Testimonials

Chris Bart

“John and I have been on numerous winery tours in Napa, and none compared to the tour you arranged in Tuscany.  The hosts, often owners, spent a great deal of time sharing their knowledge and love of wine-making with us, and it was very inspirational.  Your itinerary had a nice selection of small, quaint Tuscan towns to visit, fabulous restaurants to enjoy, and charming inns to stay in.  The night at the butcher shop restaurant was especially memorable and the photos—priceless.  I think we all left singing Italian!  I would highly recommend your trip to anyone who wants to know the people, food, and landscape of Italy.  I look forward to venturing with you on a future trip.”

Jamie Nightingale-Warner

“The Catalonia trip is an unique opportunity to experience everyday life in wine country. No where else will you find wine and food made with such integrity and heart.  Enjoy a hillside wine tasting, make paella with a local chef, tour a winery & then have an incredible BBQ Sangenis style. End your trip with a fantastic 7 course private dinner. The lodgings are quaint and as charming as their owners. Need more activity? Then set sail on the Mediterranean for an unique snorkel trip or kayak a local reservoir with untouched natural beauty. If you enjoy any of the following: wine, food, history, traveling and meeting new people then this is the trip for you.”

Kris Bulthuis

“What a wonderful trip you hosted in Italy. I had a marvelous time. Everything was planned out so well and what a fun group. I want to thank you for your wonderful hospitality throughout the entire trip. You truly are a spectacular host. What a beautiful country and what fabulous places we got to see and experience. Thank you again for everything.”

Dave & Jane Armstrong

“Our trip to Tuscany was a once in a lifetime experience—well-researched and executed, exceptional accommodations and touring, very intriguing cooking schools and forever memorable gourmet dining, with a great group of people.  Only Butch could have pulled it off!”

Paul & Julie Lilly

“We really enjoyed Butch’s Tuscany Tour in the Fall of 2015.  His knowledge and familiarity with area made for a great experience.  There was a nice balance between the organized activities and free time to explore on our own. The transportation provided throughout the trip was excellent and always on time. Our meals were always delicious and highlighted the cuisine and wines of the area.  The accommodations made the trip very comfortable.  The unique locations and character helped us make a real connection to the area and its history.  We especially enjoyed the time at the Abby and the wonderful attention they paid to our needs.   We look forward to more opportunities to tour with Butch.”

Marc & Joanna Boeckl

“Normally, we book our own trips and avoid tours.  When we were looking for a trip to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, our neighbors recommended Butch’s wine tours after they took a trip to Spain.  What an experience! – no stress, absolutely wonderful accommodations, good easy transportation, beautiful winery and olive producer tours and last but not least, incredible wine and food!  Butch is a wonderful host that shares his knowledge and makes any trip a great experience. We cannot wait to do the next trip!”

Claudia Berry

“Having taken Butch’s Tuscany Wine Tour I can say it is a wonderful experience. You travel at a very comfortable pace with time to explore on your own the wonderful little towns making up the Tuscany countryside. The food, the wine and the attention to details are noteworthy.  However the best part is the spontaneity and compatibility that happens when your group begins the tour by taking a cooking class together.  The spirit of companionship lasts throughout the entire trip.”

Kathy Elhart

“A trip of a lifetime… !  Because of Butch’s special relationships, we had so many wonderful private experiences… things I would not have been able to do on my own. We met the wonderful people who made the wine and olive oil, participated in fabulous cooking classes with the best chefs, and stayed in the most unique places.  All the details and arrangements handled.  What a way to go!”