From South Africa to Barcelona, the NOW, my beginning inWine and a little in between.
Why Wine Fantasy Barcelona is Different, well that’s ´s a good question, let me explain.
When it comes to planning a wine trip, anyone can Google “top wineries in Catalonia.” But what if you’re looking for something deeper? The kind of experience that takes you beyond cookie-cutter tours and into the soul of a region’s wine and gastronomy? That’s where I come in. I know I use the word Cookie Cutter a lot, its because somehow everyone who comes to Barcelona is looking for the same thing, and thats not what I stand for.
At Wine Fantasy Barcelona, it’s not just about ticking off vineyards; it’s about crafting moments you’ll remember forever. My secret? Local connections, insider knowledge, and a deep understanding of what makes wine travel magical and fun.
Let me take you behind the scenes to uncover smaller wineries, meet passionate winemakers, and taste wines you won’t find on the standard tour routes. Whether you’re wandering through the vineyards of Penedès, sipping Classic Penedès in a 16th-century cellar, or planning your dream trip to Sicily or Rioja, I’m here to ensure your journey is as unique as the wines you’ll savour.
Now that you know why Wine Fantasy Barcelona is different, let’s dive into what I offer: a curated menu of services designed for wine and food lovers who crave exceptional experiences.
At Wine Fantasy Barcelona, I transform wine and gastronomy dreams into curated adventures. Whether it’s diving deep into Catalonia’s wine scene or planning your next food-and-wine getaway, I’m here to take your journey beyond ordinary.
Here’s how I make your experience unforgettable:
1. Customised VIP Wine & Travel Research
I create tailored itineraries with exclusive recommendations for wineries, restaurants, accommodations, and transportation. While I leave the booking to you, every detail is designed to match your preferences.
Example: Planning a week in Sicily? I’ll connect you to boutique wineries crafting volcanic wines on Mount Etna, family-run trattorias serving dishes steeped in tradition, and charming agriturismos nestled in vineyards. My research ensures you uncover the best without the overwhelm.
2. Personalized Guided Wine Tours in Catalonia
Let me guide you through Catalonia’s rich wine regions—Penedès, Priorat, and beyond. Each tour is bespoke, balancing exceptional wines, local history, and incredible food.
Example: Imagine starting your day with a private cava tasting at a biodynamic winery in Penedès, then indulging in a vineyard picnic featuring local cheeses and freshly baked bread. End the day with a sunset barrel tasting, hearing firsthand from the winemaker about their craft.
3. Full-Day VIP Wine & Gastronomy Experiences
Indulge in the ultimate day of luxury, complete with private tours, intimate tastings, and Michelin-starred dining.
Example: Begin with an exclusive tasting of rare vintages straight from the barrel in Priorat, then head to a nearby hilltop restaurant for a seven-course wine-paired menu. Every detail is crafted for pure indulgence.
Now onto how I got started, you know, for the Curious …
I was born in South Africa, a country blessed with breathtaking landscapes, a rich culture, and some of the most extraordinary wines in the world. My heart remains rooted in the small coastal town of Kenton-on-Sea, where my mom still lives. It’s where I spent my weekends and summers growing up, soaking up the beauty of the ocean, the warmth of the people, while having the best time ever. We rode our bikes & jolled a lot (a slang word for partied it up)
As the quintessential middle child (you know, we’re special), I grew up incredibly sporty—Athletics Captain, Vice Captain of the 1st Team Hockey, and a cross-country enthusiast, the front runner and usually placed 1st or 2nd. My love for movement and discipline naturally led me to study personal training and sports education, but little did I know that wine would eventually become my true passion.
I spent many years living in the heart of the South African Winelands with my first husband, surrounded by rolling vineyards and world-class wineries. South Africans know how to braai, and every gathering was an excuse to try a new bottle of wine. My love for Cabernet Franc blossomed during these years—it’s a grape that miss tasting and exploring, but every now and again it pops up in Priortat Blends, and I gravitate towards those. There are very few wineries in the Western Cape I haven’t visited, and I proudly consider South Africa’s wineries to be among the most beautiful in the world. Their hospitality, service level, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wine-tasting experiences stand out even after visiting other famous wine regions.
Even after my first marriage ended, wine remained my constant. A few years later, I met my second husband, who shared my passion for wine. Together, we explored South Africa’s wine scene, often with my lifelong “wine besties,” Carlo and Aristea, who remain two of my closest friends and often join me for European wine adventures.
From South Africa, my journey eventually took me to Canada, where my wine education truly deepened. Of course, I couldn’t resist visiting Kelowna in the stunning Okanagan Valley, a wine region as beautiful as it is exciting. Wineries like Mission Hill and Quails Gate left a lasting impression with their stunning views and outstanding wines. The Okanagan is a must-visit for any wine lover, and it was there that my passion for wine education grew.
During my time in Canada, I dove headfirst into studying wine. I earned my WSET Level 3 certification and became an Italian Wine Ambassador, a title that deepened my love for Italian grapes like Nebbiolo and all the varieties from Piedmont. I also passed both sections of the Italian Wine Scholar program and the Spanish Wine Scholar program through the Wine Scholar Guild, alongside becoming a Cava Educator. These milestones shaped me into the wine professional I am today.
Barcelona was always my dream city. I’d often say, “One day, I’m going to live in Barcelona!” And now, here I am—living the life I envisioned. Since moving to Catalonia, I’ve fully immersed myself in the region’s wine and food culture, combining my love for discovery with a deep appreciation for Spanish wine & food, however these is a difference between Catalonia and Spain. It can be tricky to explain as it is a sensitive topic, I date a Catalan Chef, he knows best and I have learned a lot from him and his dedication to Catalan Cuisine, google him, Chef Masó. Thanks to Chefs like him the Catalan Food Culture is still alive, if not, Barcelpona would be things tourists want.
Over the past three years, I’ve studied a lot, lived for wine, and visited over 100 wineries across Catalonia and Spain, makes complete sense if I need to deliver the best experiences to you as my clients.
One visit, in particular, changed everything for me: MontRubí. It was there that I realised my calling wasn’t just hosting wine tastings in the city or working in a wine shop (though I loved my time at Vins & Co in Barcelona). That day at MontRubí, surrounded by the beauty of the vineyards and the stories of the winemakers, I knew I was meant to share this passion with others through wine tours and wine and food travel planning.
Today, I dedicate my life to creating unforgettable experiences for clients, taking them to the best wineries and showing them the magic of Catalan and Spanish wine culture. I live for the vibrant wine and food scene of Catalonia, but I also have a soft spot for Rioja and the refreshing Txakoli wines from the Basque Country. My heart will always beat for Nebbiolo and the magnificent wines of Piedmont. If I ever had to live somewhere other than Barcelona, it would be a tough choice between La Rioja and Alba in Piedmont.
Wine is my story, my passion, and my life. From South Africa’s sun-drenched vineyards to Canada’s classrooms and now to the heart of Catalonia, I’ve poured my heart into every step of this journey. And I’m just getting started.