Wine, Spirits & Gastronomy

Understanding a destination through its food and wine, it a way to understand its history, culture and soul. Join me in the worlds known and off the beaten path wine regions escorted by the experts:

Laura has traveled around the globe tasting, learning about, and exploring wine. From the Willamette Valley to Stellenbosch, from the Alentejo to Chateauneuf de Pape, from La Rioja to Mendoza, Laura has a wine story to tell that almost always involves meeting up with a colorful grower-vintner, devouring a scrumptious farm-to-table meal with wine-pairings, or strolling through some of the most picturesque vineyards in the world. During all these years of seeing the world through, should we say, Rosé colored (wine) glasses, Laura has developed a healthy obsession with connecting with the worlds cultures vis-à-vis vine and vittles.

Australia is a vast country with no less than 60 designated wine regions and a reputation for producing the finest wines – including internationally acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – in the southern hemisphere. From sampling profoundly rich Shiraz in the famed Barossa Valley to sipping world-class Sauvignon Blanc in Margaret River, Resort to Laura Madrid is presenting an unparalleled itinerary including elaborate tastings, luxury accommodation, fine dining experiences and  unique activities.

Our tour will take us from Melbourne, to the Mornington Peninsula, the Margaret River Valley, Baroossa, Kangaroo Island, and end in Sydney.

Melbourne: Equally passionate about football and ballet, food and fashion a new face of Melbourne – cosmopolitan, avant garde, conservative – is revealed at every bend of the Yarra, in every tiny city arcade and in each of the colourful suburbs of the city fringe. Take a tram to the Greek eateries and bargain factory outlet shopping in Richmond or the designer boutiques in style conscious South Yarra. See world class performing arts and groovy galleries at Southbank and trendy cafes at the beachside suburb of St Kilda.

Mornington Peninsula: To Melburnians, Mornington is their best kept secret. Here, the locals far outnumber the tourists and it’s easy to see what keeps them coming back. Beyond the bay, Mornington’s ocean beaches are truly breathtaking and with wineries and produce to challenge the Yarra Valley, it is really hard to beat.

Margaret River Valley: Just a 3 hour drive south from Perth visitors to the Margaret River region are presented with an impressive smorgasbord of good food, world class wineries, boutique breweries and colourful arts and crafts galleries. The region features labyrinths of fascinating lime stone caves, white sandy beaches and spectacular coastal scenery. Epicureans and bronzed Aussie surfers are equally drawn to this region’s attractions to indulge, explore and enjoy!

Barrosa: Just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, The Barossa Valley is arguably the best-known wine-producing region in Australia boasting superb Shiraz and first rate Rieslings under names such as Jacob's Creek, Penfold's, Wolf Blass, Henschke, Yalumba, Peter Lehmann and countless boutique labels. This gourmet lover’s playground is enriched by a strong European heritage reflected in its wines, food, architecture, festivals and people

Kangaroo Island: Set in natural bush land, the iconic Southern Ocean Lodge overlooks a dramatic section of Kangaroo Island coastline. Rugged cliffs, wild-ocean, white beaches and virtually untouched native vegetation are complemented by an ecological design and organic luxe interiors.

The Lodge site adjoins two National Parks and is at the heart of the Island’s major attractions including Flinders Chase and the Remarkable Rocks. Resident naturalist staff provide guided coastal adventures, local touring and interpretive presentations, which are included in the tariff. 

Sydney: Sunny and stylish, energetic and inviting, Sydney shines all year round. Ferries, yachts, jetboats and harbour cruises share the sparkling waters framed by the world famous white sails of the Opera House and coathangerlike Harbour Bridge. The colonial sandstone warehouses of the lively Rocks district nestle at the foot of tall glass towers and contrast with the modernity of the neighbouring Darling Harbour.

Check out some of our Past wine and gastronomy trips

I invite you to join me as I explore the world’s most renowned wine regions on exclusive, and authentic itineraries. On Resort to Laura Madrid’s small group tours you will meet the owners and winemakers, taste exceptional vintages, enjoy spectacular meals, and stay in luxurious accommodations all with a superb group of new friends.

We would love to hear about your wine interests so we can keep you abreast of future wine programming. We customize private bespoke itineraries for couples, friends and even major corporations so that all details are built around your interests and time frame!

Laura decided to reinforce her love affair with all things wine, and has worked her way through the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Course, followed by the Wine & Spirit Trust's Level 1 Awards in Wine. Most recently, Laura obtained the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 Award in Wine, passing with distinction and she is currently (between sips) studying for her Level 3 Award Certification.

Laura has expert contacts in every wine region in the world and plans exquisitely detailed wine trips for her clients and their travel companions. Please reach out to allow Resort to Laura Madrid to organize your next bespoke wine itinerary or consider joining Laura as she escorts small groups of friends to top-notch wine journeys!

Laura’s wine-centric journeys