Spain is a country best experienced through its flavors. The sound of wine glasses echoing through centuries-old cellars, the aroma of seafood and saffron drifting through narrow city streets, the slow rhythm of shared meals that stretch long into the evening — these are the moments that define Spanish culture. In 2026, travelers will have the opportunity to experience Spain in an entirely different way through “Eat. Sip. Spain.”, an exclusive culinary journey hosted by acclaimed chef José Mendín alongside Richard Gruica and The Gourmet Vacation.

Designed for travelers who value immersive experiences over traditional tourism, this luxury culinary tour through Madrid and Ribera del Duero combines extraordinary food, world-class wine, intimate cultural experiences, and the perspective of one of the culinary world’s most respected chefs. For anyone searching for a Chef José Mendín Spain tour, luxury food and wine travel in Spain, or a chef-led culinary experience through Madrid and Ribera del Duero, this journey stands out as one of the most exciting food travel experiences of 2026.

Chef José Mendín has built an international reputation for his bold, globally influenced culinary style and his ability to blend creativity with deeply rooted cultural flavors. Known for his celebrated restaurants and innovative approach to modern cuisine, Mendín’s culinary journey has long been connected to Spain. Time spent training and working in Spanish kitchens helped shape his philosophy around food, hospitality, and shared dining culture. That connection makes this particular experience far more personal than a typical celebrity chef appearance. Guests are not simply traveling with a well-known chef — they are exploring Spain through the eyes of someone whose culinary identity was deeply influenced by the country itself.

The Gourmet Vacation has become known for curating intimate culinary travel experiences that focus on authenticity, storytelling, and meaningful cultural connection. Rather than rushing travelers through crowded tourist attractions, the company creates journeys built around atmosphere, conversation, and unforgettable meals shared in extraordinary places. Led by Richard Gruica, The Gourmet Vacation has earned recognition for bringing together food lovers, wine enthusiasts, chefs, and travelers who believe that the best way to understand a destination is through its cuisine and the people behind it.

The “Eat. Sip. Spain.” experience begins in Madrid, a city that effortlessly blends tradition and innovation. Spain’s capital is one of Europe’s great culinary destinations, where historic taverns exist alongside contemporary dining experiences that continue to influence the global food scene. Guests will discover Madrid through curated culinary experiences designed to reveal the city beyond the surface. Traditional Spanish flavors, local wines, vibrant food culture, and hidden culinary gems become part of the journey as Chef José Mendín shares insight into the ingredients, techniques, and traditions that helped shape his own approach to cooking.

Beyond Madrid, the journey moves into Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions. Known for exceptional vineyards, remarkable Tempranillo wines, and breathtaking landscapes, Ribera del Duero offers travelers a completely different rhythm. Here, the experience slows down among rolling vineyards, historic wineries, and intimate tastings that reveal the depth of Spanish wine culture. For wine lovers, this portion of the journey becomes an unforgettable exploration of one of Europe’s premier wine destinations. Combined with Chef José Mendín’s culinary perspective and The Gourmet Vacation’s carefully curated approach, the region transforms into far more than a scenic backdrop — it becomes an essential part of the story.

What separates this Spain culinary tour from many others is the intention behind every detail. This is not about rushing from reservation to reservation or checking landmarks off a list. It is about slowing down enough to truly experience Spain through its food, wine, people, and atmosphere. It is about conversations shared over multi-course dinners, afternoons spent tasting wines directly from the source, and discovering the cultural traditions that make Spanish cuisine one of the most respected in the world.

Travelers joining this experience can expect luxury accommodations, curated dining experiences, immersive wine tastings, and access to moments that would be difficult to recreate independently. More importantly, they become part of a journey centered around connection — connection to place, to culture, and to the people gathered around the table.

For fans of Chef José Mendín, this experience offers a rare opportunity to travel alongside one of the culinary industry’s most respected chefs while gaining insight into the country that influenced his career. For food lovers and wine enthusiasts, it offers an elevated and deeply personal way to experience Spain. For travelers seeking meaningful luxury experiences, it represents the perfect balance of refinement, authenticity, and discovery.

“Eat. Sip. Spain.” with Chef José Mendín and Richard Gruica takes place November 16–23, 2026, with limited availability for this intimate culinary journey through Madrid and Ribera del Duero. As culinary travel continues to grow among travelers seeking more immersive experiences, this chef-led Spain tour stands out as one of the premier luxury food and wine journeys of the year.

For anyone dreaming of experiencing Spain through extraordinary meals, exceptional wines, and the perspective of a world-class chef, this is more than a vacation. It is a journey designed to stay with you long after the final glass of wine is poured.

Book your spot on the tour here. https://www.wetravel.com/trips/eat-sip-spain-a-gourmet-vacation-with-chef-jose-mendin-chef-richard-gruica-1458574732