Creating wine‑inspired journeys
An evening dedicated to Pinot
This weekend marked something really special for me: I hosted my first ever wine tasting evening, and with it, the beginning of something I’ve been wanting to build for a long time. As I prepare to start my WSET Level 2 qualification, I have been investing more time in deepening my understanding of wine. Not just in terms of what is in the glass, but the stories behind it: the regions, the grape varietals, and the influence of terroir on style and character. To bring that to life, we hosted an intimate tasting at home in London with nine guests, alongside Ash, who created a beautiful food pairing experience to complement each wine.
The theme for the night was Pinot, one of the most versatile and expressive grape families. Across the evening, we explored how this grape can look and feel completely different depending on where it is grown and how it is made.
We tasted:
- A fresh, zesty Pinot Grigio from Italy (Forte Alto)
- A richer, more textured Pinot Gris from Alsace
- An elegant English Pinot Noir Rosé (Simpsons)
- A classic, expressive Bourgogne Pinot Noir
- A structured New Zealand Pinot Noir from Craggy Range
To mark the start of what I hope will become a regular series, we also opened a bottle of Champagne (Pol Guyot) to celebrate.
The conversation flowed as freely as the wine: comparing textures and aromas, discovering preferences, and seeing how the right food pairing can completely elevate what is in the glass.
Where wine and travel meet
As a luxury travel consultant, I have always believed there is a powerful connection between wine and destination. For me, some of the most meaningful travel memories have been framed by a glass of something special in exactly the right place.
A few that stand out:
- Wine tasting in Robertson along South Africa’s Route 62 during our honeymoon
- Celebrating my 40th in Marlborough, New Zealand, surrounded by world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
- Marking my 50th in Champagne, France, where every sip feels like a celebration
Then there are the quieter, more personal moments, like:
- Sipping Assyrtiko overlooking the caldera in Santorini on our wedding day
- Discovering beautiful Chardonnays along California’s Pacific Coast
- Unwinding with a glass of Malbec in Buenos Aires last year
Each glass has its own sense of place. Wine can tell you so much about where you are: the climate, the soil, the people, and the traditions that shape it. It is a lens into culture, geography, and craftsmanship, and that is something I am passionate about weaving into the way I design travel experiences for my clients.
Creating wine‑inspired journeys
My aim is to bring this connection between wine and travel into the heart of what I do for my clients. Whether it is:
- A long weekend in Champagne or Burgundy
- A milestone birthday in South Africa’s Winelands
- A road trip through New Zealand’s wine regions
- A romantic escape to Santorini, pairing sunsets with Assyrtiko
- Or a tailor-made itinerary through Argentina, Chile or California with vineyard stays and private tastings
I love helping clients create itineraries where wine is more than an add-on. Instead, it becomes part of the story of the trip: the settings, the views, the people you meet, and the moments you remember long after you return home.
Join a future tasting in London
We will be hosting these intimate wine evenings every couple of months in London, each with a different theme and a focus on both enjoyment and discovery.
If you would like to join a future session, or if a particular region or grape has captured your imagination, I would be delighted to keep you updated.
And if you are considering celebrating a special occasion in a wine region, or simply want to weave some beautiful vineyard experiences into your next holiday, I would love to help you create something truly memorable and deeply personal to you.
