Private Insider Wine & Gastronomy Experiences
Hosted by Chef Marcus & Jamie Guiliano
An intimate, insider journey hosted by Chef-Restaurateurs Marcus & Jamie Guiliano.
Priority Waitlist Now Open — Only 8–12 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 8–12 guests—intimate, relaxed, and ideal for insider access.
Absolutely. We often host solo travelers, and they blend seamlessly into the experience.
Some hosted journeys require a minimum number of travelers. The applicable minimum, if any, is stated in your Booking Confirmation or trip documents. If a minimum is not reached, VIP may operate as planned, offer a revised price or reduced-group/private alternative, modify the journey with your agreement, or cancel it. If VIP cancels the entire journey because the minimum participation requirement was not reached, the Terms provide a full refund or transfer option.
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.
For international journeys, each traveler is responsible for a valid passport and any required visas, electronic travel authorizations, entry or exit documents, and transit permissions. Requirements vary by destination and traveler nationality. VIP may request a copy of your passport by the final-payment deadline.
Many VIP journeys involve walking, stairs, cobblestones, uneven pavement, hills, vineyards, farms, and historic properties. Please tell VIP before booking about any mobility limitation or accessibility request. We will make reasonable efforts to determine whether accommodations are available and whether the itinerary is suitable, but independent suppliers may not be able to provide every accommodation and VIP does not provide personal-care attendants.
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.
Please disclose food allergies, dietary restrictions, and medically necessary dietary requirements before booking. VIP will make reasonable efforts to communicate those needs to restaurants, hotels, producers, and other suppliers. Shared kitchens or equipment and cross-contact may occur, so VIP cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
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.
Unless a trip states otherwise, published per-person prices are based on double occupancy and a single supplement applies to private occupancy. VIP does not guarantee a roommate match for a solo traveler; a traveler booked for double occupancy without an approved roommate may be required to pay the single supplement. The exact amount is shown in the trip-specific pricing or Booking Confirmation.
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.
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.
For direct consumer bookings, the Terms provide a cancellation right through midnight of the third business day after you receive the complete written travel disclosures and Traveler Booking Agreement. After that period, the trip-specific cancellation provisions in your Booking Confirmation and agreement apply. Travel insurance is strongly recommended because it may cover qualifying cancellations. Please review the Terms and your trip documents for the rules that apply to your booking.
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.
