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May 13, 2025

Why You Need a Travel Advisor Who Knows Food, Wine & Spirits

Travel advisor and sommelier Kelsey Parry exploring wine region for client itinerary planning

When you think about your most unforgettable travel memories, how many of them involve a plate of something perfect? Or a glass of wine in a vineyard, or perhaps a whiskey sampling in a historic distillery that somehow tasted better just there, in that specific place?

Food, wine, and spirits aren’t just trip highlights — they’re memory makers. And if you’re someone who travels with your tastebuds leading the way, working with a travel advisor who truly understands the culinary and beverage world makes all the difference.

The Magic of a Food, Wine & Spirits Specialized Travel Advisor

I’m Kelsey — a former NYC pastry chef and certified sommelier turned travel advisor. I help food-loving travelers plan custom trips filled with local flavor, immersive tastings (from wine regions to whiskey trails), and meaningful cultural experiences.

Gourmet countryside picnic in the Cotswolds arranged by specialized culinary travel advisor

Here’s Why Having a Culinary Travel Specialist Matters:

My background as a NYC pastry chef and certified sommelier brings unique advantages to your travel planning experience:

1. I speak the language of flavor — literally and figuratively.
As a travel advisor specializing in food, wine, and spirits experiences, I maintain relationships with chefs, winemakers, distillers, and local food experts across destinations. This translates to private tastings, chef’s table experiences, exclusive vineyard tours, and behind-the-scenes access at craft distilleries that aren’t available through typical booking channels.

Private whiskey tasting experience in Scotland arranged by specialized travel advisor

2. You’ll skip the tourist traps and go straight to the good stuff.
Guidebooks quickly become outdated, and online reviews can be misleading. As your culinary travel advisor, I tap into a constantly updated network of trusted contacts to recommend restaurants, wineries, and distilleries that truly represent a region’s essence—not just its Instagram popularity. Whether it’s Kentucky bourbon country or the whisky trails of Scotland, you’ll experience authentic local traditions, not tourist versions.

3. Your itinerary will have balance — and plenty of flavor.
There’s nothing worse than rushing through a tasting to make your next reservation. I understand the rhythm needed for proper food, wine, and spirits appreciation, creating thoughtfully paced schedules that allow you to actually savor each experience. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, a picnic in a vineyard, a whiskey masterclass with a master distiller, or a cooking class with a local grandmother, your journey will perfectly balance sophistication with authenticity.

Why Choose a Travel Advisor with Wine & Spirits Expertise?

Wine regions and spirits destinations present unique travel planning challenges that require specialized knowledge. As a sommelier-turned-travel advisor with a passion for both wine and fine spirits, I understand the nuances that make beverage-focused travel special:

  • Which boutique wineries and small-batch distilleries welcome visitors and which require special arrangements
  • How to time visits around production seasons like harvest or malting for unforgettable experiences
  • The small, family-owned producers making exceptional wines and spirits that rarely get exported
  • The difference between commercial tasting rooms and authentic production experiences
  • How to craft the perfect whiskey trail itinerary in Kentucky or Scotland that balances history, production techniques, and of course, tasting experiences
Exclusive Bordeaux château vineyard experience customized by specialized wine travel advisor

My clients particularly appreciate how I match experiences to their personal preferences. Whether you’re a serious wine collector, a whiskey enthusiast seeking rare single malts, or simply enjoy casual vineyard and distillery visits, I’ll customize experiences that perfectly align with your interests.

Creating Immersive Culinary Journeys, Not Just Reservations

When you work with a culinary-focused travel advisor like me, you’re getting so much more than restaurant bookings. I create cohesive experiences that tell the story of a destination through its food and beverage culture:

  • Hands-on cooking classes with local experts who share family traditions
  • Market tours where you’ll learn to select ingredients like a native
  • Guided whiskey or bourbon tastings with master distillers who reveal family secrets
  • Behind-the-scenes distillery tours that go beyond the standard visitor experience
  • Special arrangements for dietary preferences without sacrificing authentic experiences
  • Perfect balance of high-end dining and authentic local establishments
Clients enjoying exclusive chef's table experience arranged by culinary travel specialist

Your Custom Food, Wine & Spirits Travel Experience

My planning process always begins with understanding your specific tastes. Do you dream of Michelin-starred excellence? Authentic hole-in-the-wall discoveries? A comprehensive tour of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries? Perhaps all three?

I then leverage my culinary background, beverage expertise, and global network to craft an itinerary that reflects your personal style while introducing thoughtfully selected new experiences.

The result? A seamlessly organized journey that revolves around exceptional eating and drinking, without you having to research a single restaurant review, wine list, or distillery tour schedule.


If you’re craving a trip that tastes as good as it feels, I’d love to help plan it. As a travel advisor who specializes in food, wine, and spirits destinations, I’ll ensure your next journey nourishes both your wanderlust and your appetite.

Ready to start planning your culinary adventure or whiskey tour? Head to the button below to start designing something unforgettable!

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