Travel, Personally
For me, the most memorable journeys have never been defined solely by the places I have seen. They have been shaped by the people who welcomed me, the conversations that followed and the friendships that grew from them.
Over many years I have been fortunate to build relationships 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 and share the places, people and experiences that have enriched my own travels.
Personally Chosen
I don’t choose a destination because it is fashionable, familiar or easy to package. Each journey begins with somewhere I know, value and genuinely want others to experience.
I look for character and provenance; for traditions that still matter; for people proud of what they do; and for places that reveal themselves slowly to those prepared to be curious.
Small Groups
Every journey is limited to a small number of guests—usually no more than 10.
This allows us to travel comfortably, stay in characterful hotels, visit places that cannot accommodate large groups and, most importantly, sit together around one table whilst enjoying the culinary offerings of our chosen destination.
A small group creates a very different atmosphere. Conversation is easy, plans can remain flexible and no one feels lost in a crowd.
A Sense of Place
The phrase ‘a taste of’ means much more than food.
It is a taste of a place’s history, landscape, customs and daily life. It may be found in a local recipe, a family-run vineyard, an early-morning market, an ancient street or a conversation with someone whose family has lived there for generations.
Food and wine often provide the introduction, but the real pleasure lies in understanding why they belong to that particular place.
Hospitality
True hospitality is personal. It cannot be manufactured or reduced to a list of amenities.
It is the feeling of being expected, welcomed and looked after. It is a host remembering your name, a chef explaining a dish with pride or a winemaker opening a bottle because they would like you to taste something special.
Those moments are at the heart of A Taste Of…
Curiosity
The best travellers are curious.
They ask questions, listen to stories and allow a journey to surprise them. They are interested not only in what a place looks like, but in how it lives.
A Taste Of… is created for people who appreciate comfort and quality, but who value discovery, companionship and authenticity even more.
Around One Table
Shared meals are central to every journey because a table creates something that an itinerary cannot.
It gives people time to talk, laugh and exchange stories. It allows a group of strangers to become companions and, very often, friends.
The meal itself matters, of course. But what is remembered most clearly may be the conversation that continued long after the plates were cleared.
Personally Hosted
I host every A Taste Of… journey myself.
My purpose is not to lecture or to hurry guests from one engagement to another. It is to make introductions, provide context, take care of the details and create the relaxed atmosphere in which a memorable journey can develop.
I travel as part of the group and share the experience around the same table.
The A Taste Of... Promise
Every journey will be intimate, carefully chosen and personally hosted. It will offer excellent food, wine and accommodation, but it will also make room for curiosity, conversation and the unexpected.
Above all, it will be guided by one belief:
Travel is at its finest when strangers become friends and destinations become part of our lives.