients you want to avoid?
Ambiance: Are you looking for a high-end, Michelin-star restaurants, or hole-in-the-wall dining experiences?
Engagement: Hands-on cooking classes and vineyard tours with behind-the-scenes access? Or just eating and drinking your way through the region?
Structure: Independent travel or a guided group trip?
Mode of Travel: Are you interested in a river cruise or a land-based adventure?
Guided Food & Wine Tours
There are distinct advantages to joining a specially designed, small-group food and wine tour. Beyond the benefits that already come with a pre-planned small-group tour, you’ll enjoy incredible local foodie experiences that you would be hard-pressed to find on your own.
Taking a small-group tour alleviates many stresses. The trip is designed so that you experience the best local spots, you don’t have to plan each and every meal on your own, and you learn the stories behind the dishes.
What we cherish most about these tours is the guide’s deep connections with producers, chefs, home cooks, and farmers. These relationships foster community. They offer unique insights and opportunities to ask questions that might otherwise remain unanswered in a standard restaurant setting.
[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]
Plus, if you have dietary restrictions, your guide ensures chefs are informed well in advance. This spares you the anxiety of navigating language barriers at the table.
Ideal If You:
- Wish to connect with locals
- Enjoy a diverse array of cuisines without the legwork
- Prefer not to worry about driving after drinking
- Appreciate the comfort of having meals pre-planned
Perhaps Not If You:
- Are set on a specific dish or specific restaurant
- Prefer intimate couples’ dining over group meals
- Dislike rigid meal times
- Dislike frequently traveling by van/bus
Food & Wine River Cruises
Cruises are a great way to combine seeing a lot and enjoying great local food and wine. Plus, they offer a really enjoyable way to travel between destinations. Imagine gliding down a river with a glass of wine in hand, watching the scenery unfold. Savor the landscape, learn from onboard experts, and explore charming towns and ports.
Many of the river cruises in Europe pass directly through notable wine regions, so they offer the opportunity to experience vineyard tours, tastings, and local farmers’ markets. The ships will have a specially trained sommelier onboard, and they’ll feature local wines each evening with dinner. Some special sailings will also have a specific wine focus, with a winemaker or other expert who gives talks, and conducts special onboard tastings.
[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — read about her Rhone River Cruise here!]
Ideal If You:
- Wish to see many sites in one trip
- Appreciate in-depth wine knowledge
- Enjoy the convenience of pre-planned logistics
- Have dietary needs that require careful management
Perhaps Not If You:
- Prefer to plan every detail to your specific vision
- Seek tiny hidden restaurants
- Prefer light fare over substantial multi-course meals
Independent Food & Wine Adventures
Designing your own culinary adventure (with the help of an expert travel advisor) offers the ultimate flexibility. Go to that Michelin-star restaurant you’ve been dreaming about. Dedicate a day to snacking on street food and another to one 4-hour-long, multi-course lunch in a vineyard. It’s all customized to you!
You might combine some independent exploration with a few specialized single-day tours with a guide. This allows you to learn and get local tips. You can take a cooking class or enjoy a wine tasting at your own pace. And have the freedom to change plans or discover a hidden gem spontaneously.
This is where a travel advisor can help take care of the stressful logistics and connect you with local guides. You get independence, with support.
[Photo Credit: J & C via Shared Adventures — read about their epic Italian Adventure here! ]
Ideal If You:
- Value freedom to explore on your own schedule
- Have atypical eating habits
- Have a specific restaurant, chef, or experience in mind
Perhaps Not If You:
- Find planning every meal stressful
- Get overwhelmed by endless restaurant reviews
- Feel shy asking locals for recommendations
Which European Country is Right For You?
Traditional and Exclusive: France & Italy
Some cultures treat their food and wine with a reverence that demands respect. In these regions, you may not find a vast array of ingredients or cooking methods. The focus remains on simplicity, local and seasonal ingredients, and time-honored traditions. These cultures know what they like and have no plans of changing anytime soon.
The two standout countries in this sense are two of the most popular food and wine destinations: France & Italy.
There’s a good reason that France and Italy are known worldwide for their cuisine and superb wine. And we wholeheartedly believe they should be enjoyed and experienced.
However, travelers, be aware that you’re not going to experience a huge variety in ingredients or cooking methods in these countries. In these cultures, the pairing of specific wines with certain flavors is a matter of tradition. It is not open to critique or experimentation.
[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay via Shared Adventures — read about their Italian Foodie Adventure here! ]
Vibrant and Variety: Spain, Portugal, Greece
In contrast, some European countries have a variety of flavors and flavor profiles in their cuisine. These countries tend to have vibrant and creative flavors with lots of flair. But, they are still traditionalists in their meals and use local ingredients. Spain, Portugal, and Greece exemplify this approach. They offer a wider range while still staying true to the cultural cuisine.
You might find that these countries are more naturally accommodating for allergies or intolerances. If you find it difficult to eat the same meal for five days in a row, the tapas, petiscos, or meze cultures of these countries offer small plates perfect for sharing and variety. Pair the fabulous food with wines that boast deep flavors and more flexible traditions.
[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay via Shared Adventures — read about their Greek Adventure here! ]
Hidden Gems
For those seeking something new yet deeply rooted in delicious, flavorful cuisine, consider the rising stars of the travel culinary world: Austria, Germany, Croatia, and Slovenia.
For cuisine: Austria, Germany & Slovenia have amazing stews, meats, and warm comfort foods that are nonetheless top quality. Think cozy mountain cabins with hearty meals. Croatia, by contrast, features a blend of mediterranean, Greek, and Turkish influences with lots of fresh seafood and local meats and cheeses.
For wine: Both Austria and Germany have classic wine regions and picturesque valleys that are well-known and well worth visiting. While Croatia and Slovenia have a long history of wine, they have more unique local vintages that you won’t find everywhere.
[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]
Are images of your perfect food and wine adventure dancing in your head? Are you ready to start designing your next trip? Let us know!