An intimate, insider journey hosted by Chef-Restaurateurs Marcus & Jamie Guiliano.
Priority Waitlist Now Open — Only 8–14 Guests Per Journey
Marcus or Jamie Will Personally Share More Tour Details.
Our journeys are intentionally small and personal—hosted by Michelin-trained chef Marcus Guiliano and his wife, Jamie, restaurateurs of Aroma Thyme Bistro since 2003. Every itinerary is built from their friendships in the wine world. You’re not visiting places “open to the public.” You’re stepping into cellars, kitchens, and vineyards where the real stories are shared.
Yes. No substitutes. No outsourced guides. Marcus and Jamie host every moment—pouring context, shaping the meals, and opening doors that only friends get to walk through.
Not at all. We welcome all levels—from complete beginners to collectors. Some guests don’t drink wine at all and still love the food, culture, scenery, and hospitality.
Everything except flights and gratuities. Every meal, all tastings, boutique hotels, private tours, transportation during the trip, and every curated experience. No upsells. No hidden add-ons.
Flights, personal purchases (souvenirs, wine to ship home), and gratuities.
Most groups range from 8 to 14 guests—intimate, relaxed, and ideal for insider access.
Absolutely. We often host solo travelers, and they blend seamlessly into the experience.
Flights are not included. This gives you freedom to choose your timing, airline, and points. Many guests fly in early or stay longer for the big tourist sites—we intentionally focus on boutique, insider experiences.
Each itinerary varies. Some begin at a major city hotel; others start right at the airport. Each trip page outlines exact details.
Yes. Since flights are separate, you’ll choose your own route and arrival time.
Yes. Many guests do. We can help with hotel recommendations, transfers, and extra experiences.
While not required, we strongly recommend it. We can assist with trusted, affordable insurance options.
Boutique-only. Think renovated cave suites, vineyard farmhouses, small luxury inns, and the occasional historic castle. Most properties offer just 6–12 rooms and are selected for charm, comfort, and authenticity.
Yes. Every bite, every glass of wine, every dessert and after-dinner drink. This is a chef-hosted culinary journey designed for immersion.
Yes. We regularly host travelers who are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or working with specific allergies.
Meals in Europe and Mexico are beautifully slow and experiential. Our itineraries embrace this rhythm—long lunches, memorable dinners, no rushing.
Never. We handle every restaurant, every reservation, and most of the ordering. You simply sit back and enjoy.
Primarily wineries that Marcus and Jamie know personally—producers they pour at their restaurant and families they’ve visited for years. Many places are not open to the public, have no sign, and offer tastings only for friends. That’s the point.
Yes. This is our niche. Barrel tastings in the cellar, private meals with owners, vineyard walks with winemakers, and in some cases the winemaker cooks for us. These experiences are based on relationships, not tourism.
Nearly all are private or hosted directly by the owner or winemaker. You will not be part of a public group.
Yes. Expect meaningful, personal interactions throughout the trip.
No. You only need curiosity and appreciation. Tasting wine at the source—overlooking vineyards or in centuries-old cellars—makes the experience enjoyable for all levels.
Primarily wineries that Marcus and Jamie know personally—producers they pour at their restaurant and families they’ve visited for years. Many places are not open to the public, have no sign, and offer tastings only for friends. That’s the point.
Yes. This is our niche. Barrel tastings in the cellar, private meals with owners, vineyard walks with winemakers, and in some cases the winemaker cooks for us. These experiences are based on relationships, not tourism.
Nearly all are private or hosted directly by the owner or winemaker. You will not be part of a public group.
Yes. Expect meaningful, personal interactions throughout the trip.
No. You only need curiosity and appreciation. Tasting wine at the source—overlooking vineyards or in centuries-old cellars—makes the experience enjoyable for all levels.
Yes. Cooking classes, market walks, city tours, olive oil and balsamic producers, pasta makers, cheese caves, seaside excursions, and more. Every itinerary balances food, wine, culture, and storytelling.
Begin by applying for our limited priority waitlist. Once approved, your spot is secured with a small deposit of $500–$1,000 depending on the trip.
Yes. Each trip varies slightly, but deposits typically range from $500 to $1,000 per person.
Generally 60–90 days before departure.
Cancellations are handled through your travel insurance provider. This is why we strongly recommend travel insurance.
Yes. We offer interest-free payment plans.
Italy (our specialty), France, Spain, Mexico, select U.S. regions such as Santa Barbara and the Finger Lakes. Future expansions include Portugal and Greece.
We only take guests to regions we know well and visit often. Although no destination is 100% guaranteed safe, we prioritize trusted partners and well-traveled routes.
Sometimes. In Italy, our dear friend Luigi—an Italian sommelier with over 30 years of experience—joins select trips. Other journeys are led solely by Marcus and Jamie. In every case, you’re guided by experts with deep local knowledge.
Yes. Most mornings begin slowly, and many days include an hour or two to explore, shop, or relax at your hotel.
Yes. In Mexico, private trips can run with as few as two guests. In Europe, the minimum is typically six. You choose the dates—we design a custom experience.
Mexico: 2 guests
Europe: 6 guests
Absolutely. Since we design and operate everything ourselves—without relying on outside tour operators—our flexibility is unmatched. Corporate retreats, family celebrations, friend groups… we tailor everything around your needs.