Wine & Tours specializes in exclusive wine experiences that explore and immerse our clients in the preeminent wines and authentic cuisines of the wonderful regions of Italy. Food and wine enthusiasts of all ages and levels of appreciation will find our tours to be exciting and adventurous. Years of our experience, passion, and relationships will assist you in developing your own appreciation for the essence of a region and will make memories for a lifetime. While touring and tasting at premiere wine estates the rest of your senses will enjoy the great art, architecture and history that abound. Meeting winemakers and indulging in epicurean delights will make for an overwhelmingly delicious day. You will dine at places that captures the best food and culture each destination has to offer with luxurious accommodations awaiting for your relaxation. To ensure an ultimate experience for everyone we suggest that our groups be limited to eight guests.

As President of Wine & Tours, Tamara Whiteside is an accredited sommelier, a member of the AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommelier) and Slow Food®. Originally from California, she quite naturally developed a great appreciation for wine. Tamara’s background includes several years in the travel industry, acting as advisor to numerous private yachts on wine and cuisine, and living in some of the most wonderful regions of Italy, France, and Germany. Her experience and enthusiasm have enabled her to develop a unique discernment and perspective on wine and food. She has a natural ability to share her passion with others and a tremendous capacity to awaken her clients to the wonders of the wines, food and culture of the treasured lands that have inspired them.

Meet Some of Our Wine Expert Hosts

Marcello is a native Sicilian. After graduating from the University of Palermo with a degree in Chemistry, he pursued and obtained a Master’s in Advanced Organic Chemistry from the University of Chicago. At the University of Chicago, he further distinguished himself as a lecturer. Combining his passion and educational background Marcello became a sommelier and has achieved the esteemed rank of being the Chemist for the Cantine Florio Analytical Lab in Marsala. As a scientist, Marcello believes that wine needs to be explored even down to the molecular level to be truly appreciated for its greatness. He has a wonderful spirit and contagious enthusiasm for the origin and history of wines and has a wealth of knowledge regarding behind the scenes facts and oral history of wine in Sicily.

Tasca D’Almerita in the center of the Palermo province of Sicily continues to reach new elevations of success and renowned status among all the wineries of Sicily dating back to the early 1800s. Among the many standout professionals at the winery is Sacha, a charming and distinguished expert. He definitely has his convictions and opinions about Tasca D’Almerita’s prestige. When you have one glass of any of their award winning wines you quickly become a convert to the Tasca way of thinking. Sacha is one of the best hosts in all of Sicily and the opportunity to spend a little time in his presence allows you to gain an appreciation for a truly inspired vineyard that to this day continues to consistently deliver the finest wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

-Why choose Wine & Tours?

Our scheduled and custom tours provide luxury vacations to clients of all ages and varying levels of interest in wine. The tours are combined with gourmet regional cuisine, culture, history, architecture and exceptional service.

-Do I need insurance?

Travel, medical and trip cancellation insurance is not included. We strongly recommend that you have insurance prior to departure to protect yourself against any financial loss due to illness, accident or other incidents causing you to cancel your tour. We can supply you with a quote or contacts to insurance companies specializing in travel insurance. If you decline or do not have insurance you will be required to sign a liability waiver.

-What is the cancellation/refund policy?

If you choose to cancel your reservation, we must receive written notice of said cancellation either via certified mail, or overnight courier and you shall be subject to the following cancellation fee schedule: more than 30 days prior to departure, we will refund your deposit less  a US $500 administration fee per person. Less than 30 days notice, we do not forward a refund. Wine & Tours is not responsible for expenses incurred for canceled tours and we highly suggest purchasing trip cancellation insurance. We will be happy to provide you with trip insurance information upon request. There are no full or partial refunds for arriving late or leaving a trip early. 

-What documents do I need?

A valid passport and (visa if required), we suggest a photo ID and photo copies of your passport available in a separate location. Please ask us or view the U.S. Department of State website for current information http://travel.state.gov/

-What method of payment do you accept?

American Express, VISA, Mastercard. Prices are in US Dollars. For current Euro/USD exchange rates http://www.xe.com/ucc/