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Email #1 - July 2023

Email #1 - July 2023

Introducing - Terroir Tours

July 10, 2023

It all started after my first trip to Napa Valley in 2008. I came back to work at Rioja eager to tell you all about who I’d met and what I found. I like to think my enthusiasm was contagious because soon, customers were planning their trips to wine country and would ask me for advice. “Where should we stay, where should we eat?” As many of you can attest, I love a captive audience and I was happy to assist.

I’d made connections at Darioush, Plumpjack and Chappellet, not too shabby. I’d wandered into what are now legendary eateries like the Model Bakery, Mustard’s Grille, the Bounty Hunter, and what was then Taylor’s Automatic Refresher. Armed with knowledge, I would spend time researching and coordinating, booking and confirming appointments and reservations to ensure everyone had a great time. That's about as far as I thought it through.

One afternoon before work, Lauren observed me frantically updating spreadsheets and making phone calls. I told her what I was working on. She immediately saw an opportunity and helped me redirect my enthusiasm.

Using our existing network and experience, we began arranging tours to wine country. For a small charge, we would handle all of the logistics and even get your tasting fees waived! We booked honeymoons, reunions and we soon realized we weren't thinking big enough.

In 2014, Terroir Tours was founded and we led our first group of 10 to Napa Valley. We rented a house, arranged private transportation for the group, reserved private tastings at exclusive wineries and our group dined at the Michelin 3 Star French Laundry.

In 2018, I told Lauren I’d take her to Italy if she agreed to marry me. It was a long shot but she accepted! On our honeymoon, we fell in love with Italy and Italians. We spent 2 weeks exploring the Piemonte, the Ligurian coast and Tuscany. It seemed like everyday we would meet generous people and find ourselves in awe of the food and wine. It didn’t take long for us both to declare, “we’re coming back, and we’re bringing our friends!”

Lauren likes to say that I collect interesting people, if you’re reading this, I’m proud to say you’re part of my collection. Since 2006, I’ve worked in the wine business. Although I didn't know anything about wine at the start, you’ve helped me learn, grow and focus. Many of you were at our wedding and I’m honored to have officiated many of yours. We’ve built a unique community that began in Greensboro, but has grown larger than I ever imagined. When we return from Portugal next May, I’ll have traveled internationally with over 100 of you!

Last March, after a very long wait, Terroir Tours returned to spend 5 days in my new favorite California town, Healdsburg. Located in the heart of Sonoma, it’s the perfect area to explore amazing restaurants, wineries and shops. The best memories are the things we didn’t plan like eating charcuterie after hours with the butcher and the late night wine trivia… still can’t believe I lost!

In October, after an even longer wait, Terroir Tours returned to Italy, and we brought our friends! A group of 21 travelers, all from various backgrounds. A 10 day tour from truffle hunting in the forest of the Langhe hills, through Emilia Romania, to the coastal city of Trieste and down to Shakespeare’s favorite, Verona. Each region celebrated its own cheese, olive oil, dialect, history and of course, wine. The food, wine and scenery are all unforgettable, but the best part is the people we meet and the friends we make.

It’s a pleasure to introduce my team!

Lauren Hudson, M.Ed

James Craine-Powell, WSET III

This email is the first of many that you’ll receive sharing updates, photos, stories, tips and testimonials about our past adventures and what we have planned for the future. You can find more details on our website, instagram, facebook or stop by in person at Rioja or at Lewis & Elm. You’ll surely run into fellow travelers and wine lovers.

See you soon,

Jake