From Charleston to Catalunya: A Charleston Wine + Food Global Culinary Adventure with Chef Michelle Weaver
The celebrated Charleston Wine + Food Festival—known for its bold flavors, southern charm, and cultural soul—is going international for the very first time. And it’s not going alone.Â
In collaboration with Chef Richard Gruica of The Gourmet Vacation—a culinary travel expert renowned for crafting intimate, immersive food journeys—we’re proud to present an exclusive adventure through Barcelona, Penedès, and Girona, hosted by Charleston’s own Chef Michelle Weaver, one of the South’s most beloved and refined culinary voices.
“We’re thrilled to partner on this unforgettable journey to Spain—a place where food, wine, and culture are deeply woven into everyday life. At Charleston Wine + Food, we believe in the power of shared experiences to connect and inspire. This trip is a natural extension of that mission—an opportunity to explore global flavors, forge meaningful connections, and celebrate the spirit of hospitality that defines our community, both at home and abroad.”
8-15
Only 14 seats. All 5-star. One unforgettable journey.
November 8-15, 2026
Accommodations
You’ll be pampered in luxury every step of the way—including a stay at the stunning new Hotel Espirit Roca, a hilltop boutique retreat in Girona with sweeping views and refined tranquility.
Exclusive Dinners
Dinner at Disfrutar – the #1 Restaurant in the World. Savor an unforgettable tasting menu at the pinnacle of modern Spanish cuisine.
Private Experiences
A truly rare opportunity to engage with the minds behind El Celler de Can Roca in an intimate and inspired setting.
An Evening at Enigma
Dive into a one-of-a-kind, avant-garde dining experience hosted by the master of molecular magic himself, Albert AdriĂ .
itinerary
Meet Your Host
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Richard Gruica
From his earliest days, Chef Richard Gruica understood that food is more than nourishment—it’s a universal language that builds connection and joy. Fueled by this belief, he founded The Gourmet Vacation, an exceptional travel company devoted to crafting immersive culinary journeys around the globe.
Richard’s ethos is simple but bold: “Escape the ordinary. Experience the extraordinary.” Each itinerary he designs is a tapestry of tradition, terroir, and hidden gems, guiding guests to meet passionate artisans, meet local chefs, and taste flavors that define a region.
With more than a decade of experience producing acclaimed edible journeys—from Croatia and Slovenia to Spain and beyond—Chef Richard has become a trusted curator for travelers seeking meaningful, sensory-rich adventures. His tours blend cuisine, culture, and luxury with impeccable detail, and every guest returns with stories to savor.
VIRGIN ISLANDS 🇻🇮
William Torrillo
William is our principal photographer and videographer. He has over 25 years experience shooting luxury resorts around the world. He was recently featured on Discovery Channel for a week highlighting the Virgin Islands. His work is published around the world is various travel magazines including National Geographic. For 4 years he was staff photographer at Sea Island Resorts in Georgia. William has an extensive background in luxury hotels & fine dining as he previously worked as Culinary Department Trainer at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne. William has a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. William is the CEO of Mango Media, a boutique marketing agency in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.