Something new is coming...
Despite the stress and preparation that come with uprooting our lives and moving to France, despite the sleepless nights, endless paperwork, and countless phone calls, I finally feel as though I’ve reached a point in life where everything I’ve done over the years is coming full circle.
For more than two decades, I’ve worked as a food, wine, and travel journalist, telling the stories of fascinating places and the people behind those places. My work has taken me to vineyards and bountiful markets, into family kitchens, artisan workshops, and centuries-old wine cellars. I’ve always been searching for how local traditions are kept alive and did my best to report on what makes a region truly worth discovering. Now, as we prepare for our new life in southwest France, I’ve realized that what I want more than anything is to share those experiences in a different way.
I want to personally take you with me…
Beginning in March 2027, I’ll be offering a variety of private, curated experiences in the beautiful Bergerac–Duras wine region. These days will be personally designed by me for singles, couples, or small groups (max. four) who want to experience this enchanting corner of France in a relaxed and convivial way.
We’ll discover a landscape of rolling vineyards, medieval bastide towns, authentic weekly markets, and quiet country lanes. This isn’t a polished part of France; this is la France profonde, and that’s precisely what makes it so unforgettably charming.
You’'ll find family-run wineries where the winemaker pours the wine and tells you the story behind it; markets where producers proudly introduce you to their cheeses, walnuts, or honey; and restaurants where lunch is an unhurried affair, enjoyed over good conversation and a bottle of local wine.
These experiences won’t be about ticking sights off a list or rushing from one place to the next. Instead, they’ll be carefully tailored to your interests and the rhythm of the seasons. For example, one day might begin with coffee and pastries in a lively market before meeting an artisan cheesemaker and enjoying lunch in a charming village brasserie. Another could take us through vineyards to meet the winemaker and enjoy a tasting, followed by a leisurely meal overlooking the vines and an afternoon learning about the art of wine pairing or discovering another local producer.
Depending on the season, we might explore truffle country, visit prune orchards, picnic among the vines, or spend time with passionate craftspeople whose skills have often been passed down through generations. And if you’re creative, I can even include an art lesson in my garden.
More than anything, I want these days to feel like spending time with a knowledgeable local friend—someone who can open doors, introduce you to remarkable people, and help you discover the stories behind what you’re tasting, drinking, and seeing. After years of writing about the French food, wine, and culture of this region, I’ve built close relationships with the people who make it so special. They will be firmly placed at the heart of these experiences.
My hope is that you’ll leave not only with a few bottles of wine or delicious memories as cherished souvenirs, but with conversations you’ll remember, places you’ll want to return to, and a deeper appreciation for this wonderfully authentic corner of France.
Over the coming months I’ll be sharing much more, including itineraries, practical details, and booking information. For now, consider this a little preview of something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. I can’t wait to welcome you to southwest France from March 2027. Will you join me in France, too?
