Guest Reflections

“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

“‘A Taste of’ - what a marvellous idea - really great.
Please send me details of all your trips as we will definitely book again.”

Michel Roux, JrProprietor, La Gavroche Restaurant

“Putting food and wine related things together in a social context and in some unique locations makes for a very attractive and fun experience. I’ve had several ‘A Taste of’ several trips, where not only did the seafood come out of its shell but so did most of the other guests. We were looked after very well.”

Peter BainbridgeCompany Director

“My "a taste of..." experience was a lovely surprise that allowed me to enjoy a new destination, food and culture with a group of like-minded people from differing professions, many of whom are now friends. It introduced me to beautiful city and region, tasting not only their local foods and wines and a gastronomic feast prepared by Michelin starred chefs. We also had an opportunity to tour local artisan producers. All of this whilst staying in a 5* bijou hotel selected by Brian Smith for its ambience and wonderful setting.”

Peter FioriExecutive Chef Coutts Bank, Member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts

“I was lucky to meet Brian Smith at the Hotel de la Cité in Carcassonne, when he was leading the first of his "a taste of..." trips. It was in January - not necessarily the high season in the Languedoc! But that’s why Brian’s trips are fantastic. He takes you off the beaten paths to discover events and meet people you likely would not have a chance to discover on your own. Brian shares the fruit of his curiosity with you during his escapades and he does this with class and humour. He has a 'je ne sais quoi' of building connections and sharing these. 20 years on and I still work on projects with Brian and thoroughly enjoy our collaboration.”

Xavier LablaudeGeneral Manager, Hôtel de la Cité