Wine Tours

[Ken Gargett]

i did clear this with Rob but it was some time ago so he has probably forgotten.

 

 

As some might know, I have been talking to a luxury tour group for a while now with the intention of putting together some wonderful wine tours. I realise that this might be of no interest to some, but you may have friends who might be interested. And for some, this is merely an update of what I have been up to.

Anyway, the tours are looking to Tuscany, the South of France, Bordeaux/Loire and Piedmont, with South Africa and Spain/Portugal (2027), and there are others in the pipeline.

You can find further info on the link below plus the company’s info blurb, and please let me know if any queries. [email protected] 

 

 

https://winejourneys.au/

 

 

 

 

Discover the story in every bottle

 

Imagine standing in a centuries-old vineyard, glass in hand, listening to the story of the soil from the person who knows it best. This is the heart of a Wine Journey. Welcome to Wine Journeys, where every tour is more than a trip—it's a story waiting to be told. We design immersive travel experiences for a small number of guests who share a passion for exceptional wine, authentic food, and the unique culture behind every bottle.

 

Meet your host, Ken Gargett

 

At the heart and soul of every tour is your host, Ken Gargett. With decades spent exploring the world’s great wine regions, Ken brings each destination to life, not as a guide, but as your personal connection to its people, stories, and flavours.

 

Ken is an acclaimed wine writer and critic. He has contributed extensively to publications such as The Courier-Mail, World of Fine Wine, Quill & Pad, Drinks Trade, Fine Magazine, Halliday Magazine, Ocean Magazine, Tastingbook, and WinePilot.    As a former editor of Fine Wine & Champagne Australia/New Zealand, Ken has been a regular wine columnist since 1999, and is highly regarded in the wine community.   His philosophy is simple: to move beyond the typical tasting room and introduce you to the people, the history, and the passion that make each vintage unique. He has personally curated every itinerary to ensure you have unparalleled access and an unforgettable experience.

 

Discover Our 2026 Journeys We are thrilled to unveil our collection of tours for 2026. Each journey is an intimate exploration of a classic wine region, designed to delight both the seasoned connoisseur and the curious enthusiast alike.

 

Pricing From AUD 27,900 per person   Next Tour Early October 2026   Discover Tuscany

Tuscany Uncorked (9 days) Private wine tastings in prestigious estates, including Brunello, Chianti Rufina, Super Tuscans, and Vernaccia Exclusive vineyard experiences, including a Brunello helicopter tour, truffle hunting, and masterclasses with winemakers and sommeliers  Award-winning accommodations Gourmet dining experiences to Michelin-starred restaurants Wine host & sommelier for the entire tour Private luxury transport

 

 

Bordeaux and Loire Valley (11 days) Premier Grand Cru tastings in Bordeaux and Sancerre Cognac blending experience at three world-renowned houses Michelin-starred meals and vineyard gastronomy Luxury stays in authentic French châteaux Private Loire River cruise with onboard degustation Cooking class with a French chef Farm visit and goat cheese pairing in Chavignol

Pricing From AUD 23,900 per person   Next Tour Late April 2026   Discover Bordeaux & The Loire

 

 

Pricing From AUD 18,900 per person   Next Tour Early May 2026   Discover Piedmont & Barolo

Piedmont & Barolo (10 days) An insider’s journey into the world of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Gattinara Explore hilltop villages, royal cities, artisan chocolate shops, and hazelnut farms Stay in elegant villas, charming wine hotels, and an exclusive vineyard estate Panoramic tastings, private cellar dinners, and castle experiences Guided tastings, aperitivi, cooking, and cultural experiences throughout End your journey lakeside in tranquil luxury at Lake Orta

 

 

Provence and the Languedoc (11 days) A journey through Provence’s elegance and the Languedoc’s rugged soul, including Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Toulouse Stay in boutique hotels, hilltop villages, and vibrant cities Explore historic towns, Cathar castles, Roman ruins, and UNESCO sites Wander daily markets, sample local wines, and dine under the stars Private guides, cooking classes, museum tickets

Pricing From AUD 27,900 per person   Next Tour Late September 2026   Discover Provence & the Languedoc

 

 

Pricing From AUD 29,700 per person   Next Tour May 2026   Discover Spain & Portugal

Spain & Portugal (14 days) Exclusive tastings in Priorat, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and the Douro Valley. Stay in architectural wonders like Hotel Marqués de Riscal and restored historic estates like Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine. A private yacht cruise on the Douro River, a 4x4 vineyard safari, and an exclusive before-hours tour of the Prado Museum. A private, Michelin-starred flamenco dinner show at the world-famous Corral de la Morería. A private, fully-equipped luxury coach with a professional driver for the entire journey. Accompanied by an expert wine guide throughout the tour.

 

Ready to wander? See the full collection and find the journey that speaks to you.   Explore All 2026 Journeys

 

Your Journey, Your Way Introducing Bespoke Independent Travel   Perhaps your schedule requires more flexibility, or you simply prefer the intimacy of travelling on your own.

 

For those who seek the freedom of an independent journey without sacrificing the quality and access for which we are known, we are delighted to introduce Design Your Journey. This is the Wine Journeys philosophy, tailored to you. We handle the meticulous planning and secure the exclusive access; you set the pace. The Navigator's Experience (Self-Drive): Command your own premium vehicle on a perfectly curated route. It is the romance of the open road, made effortless with our seamless, invisible support. The Connoisseur's Passage (Private Driver): Indulge in ultimate relaxation as your personal driver-guide unlocks the region's secrets, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

 

Ready to craft your perfect wine escape?

 

I look forward to raising a glass with you somewhere wonderful.   Yours in travel and wine,

 

 

[Ken Gargett]

i am also hoping we do a New Zealand combo wine and flyfishing tour but that would be down the track. 

[El Presidente]

8 minutes ago, Ken Gargett said:

i did clear this with Rob but it was some time ago so he has probably forgotten.

I know spam when I see it 

[Ken Gargett]

3 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

I know spam when I see it 

nice! no mates rates for you. 

[Chas.Alpha]

My enrollment in one (or all) of these tours is directly dependent on 6 ping-pong balls coming up in the right sequence at the right time. For those of us in the cheaper seats, will there be a continuation of the FOH wine tastings? I never knew that I liked Reisling until the first one.

The Port class was excellent as well.

Hoping we could do Champagne at some point.

CAH

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, Chas.Alpha said:

Hoping we could do Champagne at some point.

CAH

I think pre Christmas would be an excellent occasion to do a 2025 Champagne Masterclass. Let me confer with grand poobah Ken. 

[BrightonCorgi]

I've done a wine tour before. Make sure you amp up your wine drinking a good month or two before the tour so you can be on top of your drinking game. These aren't for the light drinkers.

[Ken Gargett]

2 hours ago, El Presidente said:

I think pre Christmas would be an excellent occasion to do a 2025 Champagne Masterclass. Let me confer with grand poobah Ken. 

last time we tried that, i was in intensive care within the hour. for ten days. 

[Ford2112]

6 minutes ago, Ken Gargett said:

last time we tried that, i was in intensive care within the hour. for ten days. 

Pants?

[Ken Gargett]

25 minutes ago, Ford2112 said:

Pants?

????

[Ford2112]

4 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

????

Lol. I don't know, ignore me!