By Darren Humphreys

I have an affection for all things wine, so much so, that our company name was inspired by my genuine admiration of a sommelier's role in perfecting the "art of the pair" with a person and a wine. As travel designers, our job is to match our clients with the perfect itinerary—for them.

That's the beauty of wine. Wine is personal. Wine is subjective. Not everyone gravitates to a first growth ... we strive to understand your palate and connect you to the most appropriate wines and wineries. We love introducing you to characters: the winemakers, some of the most interesting and talented people you'll meet, will breathe life into your experience. I get energized by sharing my firsthand knowledge:

South Africa's Cape Winelands is world-renowned for producing top wines, but further south, one of our favorite properties, Grootbos, is at the forefront of SA's hottest wine scene. Last month I met with head sommelier Barry Scholfield, viticulturist extraordinaire, who offers unparalleled insider knowledge and an impressive collectors-level wine cellar. Here you can meet venerable members of the Cape Winemakers Guild and sample award-winning chenin blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir.

Santorini, an iconic Greek island in the Aegean, is best known for caldera sunsets over blue domes adorned with bougainvillea. What often surprises visitors is its unique wine scene. This tiny island boasts dozens of indigenous grapes, including its famous assyrtiko. It’s best known for its crisp, dry whites, and sweet vinsanto. The trifecta of sand, porous soil, and salinity from the sea air are crucial for harvesting. That and the adaption of the koulouri (pruning vines into a ground-level "nest") provide shelter from the wind and allow the grapes to grow protected inside the basket. Winemakers will tell you that some of these vines are 200+ years old!

Uruguay is one of the wine world's best-kept secrets ... here, the tannat grape varietal reigns supreme. Brawny powerful reds pair well with the best steaks in Latin America. The authenticity and access to winemakers in both Garzon and Carmelo hark back to a former era as they are farmers first. They make exceptional wine thanks to the region's 99 classified soil types ranging from rocky coastal hills to humid pampa.

Otago, located within New Zealand's South Island, is on the outskirts of Queenstown, an adrenalin-pumping adventure mecca. Many people visit seeking a rush but stay for the wine. This region is renowned for producing excellent pinot noir and chardonnay, offering a wide range of superb cellar door facilities against the backdrop of stunning landscapes. You'll leave wanting to stock your wine cellar with these must-try vintages.  

Whether you're a self-proclaimed oenophile or a serious sommelier, we're confident you could brown bag the "juice" from these regions at a tasting and it would markedly impress your companions. We're ready to design a trip that provides the opportunity to enjoy multi-day, multi-appellation, where no two wine experiences are the same. We're fired up, are you?