What’s the best way to experience a place? The food and wine.
For those who consider food not only a necessity but a source of joy, creativity, and an opportunity to learn about a culture, luxury food and wine tours are great to work into any itinerary. As Independent Affiliate, Samantha Cohen, tells us, "My favorite experiences in a destination are usually food and drink related. I love the shared experience of trying local specialties with other travelers and learning from the guide, culinary expert, or provider. I think you can learn so much about the history of a destination and its people through the ingredients, preparations, and settings."
Here are a few of the most celebrated destinations for culinary tourism, along with some tips for foodies seeking the ultimate dining experiences.
Dining Experiences
When it comes to exciting dining experiences, the world is your oyster. Each continent offers its own culinary hot spots. In North America, cities like New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans are renowned for their vibrant food scenes. New York City's Eleven Madison Park, a Michelin three-star restaurant, offers a tasting menu that showcases the best of modern American cuisine. Meanwhile, San Francisco's food scene is highlighted by the farm-to-table ethos of restaurants like The French Laundry in nearby Napa Valley.
Asia, too, boasts culinary capitals that attract food lovers worldwide. Japan’s food scene, in particular, is attracting more and more hungry travelers. "Japan is where we’ve seen the most increased interest in integrating F&B activities to the itinerary," notes Independent Affiliate, Jeremy Gurvitch. “It’s become a significant part of the destination’s allure. Some favorite client experiences from this year have included: a morning navigating Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market followed by a private sushi making class; a traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto; a historical food and culture walk in Takayama; a guided evening food tour amidst Osaka’s neon lights; and late night revelry in Tokyo on small-group Ramen and Sake food crawls.”
Spain is home to another beloved food destination: San Sebastián. Located in the Basque Country, the city pairs well with Bordeaux or other locations in Spain and is a dream for anyone who gets excited over cuisine. “Be it casual evenings spent pintxos bar hopping, or exploring avant garde cuisine (the city famously has more Michelin Stars per square foot than any other city on earth), it’s a destination that can satisfy all palates”, explains Gurvitch.
Maybe you’ve also heard that Lima, Peru has emerged as a culinary hotspot with restaurants like Central and Maido, which blend Peruvian ingredients with innovative techniques. Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers not only world-class beef at parrillas like Don Julio but also a burgeoning scene of contemporary cuisine. Samantha Cohen also highlights her love for these regions, sharing that her most memorable food experiences have been in Japan, Argentina, Spain, and France, where she organizes similar experiences for her clients.
Private Cooking Classes with Renowned Chefs
For those who love to cook as much as they love to eat, private cooking classes with world-class chefs are a highlight of these food tours. In Mexico, Oaxaca offers classes that delve into the complexities of mole and other traditional dishes, often taught by well known local chefs in picturesque settings. Cohen shares, “Hands-on cooking classes can also include a lot of these elements and I try them wherever I go. My most memorable food experiences have been in Japan, Argentina, Spain and France, though I organize them for my clients throughout the world and it's always what they love and tell me about after the trip. These experiences are also great for all ages and activity levels!”
Vineyard Tours in Wine Regions
No food and wine tour is complete without exploring the world’s great wine regions. Napa Valley and Bordeaux are of course iconic, but there are lesser-known gems worth visiting. Slovenia, for example, offers an off-the-radar experience with world-class wines from regions like Brda and the Vipava Valley. Independent affiliate, Wayne Muhlstein, explains, "Slovenian wine, particularly from the regions of Brda and the Vipava Valley, is world-class but still under the radar, making it an exciting destination for clients seeking something new.” He goes on to share his number one tip for wine tasting in the region, “Explore beyond the capital. While Ljubljana offers fantastic dining options, the true essence of Slovenian food and wine culture is best experienced in the countryside, where you can visit family-run wineries and enjoy farm-to-table meals with authentic hospitality to match. Integrating these experiences into a trip provides an authentic taste of the local lifestyle.”
Tips for Foodies
- Plan Ahead: Many of the best restaurants and cooking classes require reservations months in advance. Planning is key to securing a spot.
- Local Insights: Engage with locals to discover hidden gems and traditional eateries that may not be in guidebooks. Wayne Muhlstein suggests exploring beyond the capital in Slovenia to truly experience its food and wine culture.
- Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to try new dishes and flavors. Some of the best culinary experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone.
- Combine Experiences: Blend fine dining with casual eats and market tours for a well-rounded culinary adventure.
Traveling as a foodie is about more than just eating well; it's about connecting with the culture and people behind the food. From the bustling markets of Bangkok to the vineyards of Stellenbosch, the world is full of culinary adventures waiting to be discovered. Ready to meet the world through its celebrated cuisines? Get in touch today, and we’ll get to planning.
