Here you will see traveler testimonials for all GrapeHops tours. Specific tour testimonials are available for most of our tours. Click on the applicable tour under Traveler Comments in the main menu.
I had an amazing time on the GrapeHops inaugural Bulgaria Tour. Shannon’s Itinerary was well balanced and beautifully crafted, taking us on a historical and cultural journey through some of Bulgaria’s most interesting and captivating sites. Our group traveled on a very comfortable minibus, stayed in wonderful accommodations and dined in establishments that prepared some of Bulgaria’s most delicious traditional cuisine. The
winery visits brought us to different wine producing regions, introducing us to some of Bulgaria’s exceptional wine. Our local guide, Ivaylo, was so helpful and very knowledgeable and is a great ambassador for his country. Going on a tour with Shannon is like going on a tour with a good friend. In addition to being highly organized and incredibly accommodating to our needs throughout the tour, she is also very personable and fun to travel with. As a solo traveler, I am also grateful for the No Single Supplement benefit offered. This was my third tour with GrapeHops and it will not be my last. I would highly recommend it.Kathy C. — Torrance, California
At age 58 I wasn’t quite ready to be “guided” and “bussed” around. I like to experience the culture, the people and the customs of a country and be spontaneous and adventurous while I still can. Well, Shannon’s Sicily tour was so phenomenal that my next trip will absolutely be with her. The beauty of being on a tour with Shannon is that she connects you with locals who are proud of their culture and what they do; whether it’s cheese making, wine making or puppet making, even the drivers are awesome. The passion they showed in their trades was monumental to me and what made my trip so unforgettable; and Sicily wasn’t even on my bucket list! Dining experiences are fun, lively and delicious. It is easy to see that Shannon puts much thought and research into her tours to make them such a success. As another testimonial noted, she is a bit of a mother hen watching over her group and going the extra mile to address any concerns. No amount of planning on my own could have afforded me such a successful and awesome trip.
Janell S. — Roseburg, Oregon
The Bulgaria tour is our third with GrapeHops and all have been fantastic! Someone asked me why I would do a tour when we normally plan our travel ourselves. I told them, first of all, it is all taken care of for you, but you still get to decide on some aspects like your free time. The attention to detail is incredible and some of the places you get to tour you would not easily find on your own. The transportation is roomy yet intimate to the group size and super comfortable. The food is always regional and amazing, like that time the town of Dositeevo came out and made us breakfast! We will never forget their hospitality.
We have made some lifelong friends since our first tour and we continue to travel together, with GrapeHops. It is truly a unique experience and Shannon always goes out of her way to make these small groups comfortable and unique. We love and recommend GrapeHops to anyone looking for a different type of “tour group”. We can’t wait for the next one!
Sylvia & David B. — Solvang, California
Awesome trip. The food was amazing and the wine was even better. The people of Bulgaria were so nice and friendly. Shannon and her company Grapehops are amazing. The best travel company we have ever used. Not only is Shannon a great guide and the tours are well organized and fun filled, Shannon has become a lifelong friend.
Dawn & Rudy A. – Fairdale, Kentucky
Another great tour with Shannon—this time in Bulgaria! Great sights, food, and wines! I especially enjoyed the interactive and hands-on cultural experiences we were treated to on this tour. Thank you to Shannon and Ivaylo for our great and memorable Bulgarian adventure!
Jean & Ernie V. — Waipahu, Hawaii
The trip to Sicily with Shannon was just what we needed after years of feeling like we were treading water through the covid pandemic. It was safe but had a real sense of freedom and adventure.
As with all the Grapehops tours, this one was personalized. Shannon wanted to know each traveler’s interests, which she tried to integrate into our activities. In our case it was art, history, and architecture as well as the reliably fabulous and authentic food and wine.
We had great, very knowledgeable, and extremely fun tour guides who felt like (and became) friends. Many of our activities felt like down-among-real-people hidden treasures: a cheesemaker’s farm and facility; family wineries; an ancient fish market (with incredibly delicious fish hot dogs at a small restaurant adjacent to the market); a quirky and fascinating ancient instrument craftsman, musician, and music historian; a traditional Sicilian puppet workshop and show (just for us!); and many more.
I’m eagerly anticipating our next trip with Shannon.
Riley D. – San Diego, California
This tour in Sicily was wonderful! I have never drunk so much great wine or eaten so many delicious meals as on this trip! Shannon knows many of the best places to eat and drink and everyone on this trip benefitted from her knowledge!
Fran D. – Ellicott City, Maryland
With Shannon as your guide, your biggest decisions will be red, white or rosé. We have done four trips with Shannon and each one has been so organized, interesting, and comfortable with delicious wine and food – all the things you want when traveling.
With Shannon you’ll get culture, history, local knowledge and the most wonderful food and drink imaginable. Her 5-star, small group tours are the best way to see some very special places in Europe that she knows very well, and she will take you places you would never find on your own.
Mary H. & David B. – San Diego, California
The trip to Sicily was wonderful. As usual, Shannon gets to know the locals and finds the best places for wine tasting and dining. Often, off the beaten path which makes it an even better experience. Not only is there a vast amount of good wine, but also great food while you learn about the history of places from her great local guides. Always great to travel with GrapeHops. Croatia was my first trip and Sicily my second. Both trips have been very memorable.
Cathy R. – San Diego, California
The Portugal tour was the 4th tour I have taken with Shannon and GrapeHops. So clearly, I enjoy her tours immensely. Let me expand upon the many reasons why: Shannon provides great tours at an affordable price and gives you great value for your money. We stay in lovely settings; she is very generous with food and wine offerings and the restaurants she chooses are special. I am especially grateful for her no single supplement charge. As a woman of a certain age who often travels without my husband, I especially love this perk that few other tours offer. Shannon always manages to find very special experiences with locals, allowing one to feel a deeper connection with the culture. Not only are the food and wine spectacular but the local guides she uses provide so much insight to the history and local customs whether it is a bigger city or an off the beaten track village. But the most impressive to me is how Shannon and her local counterparts really go the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy and address any concerns promptly. She is a bit of a mother hen watching over her group and that is a lovely quality in a tour operator. Most of all, I love traveling with Shannon because it is like traveling with a good friend who enjoys the same kind of travel experiences I do.
I recommend this tour as well as her Croatia, Sicily and Slovenia tours highly and can’t wait to go on the rest of her tours!
Colleen K. — Cambridge, Massachusetts
Fabulous trip, from start to finish! I’d enjoyed a “taste” of Croatia a few years ago — during 4 cruise port calls — and knew that I wanted to return and explore more of this beautiful country. When I stumbled across Shannon’s Grape Hops Tours, and saw her Croatia itinerary, I knew that this would be the perfect trip for me. Small group travel? – Check! No single supplement? – Check! Lodging in charming local apartments rather than chain hotels? Check! A gracious and attentive tour operator/hostess? Check! Interesting travel companions? Check! Off-the-beaten-path adventures? – Check! Authentic experiences and interactions with locals? Check! Fantastic food and wine? – Check!
This was my first trip with Shannon, but I am sure that it will not be my last.
Pam H. — Jacksonville, Florida
This was our third GrapeHops tour with Shannon – a great accolade. We would not have selected Slovenia as a wine and food tour destination if not for Shannon’s recommendation. The country, it’s people, the food and the wine were all stunning. Shannon’s pre tour reconnaissance and subsequent planning of accommodation, travel and of course the wineries visited resulted in an exquisite seven days. Slovenia produces some world class wines, some of which are unique to the country. A challenge to the senses for serious wine lovers. Want to be guided by a true professional? Go with Shannon!
Virginia & Andy MacDougal — Lambs Valley, New South Wales, Australia
This is the third tour we have done with Shannon and once again she looked after us brilliantly. Our first tour was Galicia in Spain, ore second spent in Venice where we visited so many places that tourists do not normally see or experience. Absolutely 1st class preparation. Now for our third tour recently she introduced us to Slovenia and what a great time we had. So much to do and see and so little time but highlights included a special luncheon/picnic on Lake Bled after visiting Vintgar Gorge. Visits to many wine regions with unique wineries and meeting with the Winemakers. All organized with Shannon’s usual efficiency and panache.
Margaret & Ken S. — Sydney, Australia
Our trip to Slovenia was excellent, the accommodations that Shannon arranged were of a high standard and always close to interesting and central parts of the city. We have previously done several tours with Shannon (Italy, Spain etc.) and they have all been thoroughly well planned and enjoyable. It all happens as planned and in a relaxed way.
Travelling with Shannon is like travelling with a friend who not only knows the country and sites, but also has an excellent network of contacts (winemakers, guides, restaurants and local operators). To us this is a major factor and results in a totally different and positive experience compared to other tours we have done. I have no doubt that when we next want to visit Europe we will be talking with Shannon as our experience has been that she is constantly researching new tours and refining the existing ones.
Shannon, many thanks for an excellent tour, nothing was left to chance, the whole week was most professional, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with you and the experiences we had in Slovenia.
Tony & Sue N. — Lovedale, New South Wales, Australia
I have never been a fan of tours – until I discovered GrapeHops Tours. The small group experience with a guide who is enthusiastic about every aspect of the trip is unique. GrapeHops Tours enriches my travel experience and I hope to explore other countries with Shannon, who is very knowledgeable about wine and food and has some great connections!
GrapeHops Tours provide a rich experience for travelers who want to learn about the food and wine of a region or country and see sights that most tourists miss. Last year (2018) was Sicily, this year Slovenia, and next year Bulgaria.
Mary H. — Indianapolis, Indiana
Croatia is an amazing and beautiful country; the people are wonderful; the food and wine are great; and Shannon planned and executed an almost perfect trip (and flexed when necessary.) We didn’t have to worry about anything. She took care of it all and we simply enjoyed every minute.
Lorri & Russ M. — Washington, D.C.
I had an amazing time on our GrapeHops Portugal tour. We visited some wonderful wineries and sampled some of Portugal’s delicious cuisine. All the lodgings were great and the local guides like Pedro were excellent in providing interesting cultural and historical background to the beautiful towns we visited. I want to thank Shannon for creating an awesome itinerary that also included some fun and enjoyable activities which created some of my most memorable travel experiences. This was my second GrapeHops Tour and it certainly won’t be my last.
Kathy C. — Torrance, California
The Northern Portugal GrapeHops tour with Shannon did not disappoint at all! The intimacy of having a small group of people on the tour made for a wonderful experience and the pace was very leisurely. A variety of activities was enough to satisfy everyone’s preferences and we were particularly pleased that Shannon took extra care in addressing things written in our pre-tour questionnaires.
The planned meals that were included with the tour were fantastic and opened our eyes to the world of Portuguese traditional cuisine. Not only did we learn a lot about winemaking — both traditional and non-traditional and the making of port – but also the historical/cultural aspects of Portugal. If large tour groups and rushing around to see sites is not for you, then you will LOVE this tour.
Jean & Ernie V. — Waipahu, Hawaii
This was our first trip to Portugal and we loved everything about it. The trip was well balanced with history, local culture, wonderful wines and fabulous food. Shannon does a phenomenal job of planning and connecting with the local people and her guides couldn’t be better. We enjoyed every aspect of the trip and would highly recommend it. For those concerned about hills and walking, accommodations were always made and generously provided – a great help to my husband and any others on the trip who needed it. We plan to travel with Shannon again and look forward to our next trip.
Diana & Ted J. — San Anselmo, California
We enjoyed immensely our tour of Sicily in May with GrapeHops. This was our fifth tour with GrapeHops. We appreciate the careful attention to detail that seem to make the tour progress in a seamless fashion. The places we visited were informatively presented and amazing from Greek ruins to a family run saffron farm where we had fresh ricotta. The food, including cooking classes, and wines were remarkable examples of the regions we visited. Even though we had a full itinerary, we did not feel rushed, and overall the tour was relaxing and amazingly satisfying.
Grazie mille!
Don & Mary M. — Marshfield, Wisconsin
We were fortunate enough to get on Shannon’s 2018 Sicily tour, and it was a set of experiences we will always cherish. To start with, her tours are the perfect size – I came to feel like we were in a “traveling dinner party”. What this small group size enabled us to do was enjoy dinners and wines in intimate settings with restauranteurs, chefs, and vintners interacting with us personally. This made for truly memorable connections with Sicilians who are passionate about their crafts, as well as connections with each other.
In addition to the intimate group, the other thing that Shannon has perfected in her tour of Sicily is a perfect balance between relaxation time, amazing and unique cultural experiences, and of course incredible food and wine at the best vineyards in this amazing and beautiful land. We will never forget the venerable craft of the marionette show, and the witty and gregarious artisans who put this show on, as has been done for centuries. We ate fresh – as in made before our eyes – cheese with a saffron farmer, walked the Palermo and Catania markets with a couple native Sicilians, and learned new appreciation for the history and culture that have amassed in this crossroads of centuries of western civilization. Perhaps the most memorable was a private lesson and recital in the history of music in a 14th century home by a world renowned music historian, luthier, and musician who crafts ancient instruments and teaches their playing. These amazing experiences were always punctuated by great foods and sublime wines in beautiful settings.
While we anticipated great things in Sicily, our trip exceeded all of our expectations. We will definitely be making another trip with Shannon- and it will be hard to resist the temptation to repeat Sicily!Bob & Margaret F. — Washington D.C.
Our Sicily Tour with Shannon of Grapehops exceeded even our already high expectations. Meeting the winemakers, seeing the actual vines, drinking the wine, eating the food – all were generous and delicious.
The tour was varied, well-paced, smoothly run, and hospitably informed by our guide, Gianluca, and by the locals he introduced us to. Our eight fellow travelers made dinners and tastings convivial and interesting.Alex & Ann C. — Berkeley, California
As one who was on the maiden voyage of this fantastic tour, I urge you all to consider this trip. It was fantastic to meet winemakers, visit ancient towns, eat fabulous food, taste the local wines, explore the world of port, and interact with some of the warmest, kindest locals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Shannon has done it again–she attracts the best folks! Both locals and travelers.
Judy R. — Berkeley, California
Our trip to Portugal was phenomenal! This is not only a wine trip but also a trip of history & culture. The hotels are first rate and the food and wine just keep coming and coming! Shannon works very hard to make sure everything goes smoothly and it shows. Can’t wait for our next trip!
Rick & Nancy S. — Walnut, California
A Taste of Northern Portugal is our fourth wine tour with Shannon and each tour seems to get better. This one was a nice balance between the vinho verde, just south of Galicia in Spain, and the great Port district along the Douro River. We visited very historic sites, had many memorable, delicious meals and visited and tasted at a remarkable variety of wineries ranging from small producers of white wines to the noted, theatric presentation at Sandeman, one of the major Port producers. it would be difficult to imagine a better experience.
Don & Mary M. — Marshfield, Wisconsin
As veterans of Shannon’s tours, Linda and I continue to praise her ability to generate experiences that are so genuine and so enjoyable. And she does this at a value point that is perfect: value lux. Thanks for all of the effort you put into these wonderful tours on our behalf, Shannon.
Paul & Linda H. — Alamo, California
We had a fabulous time on this tour. Shannon had it so well thought out and planned. There was a huge amount of variety in activities with, of course, wine tasting being in the forefront. We are usually independent travelers, but after taking the Portugal Wine Tour, we wouldn’t hesitate going with Shannon again
BJ & Alan F. — Placitas, New Mexico
We had traveled with Shannon before so I knew we would have a good time in Venice but this exceeded my expectations. She used to live there so knows the city well and she knew just where to take us for the best sights and best food. There was no such thing as a bad day with her!
Fynne & Hal F. — Morganton, North Carolina
Shannon thought of every detail to make this trip remarkable! I knew my first ever visit to Venice would be memorable because that’s just the way I choose to see things. But doing it with GrapeHops and with Shannon at the helm was an experience beyond my expectations.
If ever one feels she or he deserves to treat him or herself to an awesome vacation, go with the Taste of Venice Tour by GrapeHops! You’ll be wanting for more.
Eden B. — Fremont, California
This was our second trip with Shannon and as with our first trip, everything was done to ensure that it was a total success and a great experience. We and our friends had a thoroughly enjoyable time. I attribute this largely to Shannon’s flexibility in meeting individual needs, her hard work and conscientious approach and her knowledge of the areas visited.
While we had been to Venice before, Shannon took us to places and venues that normal tourists would not know about or visit. It was a totally different experience of Venice. In addition, visiting with Shannon who has lived in the city and also previously led visitor groups, meant that the insights and comments that she was able to provide added greatly to our experience. Totally different to our previous visits! All in all, a great trip and most enjoyable.
Tony & Sue N. — Australia
This was my first “vacation” trip, and I sort of fell into it because someone else had to cancel – thank you so very much to that person!
I had such a wonderful time. I’m not a “foodie” but never once went wanting, I totally enjoyed everything. Shannon is a perfect host/leader, she showed us – not only food & wines, but interesting sights too. She cares so much that everyone has a good time and attends to your individual needs and likes too. I would highly recommend this trip and hopefully more!Patti S. — Orcutt, California
Our tour was a fabulous experience, which felt more like a group of friends traveling together in a fun and adventurous way. The itinerary was a great mix of activities and there was a sense of spontaneity which pervaded the whole experience. Shannon made the whole trip look like it was effortless, but it was abundantly clear that a huge amount of hard work went into it seeming that way!
Jay and I would without hesitation do another trip with GrapeHops in the future.Randi S. — Sag Harbor, New York
The trip Slovenia was wonderful beyond expectation! Shannon orchestrated a seamless adventure that was creative, energetic, varied, and fun. The venues and the foods and wine served were always amazing. The mix of activity and eating/drinking kept us feeling balanced. I would love to do one of Shannon’s tours again.
Janet T. — Tucson, Arizona
My husband and I went on the Piedmont, Italy tour with Grapehops and had an incredible week. We’ve always traveled on our own, but traveling with Shannon took all the stress out of the planning and arranging. We had so many memorable experiences because she knew all the special places and people. She really knew the area intimately. Because we did not have the worry of transportation and timing, we were able to enjoy so many more activities every day. We ate the best food at lovely restaurants and explored many wineries along the way. And the scenery was spectacular. We even had a charming, opera singing bus driver.
Because Shannon keeps the group small, it only added to the instant camaraderie we all experienced and enjoyed. You’ll be very impressed with Shannon’s organization, friendliness and ability to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime. We will definitely be traveling again with GrapeHops and Shannon.
Mary H. — San Diego, California
How lucky we are to have had our first trip to Europe be with Shannon and GrapeHops Tours. Our trip to Catalonia, Spain was a perfect mix of wine, food, sights and culture. Our travel mates were so fun and interesting and we consider them friends forever. We had no idea what to expect and we were absolutely in awe of Shannon’s organization, choice of tours and guides, and selection of activities. She does countless hours of research to find special and unique places and every day was better than the last. If you want to travel and truly get to know a specific region, then GrapeHops is the only way to go.
Erin & Darin — Simi Valley, California
Traveling with Shannon in Spain was like traveling with a like-minded close friend who had done all of the hard work research for you before the trip. Everything felt so considerate of our personal interests. And with the smaller group, it is not so much like a tour as like a fun outing with friends. Shannon knows not only the best places to visit, but when and how to visit them. When the trip is done, you smile and anticipate the next trip. Our small group of new friends from the Catalonia tour now feels we are likely to see each other again and again on Shannon trips for many years to come.
Paul & Linda H. — Alamo, California
The May 2015 Catalonia tour was our third GrapeHops tour with Shannon, who has a remarkable ability to select places which are not on usual tour circuits, and incorporate locations of exceptionally unique interest. She also finds guides who know the areas very well. This tour began in the beautiful, historic city of Tarragona and concluded in Girona, equally historic and fascinating, with an overnight in the serene, craggy monastic location of Montserrat and a couple of nights in quaint El Bosc near the Penedes vineyards. From the steep natural vineyards in the Priorat and the well-groomed Llopart Winery (with an elegant picnic, a first time for them) to Augustus Forum on the ancient Roman road which had a delightful wine vinegar tasting, and Sicus with its unique in-ground fermentation and delicious picnic and wine tasting in the rustic vineyard highlights only a few of of our experiences. We absorbed a magical combination of fascinating historical and viticultural information, savored remarkable wines and food, not to mention the conviviality of a group who had a wonderful time together. This tour could easily qualify for “a trip of a lifetime”, but for Shannon another of her ever-improving GrapeHops tours.
Don & Mary M. — Marshfield, Wisconsin
I have always been a DIY vacationer…the idea of a “group tour” was my idea of a nightmare….having to wait on a bunch of people, and have a middle of the road experience because the tour director is trying to keep 50 people happy. However, I discovered the joys of small group tours, and Shannon does a FANTASTIC job of personalizing the experience for the folks in her group. A perfect mix of planned activities and “on your own” time, with the flexibility to make the trip what you want, made for a great vacation. As much as I have always enjoyed the planning for a trip almost as much as the trip, there was great freedom in having someone else worry about getting from point A to point B, and worrying about where to eat and which local tour guide to use, and which apartments really are nice (instead of just looking that way in the photos!). This trip to Croatia was never one I would have managed on my own, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to go on a Grapehops tour!
Anne O. — Elmer, Louisiana
Just when you think you know yourself, someone comes along to prove you wrong! We had always traveled solo, as a couple, until a friend steered us to Shannon’s GrapeHops tour of Croatia. Before the trip, internal doubts abounded: “Would we like the others in the group? Would we have enough free time? Would we enjoy the guides and activities and other choices made for us?” Not long into our glorious two-week adventure, each of our questions was answered with a resounding “YES!” Fellow travelers were interesting, low-key, and fun; guides were personable, entertaining, and informative, and Shannon’s choices of restaurants, vineyards, and off-the-beaten-track explorations afforded us the time and opportunity to do what we like most – to interact with the people, enjoy authentic meals, sample (many, many!) local wines, and become immersed in the culture of the country. On top of all this, there was Shannon – our navigator, cheerleader, problem-solver, drinking buddy, and, most importantly, delightful friend. We can’t wait to explore another country with her.
Gene and Jan S. — Arlington, Massachusetts
Yet again Shannon and GrapeHops exceeded our expectations. Oviedo and Cacabelos, and their hotels, were great bases with the Oviedo meals and the quaintness / friendliness of Cacabelos and it’s people being memorable. The number, variety and impressiveness of the wineries and Day Trips (from bakeries to Roman gold mines ) was fascinating.
John & Moyra L. — Houston, Texas
It’s hard to relay just how much fun Shannon’s Croatia tour was without gushing. Shannon does a superlative job of finding the best accommodations, restaurants, wines, guides, local color and not to be missed sights. The people she has befriended across Croatia go out of their way to provide unforgettable experiences. I was blown away by the beauty (especially Plitvice National Park) of the country, the friendliness of its people (who all seem to speak English) and how eager they are to please tourists and share their culture. The balance between seeing well known sights and unique, places you would never find on your own was perfect as was the amount of planned tours and free time. Simply an amazing trip, would love to do it all over again.
Colleen K. — Cambridge, Massachusetts
Traveling with Shannon is more like traveling with good friends than a tour. Shannon is tuned in to what her travelers want to do and she finds amazing venues and people to meet and help along the way. Bierzo with Shannon: Wine Spectator cover wine maker, Raul Perez, shares library wines because he grew up with our bus driver; sharing home made “hooch” with a retired gentleman in the mountains; 1000 year old monastery with vintners who are preserving nearly extinct grape varietals; Roman gold mines; amazing mencia wine (mucho); pouring hard cider with the mayor of Longoria at the old Longoria home, awesome food at restaurants that treated us like long-time friends; suggestions and assistance for post-tour plans. Traveling with Shannon is terrific.
Paul & Linda H. — Alamo, California
This was our third GrapeHops tour with Shannon Essa. We did not think that the GrapeHops experience could get any better, but Shannon really outdid herself this time! Croatia is a truly beautiful country and Shannon really showed us it’s magic, from the beautiful island ports of Rovinj and Hvar, to the walled city on the sea, Dubrovnik, and many notable stops in between. Plitvice National Park was a highlight – a magical land of waterfalls. The accommodations and local guides were excellent and the food was truly fantastic. We felt that we were able to see the “real Croatia” and interact with the lovely people who live there. Our third Grapehops tour, but it won’t be our last!
Margo & Leon S. — Laguna Beach, California
Going through the photos of our Croatia trip we can’t believe, what we saw, what we ate, and what we drank. It was truly amazing and of course it was all due to Shannon. All our GrapeHops Tours have been great with the latest one (our 4th) always seemingly even better than the last.
John & Moyra L. — Houston, Texas
Thoughtful, generous, flexible and accommodating leaders! A real insider’s view of Venice!”
Palma H. — from California
The tour was informative, fascinating, well organized and gave us a chance to experience three very different parts of Galicia – Santiago, the Ribeira Sacra and the Rias Baixas. I don’t think it could have been much better. In addition the food and wine tasting experiences were delightful.
Donald M. — Marshfield, Wisconsin
This was our first organized tour and it was so well organized! I saw so many more things than we would have done alone. I’m ready to go again!
Diana L. — Los Olivos, California
Interesting, Authentic, Exciting. My husband and I have traveled extensively and love to experience food, wine and different cultures. We felt that we had a true immersion experience, off the beaten path, where few tourists visit and traditional food and winemaking practices are still followed. We truly hope to be part of another Grapehops adventure in the near future!
Margo and Leon S. — Laguna Beach, California
What a week — with two fantastic leaders our small group discovered the wonders of Galician cuisine in tapas bars, polperias, small city cafes and the dining room of our casa rural; we were wined and dined by wonderful winemakers; we learned about the red wines of the Ribiera Sacra and the albarinos of Rias Baixas; and we laughed together a lot. From a visit to the iconic Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela to a picnic lunch on a terrace in the middle of a vineyard, we experienced the heart and soul of Galicia.
Judy R. — Berkeley, California
Overall, our GrapeHops week in Piedmont was totally satisfying, possibly our best trip ever. This was our third trip to the region but what made this trip special was the access we were given to small wineries and other artisanal producers – it was incredible to meet winemakers and their families, to meet the olive farmer, the brewers, the cheesemaker, the pasta maker etc and hear their stories. You guys are great.
Marcia & David B. — Pasadena, California
“Our second GrapeHops tour to Piedmont could not have been better. Both Shannon and her co-host Paolo were astutely aware of everyone’s comfort and needs and made sure we were happy and comfortable. Both took it on a truly personal level. There was a very good mix of activities, winetasting and dining in both restaurant and rural/home settings. Also, great people on this trip!”
Margo & Leon S. — Laguna Beach, California
Without doubt, our GrapeHops trips are the best of any we have taken. We are certain to take another GrapeHops tour because they are so good – the locations, the itineraries, the planning, and our leader Shannon.
John & Moyra L. — Houston, Texas
What makes the GrapeHops experience special? After being part of two fabulous tours (to Galicia and to Croatia), I think it is in large part Shannon’s ability to build warm relationships with locals, and her passionate desire to share unique experiences with us. We are never just on a tour – we are part of a circle of friends: vintners, local guides, restaurant and apartment owners, coach drivers and more, who are all committed to sharing what is special about their world and welcoming us into their lives for a while.
Judy R. — Berkeley, California
My trip to Croatia was the first time I had taken an organized group tour. I was prepared to have a good trip, but I wasn’t prepared to be blown away. I enjoyed the trip so much it was hard to pick a single ‘favorite experience.’ The Croatian tour has it all: wine tastings in a variety of venues and locations, excellent food ranging from fish to roasted meats to pasta to vegetables to great desserts, walking tours in each of our five locations (including the not-to-be-missed Plitvice National Park), and free time. I can’t find the words to express what a great job Shannon did on putting the tour in Croatia together. Her careful advance planning and continuing work during the tour resulted in a very enjoyable time for all. Bravo, Shannon! I can’t wait to join you on another trip!!
Jan M. — Lutsen, MN
What an amazing introduction to Croatia! Some well known places, but other out-of-the-way places that you might never find on your own—towns, wineries, and restaurants that charmed and delighted. Accommodations perfect, guides excellent and knowledgeable, and of course a generous and excellent hostess. Couldn’t be better!
Bill R. — Berkeley, California