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Personally hosted, small-group food & drink journeys created around remarkable places, local traditions, wonderful hospitality and the pleasure of travelling in good company.

 
 

Personally hosted, small-group food & drink journeys created around remarkable places, local traditions, wonderful hospitality and the pleasure of travelling in good company.

 
 

Personally hosted, small-group food & drink journeys created around remarkable places, local traditions, wonderful hospitality and the pleasure of travelling in good company.

Welcome

Travel has always been about far more than simply visiting somewhere new. It is about the people we meet, the traditions we encounter, the meals we share and the friendships that remain long after the journey itself has ended.

A Taste Of… brings together small groups of curious, like-minded travellers to discover destinations through the people who know them best. Each journey is personally chosen, carefully curated and hosted by me.

There are no crowded coaches, no hurried itineraries and no pressure to tick attractions from a list. Instead, there is time to look, listen, taste, talk and enjoy the unexpected moments that so often become our strongest memories.

We travel to places with strong culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations and which define the people. Culinary culture is a mix of recipes, ingredients, people, and stories that bind communities. Join us and experience long luxurious weekend breaks that combine travel with flavours & tastes of our destinations. A Taste Of celebrates local traditions, customs, and habits – the things that define the uniqueness of where we travel. A Taste Of is made for people who are curious, like to travel and want to explore new destinations (or even re-discover old destinations).

Our Next Journey

Carcassonne

Southwest France | 22-25 January 2027

A long weekend in one of France’s most atmospheric and surprisingly overlooked regions, combining the ancient Cité of Carcassonne, exceptional Languedoc wines, the traditions of truffles and cassoulet, memorable dining and the warmth of local hospitality.

The group will be limited to 10 guests and will stay at the five-star Hôtel de la Cité, within the walls of the medieval city.

More Than a Destination

Every A Taste Of… journey begins with a place I know and value personally. Over many years I have been fortunate to build friendships with chefs, hoteliers, winemakers, producers and local hosts whose generosity has opened doors that most visitors never see.

A Taste Of… is my opportunity to extend those invitations—to introduce guests not simply to a destination, but to the people, stories and traditions that give it character.

Around One Table

Food and wine are an important part of every journey, but they are not the product. They are the medium through which people meet, stories are shared and friendships begin.

With one small group seated around one table, conversation develops naturally. Guests arrive as individuals and often leave already discussing where they might travel together next.

A Taste of’ brings you close to the food and wine cultures of the regions you visit, often meeting top chefs and wine producers, the people who can give you an authentic insight into the historical methods and modern developments in the changing world of gastronomy. Taste of trips are special opportunities for all food and wine enthusiasts.

Philip Corrick MBEFormer Executive Chef, Royal Automobile Club

Meet Brian

A Taste Of… was created and is personally hosted by Brian Smith. His journeys draw on a lifetime of travel, curiosity and friendships, with each destination chosen because it has become meaningful in his own life.

His role is part curator, part host and part travelling companion: bringing people together, opening doors and allowing every journey to unfold at a relaxed and civilised pace.

I hope you’ll join me for a future A Taste Of… journey.

Brian Smith
Founder and Host, A Taste Of…

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Completing this form does not constitute a booking or create any obligation. It simply allows me to contact you with relevant information about the journey or journeys that interest you.

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