After a quarter-century of importing Europe’s most exceptional wines, we’ve learned that the most memorable moments happen when time slows down—when you’re sitting with a seventh-generation winemaker in their family cellar, savoring a glass of wine, sharing stories that span decades.
This is what we offer at Joy of Wine Journeys.
Our luxury food and wine journeys to Italy and France aren’t typical tourist experiences. They’re intimate journeys into the heart of winemaking tradition, made possible by the relationships we’ve cultivated over 25 years through our importing business, Uva Imports.
Exclusive Access: Visit family-owned wineries that don’t welcome tourists—but they welcome our guests as friends. These are the same exceptional producers whose wines we’ve been importing for decades.
Michelin-Starred Dining: Every meal is a celebration. We work directly with renowned chefs to create seasonal menus that perfectly complement our carefully selected wines.
Curated Wine Selections: Each meal features thoughtfully chosen local wines, comparative tastings, and rare back vintages that showcase the evolution of the region’s terroir—wines you’ll never encounter on a typical tour.
Luxury Without Rush: Start your days at 10 AM with gourmet breakfasts. Enjoy built-in leisure time for spa visits, shopping, or romantic evenings with your partner. We believe quality outweighs quantity.
Exceptional Accommodations: Sleep in carefully selected boutique hotels, renovated 18th-century mansions, and medieval castles—each chosen for their unique character, luxury amenities, and prime locations.
Small Groups, Big Experiences: Our intimate group sizes ensure personal attention and meaningful connections with both fellow travelers and our winemaker hosts.
“We are not “Tour Group” type of people but after traveling with Adam and Natalie in Northern Italy along with a few other couples this experience rates an 11! The quality of service, selection of wineries, hotels, background information, transportation, restaurant selection, All outstanding! Adam and Natalie have created an exceptional environment where you are one-on-one with boutique winemakers, not a 30-minute tasting but a rich conversation about the culture and meaning of these unique family wineries embodied in the lands they cultivate and the wines they produce. This was an unbelievable experience; We can’t recommend it more. Regardless of your level of wine appreciation, you will learn and be well-versed in the plentiful selections and style of the region. And if food is your jam…seriously out of this world. Adam has found the best which represents the area, the cuisine is delicious, the preparation flawless and no one goes hungry or thirsty…this is a not to be missed experience.” ~Anthony & Patricia (Central & Southern Italy, Northern Italy, Spain, France)
“What a joy it was to travel across Northern Italy with Adam & Natalie as our guides! Their extensive first-hand knowledge of the area and their connections to the winemakers in the region made this a truly one of a kind experience. I especially loved watching the sunset from the top of the tower in Barbaresco. It was the perfect setting to enjoy a bottle of wine with fellow travelers and watch the changing colors on the vineyards below. Another highlight was our time spent around Lake Garda. The nature beauty of this area is stunning! It is impossible to speak about this trip without mentioning the kind hospitality we experienced. All of the winery visits were outstanding in every way. Whether it was a private tasting in a candlelit cellar, a late night conversation, a walk through the vineyards, or an elegant lunch in their home, each winemaker made our visit a special occasion. Not only did I learn a lot about wine but I was able to enjoy it in a relaxing setting with wonderful people. Thank you Adam & Natalie for creating such an incredible trip!” ~ Ben & Janelle (Northern Italy & France)
“I had my doubts about going on a group tour…but my fears faded away with this intimate group. Adam’s passionate knowledge and laid back personality were so enjoyable. Natalie is the perfect compliment of funny, sweet and organized. A true Joy of Italy!!!! The pace of travel, activities and dining and wine tours were all over the top. Our driver was a true professional and gentleman. Perfecto!”~ Don & Marilyn (Northern Italy & France)
“We had such a good time, exceeded expectations! We learned so much about wine, food, and the region. You were both so helpful and friendly, accommodating our special needs and making it look easy even though we know how much work went into it. We loved everything about it and can’t wait to do it again! All 1st-rate!” ~Olav & Carol (Northern Italy & France)
“The trip was absolutely amazing! Adam and Natalie were wonderful guides and have such great knowledge of wine and foods in Italy. The accommodations were terrific, and their choice of restaurants was outstanding. Loved the variety of locations. Adam and Natalie went above and beyond to make everything special. They are wonderful people and really made the trip so much fun for everyone.” ~Tom & Nancy (Northern Italy & France)
“Thank you for an incredible experience in Italy. Our days with the winemakers and their families made the trip heartwarmingly memorable. The food was extraordinary and highlighted by the company of our fellow travelers. This trip was organized like a pro, but felt very easy and natural as each day progressed. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity, time and wealth of knowledge about each city, restaurant and winery we visited.” ~Gene & Jennifer (Northern Italy)
“An amazingly well organized, executed and reasonably priced experience. As full an experience of any of our group trips or cruises. Simply first class with two wonderful hosts that were responsive to participants desires throughout. Well done. A 10+.” ~Kevin & Kelly (Southern & Central Italy, Northern Italy, France)
“The experience was fantastic. I thought every detail was well thought out – from the accommodations to the schedule to the activities, to the locations. The access at the wineries is very special and second to none. Spending time with the winemakers at their place is really really cool.” ~Austin & Kayla (Northern Italy & France)
Discover more about the towns, wine regions, and the incredible vineyards we visit.
