We don’t just plan trips—we take you places that shift your soul.
Join Jamie & Chef Marcus Guiliano—restaurateurs, travelers, and passionate storytellers—for an unforgettable journey through the world’s top wine regions. Experience authentic travel curated by two people who live for food, wine, and connection.
See how simple it is to explore wine country with VIP Winery Vacations. We curate every detail so you can simply savor the moment.
Warning: we create non-touristy small boutique group tours! Our wine, mezcal, and tequila tours are nothing you can find on Google, TripAdvisor, or from any travel agency. Our tours are based on personal relationships we’ve built since 2003 at our restaurant. We support small, independent, family-run producers who extend their hospitality and gratitude to us, and we bring you along for the experience.
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and profound flavors of Italy, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Apulia and Sicily to the rolling hills of Tuscany and Piedmont. Our journeys here are designed to help you “experience the real Italy,” forging personal connections with family-run wineries and savoring authentic gastronomy. Explore diverse regions including Campania, Veneto, Umbria, Basilicata, Lazio, Emilia Romagna, Lombardy, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Discover the burgeoning and diverse wine scenes across America, from the sunny vineyards of Santa Barbara, California, to the crisp air of New York’s Finger Lakes, Long Island, and Hudson Valley. We offer intimate explorations of these unique American wine regions, including convenient Hudson Valley Designated Driver Services.
Uncork the elegance and heritage of French winemaking in iconic regions such as Champagne, Burgundy, and Rhone. Our tours offer unparalleled opportunities to meet small, family-run Champagne producers, experiencing the true artistry behind every cherished bottle.
Journey through Spain’s renowned wine appellations, including the robust reds of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, and the vibrant Cavas of Penedes. Explore the rich viticultural tapestry of Navarra and Priorat, immersing yourself in the country’s passionate wine culture.
Go beyond expectations with our immersive tours focusing on the rich world of Mexican beverages. Explore the thriving wine scene in Valle de Guadalupe, delve into the ancestral traditions of Mezcal in Oaxaca, and discover the heart of Tequila in Jalisco. Experience unique highlights, like savoring fresh lobster on secluded beaches, an authentic taste of coastal Mexico.
Prepare to be captivated as Marcus and Jamie venture into the dramatic landscapes of Chile, a land of breathtaking contrasts and extraordinary wines. From the sun-drenched valleys nestled between the Andes and the Pacific to emerging cool-climate coastal regions, they’ll be personally forging connections with pioneering winemakers. Imagine uncovering hidden-gem vineyards and savoring bold Carmenères and crisp Sauvignon Blancs, each telling the unique story of Chile’s diverse terroir, all curated to deliver an authentic, soul-stirring gastronomic journey far from the everyday.
Get ready to explore the heart of Old World charm and vibrant innovation as our founders immerse themselves in Portugal. Marcus and Jamie are setting out to uncover the soul of this historic winemaking nation, from the ancient terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, birthplace of Port, to the verdant hills of Vinho Verde. They’ll be seeking out passionate vintners, sampling unique indigenous grape varieties, and curating experiences that capture Portugal’s rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality, promising an unforgettable immersion into its authentic, off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Journey with us in spirit as Marcus and Jamie embark on a quest to Greece, where millennia of winemaking tradition meet stunning natural beauty and legendary flavors. They will be personally exploring sun-drenched island vineyards and ancient mainland terroirs, seeking out boutique wineries that are reviving indigenous varietals and crafting exceptional, story-rich wines. Picture yourself savoring the authentic taste of the Mediterranean, from crisp Assyrtiko to complex Xinomavro, all woven into an immersive cultural and culinary tapestry designed to connect you with the timeless spirit of this enchanting land.
We’re not your average wine travelers. We’re passionate food and wine lovers, explorers at heart, and a husband-and-wife team who believe the best
experiences come from real connections — whether it’s over a glass of Barolo, mezcal right from the still, or a small-batch tequila.
Together, we’ve personally visited over 350 wineries across 6 countries, and just as many mezcal palenques and tequila distilleries. We’ve walked vineyards during harvest, shared meals with winemakers and agave producers, and built friendships with the people behind every bottle. These aren’t just business contacts — they’re family in the world of food and drink.
When you travel with us, you’re not just a guest. You’re stepping into private tastings, hidden barrel rooms, boutique vineyards, and rustic agave fields— places that aren’t on the tourist map, guided by the people who live and breathe what they create.
We bring the same level of care and authenticity to our travel experiences as we do to our restaurant. We’re also the proud owners of Aroma Thyme Bistro, one of the most awarded restaurants in the Hudson Valley, known for our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and flavor-forward, ingredient-driven cuisine since 2003.
Marcus brings the passion of a chef, a wine and agave educator, and a lifelong food activist — someone who can’t help but dig into how and why something tastes the way it does. Jamie brings warmth, grace, and the kind of energy that makes every group feel like family.
We design every itinerary ourselves — no outsourcing, no cookie-cutter experiences — just unforgettable moments, carefully curated with you in mind.
If you’re ready to travel deeper, taste smarter, and connect more meaningfully with the people behind the pour — whether it’s wine, mezcal, or tequila — we’d love to show you the world, one glass at a time.
Welcome to VIP Winery Vacations.
Explore our incredible Italy wine and food vacation packages and other gastronomy experiences available for 2025. Discover your next adventure!
Get a sneak peek at our upcoming 2026 experiences. New destinations and unique journeys are always in the works.
More regions are coming soon! We’re always researching and curating the next “soul-shifting” destination for you to explore.
Our guests often share how truly special these trips are.
"I've been on very expensive wine trips that charge a lot of money, and this trip has just topped it at half the cost." - Susan Schiff
"You would have to be a rock star or a celebrity to get a tour like this unless you go with Jamie and Marcus.” - Tom Scarda
"The benefits of traveling with Chef Marcus and Jamie, they know the owners of these wineries personally. When you come, they treat you like family. You come into their homes, you meet their moms." - Sheerie Barjansky
Let Marcus & Jamie Guiliano, your personal guides and acclaimed chefs, unlock a world of authentic, soul-shifting travel experiences. Forget the tourist traps; immerse yourself in curated adventures rich with personal connections, insider moments, and the true flavors of wine, spirits, and gastronomy.
VIP Winery Vacations / Aroma Thyme Bistro LLC – 165 Canal St, Ellenville, NY – Contact No. (845) 800-0449 – Email: info@vipwineryvacations.com
Copyright © 2021 VIP Winery Vacations LLC and Aroma Thyme Bistro LLC