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How to Combine Travel and Tastes with a Destination Food and Wine Hunt & Food and Wine Tours

Full disclosure we receive an affiliate commission for the tastings & tours below.


Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world, not just to see it, but to taste it? Imagine strolling through bustling markets, sipping wine in sun-dappled vineyards, and savoring dishes that reflect centuries of culture.

A destination food and wine hunt isn’t just a vacation—it’s an immersive journey for your taste buds and your soul.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to create a food and wine adventure where each stop is a clue, revealing something unique about the destination’s flavors and traditions. By the end of the day, these clues come together to tell a story—a story you’ll savor long after your journey ends.



Pick Your Perfect Culinary Destination & Food and Wine Tours


Choosing the right destination is the first (and most exciting) part of planning your food and wine hunt. Think about the flavors, ingredients, and culinary traditions that call to you.

Scenic view of a village surrounded by yellow vineyards and mountains along a river. A church with a red roof stands central. Clear sky.

Ideas to spark your inspiration!


Tuscany, Italy: Famous for its robust Chianti wines, fresh pasta, and olive oil.

Experience the essence of Tuscany with a tour that combines visits to historic cities with a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.

Delightful exposure to Tuscany in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The highlights of our tour were a visit to the beautiful hilltop city of Sienna and lunch at a working vineyard with extraordinary food and wine. - Brent_T

 

Bordeaux, France: Known for its iconic wine châteaux and local markets like Marché des Capucins. Delve into Bordeaux's rich wine heritage by exploring its renowned vineyards and indulging in tastings of world-class wines.

Tour guide was very informative, spoke about the history of Bordeaux as well as how the wine was made . We actually got to taste the different grapes on the vine in the fields before then entering the Chateau to taste the wine. Fabulous experience. Thanks - kdscott

 

San Sebastián, Spain: A paradise for pintxos (small bites) paired with crisp Txakoli wine.

For a deeper dive into hosting your own Basque-inspired dinner party, check out my guide. It’s packed with tips for recreating the Basque Country’s vibrant food culture at home.



 

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Explore markets brimming with fresh herbs and learn to make authentic Thai curries. Enjoy a guided food tour through bustling markets and street food stalls, tasting khao soi (curry noodle soup) and other regional dishes.

This is a great way to learn about eating at street food markets and tasting some delicious food from different parts of Thailand. There were plenty of selections in each place and everyone was catered for. - Steven_F

 

Kyoto, Japan: Sample sake and seasonal produce at Nishiki Market. Gain a deeper understanding of sake during this tour that explores the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the largest sake breweries in Fushimi, and conclude with a sake-tasting session paired with Japanese snacks.

A solid tour of a sake factory followed by sake tasting at a sake tasting bar with light food pairing. It was worth the time and money. There are some local food spots nearby if you’re interested in eating afterwards. This Kyoto area is famous for its sake. - Nicholas_N

 


Marrakech, Morocco: Vibrant spices and tagines at the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa market. Gain a newfound appreciation for Moroccan cuisine during this small group (or private) cooking class, including shopping at the market, preparation of a traditional dish and lunch.

This is an excellent activity to learn about morrocan cuisine. We first went to buy vegetables and meat in the souk. Walked to the riad through a maze of street through the real morroco. The riad is clean, sunny, beautiful kitchen. We made bread, and prepared our tajine. Our guide Senah was fun, explained and answered all our question. These girls are fantastic! We ate our meal in the riad. Delicious! Dont hesitate! It is a fun experience! - josee_b

 

Cape Town, South Africa: Bold wines from Stellenbosch paired with Cape Malay dishes. Visit top vineyards, indulge in wine tastings paired with local cheeses and chocolates, and learn about South Africa’s winemaking heritage.



 


Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico: Discover Mexico’s emerging wine scene with bold reds and Baja seafood. Explore Mexico’s wine region with boutique wineries, farm-to-table cuisine, and bold reds like Nebbiolo and Tempranillo.

This whole tour was special from beginning to end! Our guide Oscar was truly a gem and the wineries were so beautiful. Going on a week day meant you basically had the whole place to yourself. Tour group was small enough to get to know everyone and new friends were made. Would totally do this again! - Julianne_S

Baja’s Best Bottles and Bites - Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour


 

Okanagan Valley, Canada: Explore vineyards producing world-class ice wine alongside fresh, local cuisine. Experience a full-day tour of Canada’s top vineyards, with tastings of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and the famous Icewine.



 

Willamette Valley, Oregon: Renowned for Pinot Noir and farm-to-table dining. Visit multiple wineries in Oregon’s famous Pinot Noir region, with tastings and insights into the local terroir.

My husband and I had a great experience on this wine tour. We went to 3 different wineries and had 5 samples of wine at each. The tour guides were knowledgeable and a lot of fun! If you love wine and want to learn more about Oregon’s wine country definitely take this tour! - Jena_o


 

Mendoza, Argentina: Malbec wines paired with asado (Argentine barbecue). Explore Malbec vineyards with tastings and insights into Mendoza’s wine culture, all set against the stunning Andes.

Loved this tour! Our guide was absolutely lovely and created a good atmosphere for us. The wineries are beautiful and the tastings were very enjoyable. The olive oil place at the end was the perfect touch - fantastic food and atmosphere. - Rachel_M


 

Lima, Peru: Ceviche and pisco sours in a culinary hotspot. Combine visits to markets and restaurants while enjoying ceviche, pisco sours, and other Peruvian specialties.

I did this my first day in Lima and it was a great way to get to check out the different areas of Lima, both physically and in cuisine. Our tour guide was great and the food was even better. You get a lot of context into the dishes and ingredients. - Marlisa_J


 

Plan Your Food and Wine Hunt

Now that you’ve picked your destination, it’s time to create your adventure. Think of each stop as a clue in your hunt, leading you closer to understanding the region’s flavors and culinary traditions.


Coffee cup on a saucer, three polaroid photos of people and drinks, cotton branch, and a magazine titled "Culinary Experience." Cozy mood.

Clue 1: Visit a Local Market

Markets are the perfect starting point for your hunt. They’re vibrant, full of life, and brimming with fresh, local ingredients that tell you so much about the region.

What to Do: Stroll through the stalls, sample local treats, and ask vendors about their specialties.

Examples:

  • Mercado Benito Juárez (Oaxaca, Mexico): Try mole paste and roasted grasshoppers.

  • Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo, Japan): Fresh sushi and street food in abundance.

  • La Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain): Find jamón ibérico, vibrant fruits, and seafood.


Clue 2: Explore a Vineyard or Winery

No food and wine hunt is complete without sipping the region’s finest wines. A visit to a vineyard connects you to the land and enhances your appreciation for local pairings.

What to Do: Learn about the winemaking process, try tastings, and pair wines with regional dishes.

Examples:

  • Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico): Discover Tempranillo blends and pair them with Baja seafood.

  • Okanagan Valley (Canada): Sip aromatic whites with salmon or local cheeses.

  • Stellenbosch (South Africa): Bold reds complement Cape Malay cuisine.


Clue 3: Join a Hands-On Culinary Experience

Bring the flavors to life by getting hands-on. A cooking class or food pairing workshop lets you connect with the traditions behind the dishes.

What to Do: Use ingredients from the market and techniques from the locals to create authentic meals.

Examples:

  • Marrakech, Morocco: Learn to make a fragrant tagine with spices from the souk.

  • Tuscany, Italy: Make fresh pasta and pair it with a Chianti Classico.

  • Kyoto, Japan: Learn to roll sushi and pair it with sake.


Picnic table in a field with red plaid cloth, wine, glasses, and flowers. Cows graze in the green grass, creating a serene rural scene.

Savor the Journey

As you move through the day, immerse yourself in every experience. Enjoy the sensory moments: the sizzle of meat on a grill, the rich aroma of freshly poured wine, and the vibrant colors of a market stall.


Remember, this isn’t a race—it’s a chance to soak in the culture and let each stop reveal something new.


 

Reflect and Tie It All Together

At the end of the day, sit down and reflect on what you’ve learned. This is where the magic happens—where the clues you’ve gathered come together to tell the story of the destination.

Person on bench overlooking lush valley, surrounded by trees. Warm sunlight filters through branches, creating a peaceful mood.


Questions to Reflect On

  1. What surprised you most about the region’s food and wine?

  2. How did the market’s ingredients, the wine’s flavors, and the cooking techniques connect to the destination’s culture?

  3. What would you love to experience next time?


For example:

In Valle de Guadalupe, you might realize how the bold wines and fresh seafood reflect Baja’s coastal and agricultural heritage.

In Marrakech, you might notice how every spice in your tagine has a story rooted in trade and tradition.

In the Okanagan Valley, you’ll appreciate how the balance of fresh ingredients and cool-climate wines mirrors the region’s natural beauty.


Wrap up your day by jotting down your favorite moments and planning what you’d like to explore on your next hunt.


 


A destination food and wine hunt is more than a day of eating and drinking—it’s an immersive experience that connects you to the heart of a place. By treating each stop as a clue, you’ll uncover the unique story of the region, one flavor at a time.


We would love to hear where your culinary hunt will take you? Whether it’s wandering through a market in Japan, sipping wine in Argentina, or cooking with locals in Morocco, the world is waiting to be tasted.


Share your dream destination in the comments, and let’s start planning your next adventure!

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