Wine, Food, and Culture Tours
Rt. 1 Box 509
Roseland, VA 22967
ph: 434-325-7568
tours
1. What kind of people go on your trips?
Our groups are fairly consistent. Most of the people who travel with us are between the ages of 55 and 70. Most are retired or only working part-time. We find that our guests have been to lots of places and don't want to be rushed about from place to place.
2. Is it possible for us to put together our own group?
Yes. And we would encourage you to do that. We have military academy classes, anniversary groups, reunions of friends, groups from retirement communities, and even people celebrating their birthdays with friends.
3. Do people go on your trips more than once?
Yes. We have even had clients go on five different trips with us.
4. I don't see much advertising about your company. Do you promote your trips through travel agents?
Our satisfied customers are our best advertisement. We can provide references upon request.
5. Why don't you do more trips?
We have found that it is much more pleasant to travel when the weather is good. Therefore, we try to avoid the hottest months of July and August.
6. Can you do trips at other times of the year?
Yes. If you let us know when you want to go, we can arrange it for you. We do need to have a minimum of 12 guests for a special trip.
7. What makes The Taste of Wine Tours tour experience unique?
There are other companies that offer similar trips for less money, but most usually charge more. Or, their trips are for only five nights instead of six. We pride ourselves in providing each client with a unique and individual experience. Our philosophy is that our clients are our guests and should be treated accordingly.
Every dinner is included in our trip costs. Guests can order anything that they want from the menu or in some cases they can choose a carefully prepared Tasting Menu developed especially for us.
8. Is wine included with the meals?
Of course wine is included. We usually have at least three different kinds to accompany our multi-course meals. At some of the restaurants that we go to, we have six or seven different wines with our dinner, one to go with each course. Wine is also included at all wine tastings as well.
8a. Do you sample many wines during the week?
I guess the answer to that question would have to be a rousing YES! We generally sample between 50 and 60 wines each week. Some will be with meals, and others at wine tastings.
8b. Do you spend a lot of time visiting wine cellars?
We visit several vineyards, but we have found that unless the cellar is distinctly unique, our clients prefer not to spend a lot of time looking at oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. We do take short tours of the most interesting cellars to explain the wine-making process. We have found that our clients would rather be sitting in the tasting room sampling some of the wines..
9. Will I need to bring a lot of extra cash for “other” expenses during the week?
No. If you choose not to buy gifts for yourself or others, you could probably go the entire week on 50 euros.
10. Is there much sight seeing and walking on your trips?
We generally limit “cultural” events to a couple of hours on two different days. We find that most of our clients would rather eat, drink, and be merry!
11. Do I need to bring fancy clothes?
Dress is “nice” casual. A sport coat is not required. However, if you feel comfortable wearing one, you will not feel out of place, Shorts, slacks, sandals, or comfortable walking shoes are appropriate during the day.
12. Do I need to know a lot about wine? Are most people really serious? Or can we just have fun?
Our philosophy is that the only thing that you have to know is that you “like” wine. We try to broaden your experiences and expose you to new “wine horizons”. In many instances we have people come over to ask our clients what we're doing that is so much fun. Laughter does seem to be an integral part of our trips!
13. What are the tour leaders like?
In most cases the tour leader will be me, Pete McKee. I am the owner of the company. I love food and good wine. Sometimes my clients joke that I say the wine that we are tasting is the "best wine I've ever had". I must say that I do like to have a good time – and it is usually infectious!
14. What are the places like where you stay?
We think they are all wonderful. Each place is distinctly unique. Since we are staying at the same place for the entire week, we want everyone to be comfortable. Each couple usually has a suite – not just a room. And the grounds are spectacular – from a villa overlooking the Roero in the Piedmont to a 16th century castle overlooking a golf course in Friuli, you will feel right at home. The people who own and operate these places are our friends – and therefore they are your friends, too.
15. Can I sign up for one of your trips, today?
Yes, but do it quickly. Many spaces are booked already.
Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.
Rt. 1 Box 509
Roseland, VA 22967
ph: 434-325-7568
tours
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