VIP Winery Vacations

11/17/2024

🚨 Just In: Hot Off the Press! 🚨

🌟 We’re thrilled to announce NEW travel dates for Burgundy, France and Piedmont, Italy! 🌟

🇫🇷 Burgundy, France: This exclusive, smaller trip is the perfect add-on to our Piedmont experience (Oct 25- Nov 2, 2025). Due to growing requests for France, we’ve curated an unforgettable journey following the success of our Champagne tour last April! Imagine exploring the French countryside, visiting legendary producers like Maison Champy, indulging in top-tier restaurants, and wandering through charming villages in Burgundy.

🍷 Limited Availability: Only 6 spots are available for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t wait—secure your place now!

🌍 Let us take you on an extraordinary adventure filled with wine, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Stay tuned for more details! ✨

📅 DM us or call (845) 647-3000 for more info!

11/15/2024

🌍🍷 Top 10 Italian Wine Regions You MUST Visit 🇮🇹✨
Ready to sip your way through Italy? From rolling vineyards to hidden gems, these regions offer breathtaking views, rich history, and unforgettable wines. 🍇✨

1️⃣ Tuscany: Iconic Chianti Classico & Brunello paired with dreamy hills and medieval villages. Don’t miss Bolgheri for Super Tuscans!
2️⃣ Piedmont: The home of Barolo & truffles—perfect for Michelin-star dining and Nebbiolo wines. 🍂
3️⃣ Veneto: Sparkling Prosecco, bold Amarone, and Verona’s romantic charm await. 🥂
4️⃣ Puglia: Bold reds like Primitivo & coastal views at the “heel” of Italy’s boot. 🌊
5️⃣ Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Crisp whites like Friulano & Pinot Grigio—a hidden treasure. 🌿
6️⃣ Sicily: Volcanic wines like Etna Rosso with stunning seaside and vineyard vibes. 🌋
7️⃣ Umbria: Underrated reds like Sagrantino and quaint villages without the crowds. 💚
8️⃣ Emilia-Romagna: Fizzy Lambrusco + prosciutto and balsamic heaven. Yes, please! 🧀
9️⃣ Abruzzo: Rugged beauty and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo—best value wines in Italy! 🍷
🔟 Trentino-Alto Adige: Alpine charm and cool-climate wines like Gewürztraminer. 🏔️

✨ Which region is on your bucket list? Comment below! 👇💬

📍 Save this post for your next Italian adventure! 🍇✈️

11/14/2024

🇲🇽🍷 Have You Tried These Top Mexican Wines for Thanksgiving? 🍷🇲🇽

After touring Mexican vineyards almost 10 times, we’re bringing you the absolute best for Thanksgiving. From Valle de Guadalupe to San Vicente, these wines were chosen for their perfect balance with classic holiday flavors, making them the ideal choice for pairing with turkey, stuffing, and all your favorite sides. As award-winning restaurant owners and wine travel hosts, we know Mexican wine, and these selections deliver incredible flavors! 🍁🍇

Here’s what we’re featuring:

🍇 Chenin Blanc, Henri Lurton Bodegas, Valle de Guadalupe – A crisp, refreshing white with subtle floral notes that complements light appetizers and salads. 🍏🌸

🍇 Chardonnay/Vermentino, Casa Magoni – Valle de Guadalupe – Bursting with tropical fruit and balanced acidity, this wine is perfect with rich Thanksgiving sides like stuffing and sweet potatoes. 🍍🍁

🍇 Sauvignon Blanc, Casa Jipi – Valle de Guadalupe – Bright citrus and green apple flavors make this Sauvignon Blanc a refreshing pairing for turkey and savory herbs. 🍏🍋

🍇 Sauvignon Blanc, Monte Xanic – San Vicente – Zesty and mineral-driven with a hint of melon, it’s a beautiful match for roasted vegetables and savory dishes. 🍈🌿

🍇 Sauvignon Blanc, Bruma Plan B – Valle de Guadalupe – A lively, vibrant white with notes of passionfruit, bringing fresh flavors to the Thanksgiving spread. 🍍🌿

🍷 Cabernet/Malbec/Merlot, Adobe Guadalupe Gabriel – Valle de Guadalupe – Rich and full-bodied, with dark berry notes and a touch of spice. Ideal for pairing with turkey and holiday roasts. 🍒🍂

🍷 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blend, Clos Benoit – Earthy and structured with deep berry undertones, this blend enhances hearty Thanksgiving dishes. 🍂🍇

🍷 Grenache/Mourvèdre/Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, Bruma Plan B – Smooth with layers of dark fruit and spice, perfect alongside stuffing and roasted meats. 🍇🌶️

🍷 Tempranillo/Merlot/Cabernet, Aldo Cesar Palafox Pionero – La Grulla – With a smooth, berry-forward flavor profile, this wine is a versatile choice for pairing with holiday dishes. 🍒🌿

🍷 Cabernet/Malbec/Merlot, Adobe Guadalupe Gabriel – Valle de Guadalupe – Silky and full of depth, this wine enhances flavors in rich Thanksgiving sides and mains alike. 🍷🍂

11/10/2024

🌮✨ Experience the Real Mexico with VIP Winery Vacations! ✨🍷

Think you know Mexican food? Think again. Once you step into the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, your idea of Mexican cuisine will be redefined. Here, in the Napa Valley of Mexico, the flavors are bold, authentic, and elevated by some of Mexico’s most talented chefs. From unique local ingredients to innovative culinary techniques, this isn’t just dining—it’s a revelation. 🌶️🇲🇽

On our exclusive wine and gastronomy tour, we explore the very best of this region. With almost 10 group trips under my belt, I know every hidden gem, the local favorites, and have built meaningful friendships with the chefs, winemakers, and artisans who make this place truly special. 🍇🍽️

Are you ready to experience the most exciting wine region in the world with VIP Winery Vacations? Join us for an adventure that will change how you see—and taste—Mexico. 🌄✨

Visit www.bestmexicowinetours.com and let’s start planning your next unforgettable journey!

11/09/2024

⚠️ Consumer Warning for Group Trips to Europe! ⚠️

When you’re booking a group travel experience, not all trips are created equal. Many companies advertise “included meals” but leave out key details—often, not every meal is included, which can lead to unexpected challenges and expenses.

As someone who has led group tours in five different countries, I’ve seen firsthand the issues that arise when travelers are left to fend for themselves for certain meals, especially in Europe. After extensive experience organizing seamless, VIP-level food and wine tours, I’ve crafted VIP Winery Vacations to include every meal and every excursion. Why? Because I know what it takes to create a truly worry-free, authentic, and elevated experience.

Here’s the problem with tours that don’t include every meal:

🕗 In many European cities, authentic restaurants don’t open until around 8 PM. Finding a high-quality, non-touristy spot for dinner on your own can be challenging, especially in unfamiliar areas. And after a long day of exploring, no one wants to trek back to the hotel late at night on unfamiliar streets.

🍽️ When meals aren’t included, you’re forced to research and find restaurants on your own. This often means wasting precious vacation time deciding where to eat, potentially ending up in tourist traps that don’t showcase the true culture or flavors of the region.

💸 Hidden Costs: With meals and excursions not fully covered, additional costs can pile up quickly, taking away from your budget and creating an uneven, unpredictable experience.

Here’s the VIP experience we offer at VIP Winery Vacations:

With us, every single meal and excursion is included. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a seamless, immersive, VIP experience where every detail is expertly curated for you. We handle all the logistics, from selecting authentic, locally-loved restaurants to planning each day’s excursions. There’s no extra research, no added costs, and no risk of missing out on the real flavors and culture of the region.

Our VIP tours feature a diverse range of dining experiences, from charming and authentic local osterias to elegant, Michelin-starred restaurants. We curate each meal to showcase the full spectrum of regional flavors, giving you a taste of everything from rustic comfort to fine dining sophistication.

Because we’ve been to these places many times, we know the hidden gems and authentic spots that most tourists miss. When you travel with VIP Winery Vacations, you’re not just visiting a new place—you’re fully experiencing it in VIP style, stress-free and authentically.

Let us handle the planning, so you can savor every moment of this unforgettable, all-inclusive adventure. 🍷🌍

11/09/2024

Try this Mexican wine for Thanksgiving!!!

Sin paso por barrica, la mezcla Chardonnay con Vermentino 2022 nos ofrece una elegante acidez frutal✨ Es aconsejable consumirlo en sus primeros dos años de vida 🥂

10/21/2024

🌍🍇 The Grapes of Italy – A Wine Lover's Dream! 🍷✨

Here's a little taste of Italy's amazing diversity in grape varieties! From Nebbiolo in Piemonte to Nero d'Avola in Sicily, each region offers its own unique flavors and styles of wine. 🍇 This map showcases the incredible range of grapes that thrive across the country—whether it’s the bold Sagrantino of Umbria, the fresh Vermentino from Sardinia, or the complex Aglianico found in Campania.

Though we won’t be sampling these specific wines on our tours, this is a great reference to help you appreciate the incredible regional diversity that makes Italy such a fascinating wine destination. Each grape tells a story of history, culture, and tradition, waiting to be discovered.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Italy’s rich wine culture, join us on one of our curated wine journeys—where we explore vineyards, meet passionate winemakers, and taste some of the finest expressions of Italian terroir. 🍷✈️

09/28/2024

This is reason enough to visit Italy!!!!

Sfogliatella Pistacchio Ice-cream 😍

09/09/2024

Nothing beats the Italian food! 😋

09/07/2024

🇮🇹😋 Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian hard, granular cheese produced from cows' milk and aged at least 12 months.

09/07/2024

Italian Bakery ❤️🤩

09/06/2024

Fruit Market in Bologna, Italy!

09/05/2024

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È appena iniziata la nostra ventesima vendemmia.....la numero 17 dell'annata 2022 è stata valutata 95 punti da Daniele Cernilli. Che dire?! Non male per un vitigno siciliano come il catarratto..... di montagna.

09/04/2024

🌄 Explore San Gimignano! 🌄

San Gimignano, also known as the "Town of Fine Towers," is a stunning medieval town in the heart of Tuscany. With its iconic skyline of ancient towers, charming cobblestone streets, and beautiful piazzas, San Gimignano offers a magical glimpse into Italy's rich history and culture.

Whether you're strolling through the historic center, enjoying local Tuscan cuisine, or taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, San Gimignano is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

08/30/2024

You can drink Cantina Della Volta at Aroma Thyme or in Italy with us in April when we visit the winery! 

Il Mattaglio Brut Cantina della Volta è ottenuto dall’attenta vinificazione delle migliori uve di Chardonnay e Pinot Nero (vinificato in bianco) coltivate nel nostro vigneto collinare di Riccò di Serramazzoni (Modena), a 650 metri di altitudine sul versante modenese dell’Appenino tosco-emiliano, raccolte esclusivamente a mano in cassette da 15 Kg. I grappoli sono trattati con cura per evitare qualsiasi danneggiamento durante il trasporto e l’arrivo in cantina. Le uve vengono pressate sofficemente e solo il mosto fiore viene fatto fermentare in tini d’acciaio a temperatura controllata. Nella primavera successiva avviene la spumantizzazione secondo il tradizionale metodo classico della rifermentazione in bottiglia. Per scoprire le caratteristiche del Mattaglio chiedi al tuo sommelier di fiducia oppure visita il nostro sito: cantinadellavolta.it.

08/30/2024

📣 Attention Tequila Lovers, Experts, and Aficionados! 📣
We have an exciting and rare addition to our collection at Aroma Thyme— the G4 Extra Añejo 7 Year "Reserva Especial de Felipe Camarena"! 🥃
This isn’t just any tequila—this is a masterpiece crafted by the legendary Felipe Camarena. Aged for 6 years in ancient George Dickel whiskey barrels and finished for an additional year in single-use French Oak wine barrels, this tequila represents the pinnacle of artisanal craftsmanship. And with only 2,000 bottles available in the U.S., it’s as exclusive as it gets!
Why is this a must-try?
Bottled at Barrel Strength (84 proof) to deliver the purest, most robust flavors.
Packaged in handmade Rosa Morada wooden boxes, making it a collector's item.
Tasting Notes: A floral bouquet with leather, agave, and caramelized toffee on the nose, and a palate bursting with elderberry, tart cherries, tangerine, and hints of caramelization and brown butter. The French Oak finish adds an incredible depth and a long, luxurious finish.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience one of the rarest and most refined tequilas available. Don’t miss your opportunity to sip and savor this extraordinary spirit. Come to Aroma Thyme and be among the few to indulge in this tequila treasure!
🌟 Visit us soon—this exclusive bottle won’t last long! 🌟

08/27/2024

Aged 42 months on the lees, from the heart of Gavi in Piedmont, Italy—this sparkling gem blew us away! 🍾 And now, it's officially on our wine list at Aroma Thyme! 🌟
Even better? You can visit this incredible winery with us on our Fall 2025 trip to Piedmont! 🇮🇹✨
www.VIPwineryVacations.com

✨ Everyone loves and respects Champagne—it's a wine that symbolizes quality and sophistication. What makes Champagne so unique is that all the magic—the bubbles—is created right in the bottle. Unlike other sparkling wines where the bubbles form in a big tank before being transferred to the bottle, Champagne uses a traditional method known as "méthode champenoise", "Methode Classico" or "traditional method."✨

Of course, we offer Champagne on our menu at Aroma Thyme. But we've also searched far and wide to bring you traditional sparkling wines from other regions, including New York, Mexico, Slovenia, and Italy.

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Villa Sparina’s Brut Metodo Classico Blanc de Blancs from Piedmont, Italy. Villa Sparina is renowned for their Gavi, but we couldn’t resist bringing in some of their Brut Sparkling—and oh wow, is it amazing! 🍾

This sparkling wine is carefully crafted, expressing the distinctiveness of the Cortese grape and the region. After spending at least 42 months in contact with the lees, it emerges full-bodied and intense, with a perfect balance between acidity and minerality. Its very fine perlage, freshness, and long, persistent aftertaste will truly astound you.

At Aroma Thyme, we’ve personally visited well over 300 wineries in 6 countries to curate one of the best wine lists in the Hudson Valley—not just in quantity, but in quality. But most importantly, we’ve built stories and friendships along the way, bringing a world of wine to your table.

And guess what? You can visit this winery and wine resort with us in the Fall of 2025. Come experience the elegance of Villa Sparina’s Brut Sparkling and explore the world of traditional method wines with us. Cheers! 🥂

Ethica Wines Villa Sparina Resort

08/22/2024

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Discovering the magic of Nebbiolo from Northern Piedmont & 🍇✨ This region’s unique terroir gives birth to elegant, aromatic wines with a perfect balance of tannins and acidity. From the hills of Boca to the vineyards of Gattinara, every bottle tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Here’s to savoring the true essence of Nebbiolo!

Raising a glass to Carema DOC, a hidden gem from the heart of Piedmont 🍷🌄 This Nebbiolo wine captivates with its delicate bouquet and refined elegance, reflecting the mountainous terroir of its origin. Every sip unveils layers of history and tradition, making it a true connoisseur’s delight.

Enjoying the sublime Le Piane Nebbiolo 🍷✨ This wine showcases the elegance and complexity of Nebbiolo, with notes of cherry, rose, and a hint of spice. Crafted with passion in the picturesque vineyards of Boca, it’s a testament to tradition and excellence. Perfect for those special moments that deserve a touch of sophistication.

Discovering the charm of Il Chiosso Nebbiolo Colline Novaresi 🍷✨ This delightful wine captures the essence of Northern Piedmont with its vibrant notes of red berries, violets, and a hint of spice. A perfect blend of tradition and elegance, each sip tells the story of the unique Colline Novaresi vineyards. Cheers to enjoying the finer things in life!

Sipping on the exquisite Arpepe Valtellina Rosso 🍷🌄 This wine, crafted from Nebbiolo grapes in the stunning Valtellina region, offers a harmonious blend of red fruit, floral notes, and a touch of earthiness. It’s a perfect reflection of the Alpine terroir and the passion behind its creation. A true delight for any wine lover.

Salute! Cheers!