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Karen Ridge

Travel Expert
Travel Agent - Food & Wine Travel Specialist at Food and Wine Travel
Mildura, 3500

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Wine improves with age. The older I get the more I like it.

About Karen Ridge

A Journey of Passion & Expertise

For over three decades, I've transformed my wanderlust and passion for food and wine into something extraordinary - Food and Wine Travel. This isn't just another travel agency; it's the culmination of countless adventures, cherished relationships, and deep-rooted expertise in the world's most celebrated culinary destinations.

What sets Food and Wine Travel apart? I'm Australia's only travel specialist combining 30+ years of industry experience with a prestigious WSET Level 3 Award in Wine. This unique blend of credentials ensures your journey is crafted with both practical excellence and profound wine knowledge.

Throughout my travels, I've cultivated precious relationships with local food and wine artisans who've become dear friends. These authentic connections mean you'll experience destinations through the eyes of passionate locals who share your love for exceptional food and wine.

From the effervescent cellars of Champagne to the sun-drenched vineyards of the Rhône Valley, I've developed a particular fondness for French wines. Yet my passion extends to discovering hidden gems like Hungary's elegant Hárslevelű - because sometimes the hardest-to-pronounce wines tell the most fascinating stories!

When you travel with Food and Wine Travel, you're not just booking a holiday; you're tapping into three decades of expertise, authentic local connections, and a genuine passion for creating unforgettable culinary adventures.


Extraordinary Food & Wine Experiences - What's on Offer

Step into a world where every journey is a celebration of flavors, culture, and joie de vivre. Our carefully curated experiences include:

Exclusive Wine Tours 

Intimate tastings in centuries-old cellars, private sessions with renowned vintners, and access to estates rarely open to the public. From Bordeaux's grand châteaux to Tuscany's hidden enotecas, immerse yourself in the world's most prestigious wine regions.

Gourmet Adventures & Cooking Masterclasses

Transform fresh market ingredients into regional specialties under the guidance of celebrated chefs. Master the art of pasta-making in Bologna, perfect your paella in Valencia, or craft croissants in Paris.

Luxury Villa & Country House Stays

Make yourself at home in a restored Tuscan farmhouse, a sophisticated French château, or an elegant Spanish finca. Each property is hand-selected for its charm, comfort, and proximity to culinary attractions.

Boutique Barge Cruising 

Drift through Europe's most picturesque waterways on intimate luxury barges, complete with personal chef, daily market visits, and wine tastings at riverside vineyards.

Gourmet Walking & Cycling Tours 

Combine culinary discoveries with active exploration. Cycle through Provence's lavender fields or walk ancient pilgrim routes, stopping at artisanal producers and historic wineries.

Milestone Celebrations 

Whether it's a significant anniversary, birthday, or family reunion, we craft unforgettable celebrations centered around exceptional food and wine experiences.

While we specialize in the gastronomic heartlands of France, Spain, and Italy, our expertise extends as far as your tastebuds are willing to go.

In fact, wherever fine wine flows and local cuisine tells a story, we can create your perfect journey.

Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to combine bucket-list experiences with hidden local gems, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime. As Australia's only travel specialist with both 30+ years of experience and WSET Level 3 certification, you can trust that every detail will be perfect.


Global Food & Wine Connections: Your Gateway to Authentic Local Experiences

Through decades of exploring the world's finest wine regions, I've cultivated an exclusive network of local food and wine artisans, master chefs, and boutique vintners across Europe and South America. These passionate experts don't just guide you—they welcome you as family, sharing their treasured traditions and hidden gems.

Experience the extraordinary: • Private tastings at family-owned vineyards • Hands-on cooking classes with local chefs • Exclusive access to artisanal food producers • Guided tours of historic wine cellars • Intimate market visits with culinary experts • Traditional wine-making demonstrations •Regional food and wine pairing sessions

From acclaimed wines in France's Champagne region to undiscovered varietals in Bosnia's Mostar valley, from Tuscan olive oil estates to Argentine asados, your personalized itinerary reflects your unique tastes and interests. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or an enthusiastic foodie, our local hosts ensure authentic, immersive experiences that go beyond typical tourist trails.

As Australia's only travel specialist combining WSET Level 3 certification with over 30 years of industry expertise, I personally curate each journey to match your culinary dreams. Your bespoke food and wine adventure awaits.

Contact Food and Wine Travel today to start planning your premium gourmet experience.


Company Details

Year I became a Travel Agent
1992
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday, Sunday Closed
Accepted Forms of Payments
Direct Deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, TravelPay Later (pay off your holiday)
Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce Bond University, Level 2 Award in Wine - WSET 2021, Level 3 Award in Wine - WSET 2022, CLIA Cruise Master since 2014.
Honours & Awards
I’m the only travel agent in Australia with 30+ years travel experience and Level 3 WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Award in Wine.
  • Destinations I specialise in:
  • France, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain
  • Travel Types I Specialise in:
  • Food & Wine Experiences, Luxury Travel, Tailor Made Private Tours

Contact Information

Company Name
Food and Wine Travel
ATAS Accredited
Yes
Company Logo
Food and Wine Travel Company Logo by Karen Ridge in Mildura
Schedule Appointment
Online Social Profiles
Phone Number
Show Phone Number
Location
Suite 20, 135 Eighth Street
Mildura, 3500
Australia

Karen Ridge Reviews


Submitted by Linda Cinar on Saturday, Feb 24, 2024

Amazing Experience!

Overall Rating
Service
Responsiveness
Expertise
Communication

Karen was an absolute delight when we were planning our trip to Europe.  She took the time to really understand what we wanted out of our experience, and created the most incredible itinerary.The attention to detail and care she took in coordinating our holiday was amazing, and we can't wait to work with her again!!

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