What My Clients Say
Douro Valley 2022
“Thank you very much indeed for a splendidly well organised and well arranged wine tour, as is the case with all the tours I have attended!! The Douro valley is absolutely beautiful and the wineries you choose for us to visit were wonderfully welcoming, the wines we tasted always interesting very drinkable and sometimes knock-out divine, with outstanding hospitality from the families.
Our hotel was well-placed to visit the old town of Vila Real, very comfortable with a truly magnificent view of the river valley, down which I did not venture, although many enjoyed the challenge!”
– P Bishop, Berkshire
Southern Burgundy 2022
Margaret Steer, St Austell
“We just wanted to say how happy we were with the Burgundy tour. Full of interest and wines that we had not come across before, the food was delicious and my vegetarian experience was better than I might have expected. The Michelin star lunch was great, so indeed was the last night by the river. Really good.
I thought the hotel was probably the best we had experienced on a wine tour before with very good facilities, the sky bar!
All in all a great success, so thank you very much for all your hard work in making this just that.”
Austria 2022
Margaret Squire, Teddington
“Once again Tim took us to a wide range of wineries all with their own unique wines and differing methods of production.
As always on a Tim’s Tour there were wonderful extras, breathtaking scenery, superb food at the wineries, and visiting a magnificent schlloss built on the site of 1,000 year old castle.
Whatever tour I have been on with Tim the reception at all the wineries were always very warm and welcoming. We are never treated as just another tour group, and the respect they have for Tim and his knowledge of wines is palpable.
The other great pleasure has always been the people on the tours, they start out as strangers and end up friends. Few people do just one tour, many of us are regulars, secure in the knowledge that we will have a fabulous holiday and learn a lot about wine!”
Greece 2022
– Richard W, Warwick
“I am still basking in recollections of that wonderful trip to the Peloponnese. Any tour would have been good after 2 years of lockdown, but this was one of the best, with all the hallmarks of Tim Syrad Wine Tours that keep us coming back for more:
- A delightful location as a base
- A trademark mix of wineries to visit, from the best of breed via local maverick to the resolutely odd-ball
- All delivered with that typically Syradic (well, it ought to be a word!) air of unpretentious expertise
You had warned us that Semeli, our second visit, was a bit bling, so I was ready to be put off by ostentation. But the second wine that we tasted there – Thea (Moschofilero) – completely lived up to its name: divinely seductive and enough to make the whole trip worthwhile!
The next morning Koroniotis entertained us with a dry wit (“What can the winemaker do? Make mistakes.”), but also treated us to what I thought was the best of the PDO Nemeas that we tasted, reducing the alcohol and letting the fruit sing.
And then we were off to the top-flight winery of Tetramythos, to be overwhelmed by infectious enthusiasm and some more wonderful new varieties: Roditis, Black of Kalavryta, Mavrodaphni … (OK, I see now that I can buy mavrodaphne in Morrisons and Waitrose, but without the tour I would not have been looking!
As ever, all of the visits had something unique to offer, some fresh insight, something to to take away and ponder. But for me these three at the heart of the tour were outstanding. What a tour!”
Australia 2019
Sue R, Brentford
“Tim’s enthusiasm and knowledge make his wine tours special. Along with an uncanny ability to find vineyards where there are people who will go the extra mile, keen to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and wines with a bunch of wine drinkers who want to learn more. The Victorian trip was no exception, especially the unexpected self service comparison tasting of pinot noirs from the past 20 years and an impromptu picnic in a vineyard. Both pure magic!”
Galicia 2019
Julie, Putney
“It was a brilliant trip and we tasted some very interesting wines, some made from grapes or from areas I am still having difficulty pronouncing! It was an area that was new to us and a lot of the scenery was truly spectacular. There was certainly no shortage of food and our first dinner and last lunch were very memorable. Thank you for organising us so well – we enjoyed it all enormously.”
Ribera, Rueda, Toro and Cigales 2019
Caroline and Ian Bull, Cheam
“Thanks for a great trip – it was superbly organised, interesting and a lot of fun.“
Jerez 2018
Jenny Pond, Goring on Thames
“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the tour to Jerez. It was an interesting and informative few days and great fun too. Lovely food and tasting and good company”
Golden Triangle 2018
Sue and Brian Tilley, London
“The trip surpassed our expectations (although they were pretty high to start with) – fabulous wines and wineries which were all exceptional and run by such knowledgeable and interesting people. Many, many thanks – we loved the trip and are already looking forward to the our next one.”
Ribera, Rueda, Toro and Cigales 2018
C Hurley
“We had a great time on the trip. The thing I like best about your tours is you wake up each morning and know the day is going to be interesting & involve stunning wine & great food. What more could one want?”
Provence 2018
Mandi, Putney
“You gave us all a truly memorable trip to Provence…I loved every moment….Thank you so much for all your superb organisation…looking forward to the next one..”
Sicily 2018
Beryl Wall, Chiswick
“Thanks for a brilliant tour, which was superbly organised and most enjoyable.You really gave us an excellent insight in to the wines of Sicily, and chose some wonderful vineyards with delightful hosts.”
Slovenia 2018
John and Mal, Somerset
“Thank you for making us so welcome on our inaugural Tim Syrad wine tour.It was a bit of leap into the unknown for us as we had never been to Slovenia, never knowingly drunk Slovenian wine, and never been on a wine –tasting holiday. It turned out to be just the job, with so much variety in terms of wines, locations and styles of food. We loved the way each winery had its own charcuterie and cheeses and fresh bread; and the rosé at Doppler on the top of the mountain was a moment to savour for a long time.”
South Africa 2017
John Stevenson
“May I thank you for a wonderfully enjoyable and superbly organised tour over the last 2 weeks. There were highlights for me at Scali / de Trafford and Le Riche as far as the wine was concerned and regarding the people it would be Scali & Paul Cluver ….Of course what makes your style of day so good is the lunches at growers”
Piedmont 2017
Michael Seymour, Streatley
“Can we thank you for yet another fantastic tour ? The wines all round were good, the lunches and dinners excellent, the weather perfectly arranged and I thought the group as a group got on splendidly together.”
Languedoc 2017
Jessica and Simon Shepherd, Reading
“For us the stand out feature of the trip was the flight of wines. I have never before been to a tasting where we had so many wines using the same grape varieties from the same plot produced in so many different years. It was a revelation, a truly unique wine experience. We had some brilliant food. The vegan food was superb – imaginative and really appreciated. The dessert at Domain Paul Mas was a-maz-ing! Chocolate fondant with passion fruit sorbet – to die for.”
Bordeaux 2017
Graham Faul, Goring on Thames
“Visiting the beautiful and iconic Beychevelle estate in the midst of their hectic harvest activity was without doubt my favourite visit to date, at least, until we visited d’Yquem the next day!!! It was such a privilege to not only visit and drink d’Yquem but even to taste the grapes at various stages of Botrytis, and the dry white Ygrec was an absolute revelation. I can’t recall drinking a wine that has stopped me in my tracks like that for about 25 years!”
Tuscany 2017
Claire and Antony, Teddington
“The vineyards we visited were in the most spectacular settings in the Tuscan hills and each estate provided us with a warm welcome. The talks were engaging and delivered with great enthusiasm enabling us to fully appreciate each wine we tasted. The organised lunches and dinners were all memorable events in atmospheric restaurants or al fresco with wonderful views.
Tim is undoubtedly an expert in his field with an informal and accessible style that captures and holds your interest as he imparts his extensive knowledge.”
Rioja 2017
Joan Walkden, Hampton Hill
“My first time experience with one of your Tours was really fantastic. Thank you so much for your professional and happy approach.”
Alsace 2016
Keith Grant, South Oxfordshire
“Tim’s wine tour to Alsace was quite superb. Wonderful Grand Cru wines accompanied by excellent local cuisine made the tour memorable. Our outdoor experiences in the vineyards with subsequent tastings demonstrated with great clarity the meaning of ‘Terroir’. Many thanks!”
Oregon 2016
Stewart and Peter, London
“The wines were a revelation! The cooler climate made for subtle differences of expression in the grapes and wines. As we have grown to expect from the winemakers to whom Tim has introduces us – they were both knowledgeable and generous with their enthusiasm. With achingly beautiful landscapes and exceptional, elegant wines Tim’s Oregon tour has introduced us to a whole New Frontier in our wine enjoyment.”
California 2016
Keith Baxter, Kingston
“Was I embarking on an homage to the winners of 1976 Judgement of Paris? We were royally entertained at the magnificent Chateau Montelena, wine-makers of the winning chardonnay and then drank wine under the trees of Bacigalupi Vineyard along with the family that grew the fruit.. All wondrously topped off with dinner at a local restaurant, Della Santinas to celebrate my birthday drinking Bacigalupi from magnum and then wine made by the waiter at home!”
Burgundy 2016
Judy and Joe Brett, Ruislip
“Thank you for a fantastic few days in Burgundy. We tasted an exciting variety of wines, the highlight for us being the visit to Domaine Chanson, we found the content of the tour perfect and with your help we learnt more about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines and we look forward to your next tour.”
Germany 2016
Jessica Shepherd, Reading
“I was really pleased to go out around the vineyards as it is there that I feel you get to understand what a challenge it is to produce wine at all when nature wants to throw problems at you all the time. I really liked your style; your knowledge and your way of imparting that knowledge.”
Piedmont 2016
Maureen Lewis
“Our visit to Piedmont was great, the best and most enjoyable tour we have been on. We’ve recommended it to several friends.”
Puglia 2016
Frances, Chiswick
“Thank you so much for a most enjoyable tour to Puglia. All the wineries were very interesting and the last night in the magical castle was a real highlight.”
Portugal 2016
Mandy and Chris Hipkins, Dorchester on Thames
“We would like to say how much we enjoyed the whole experience. We had a fantastic time.”
Chile & Argentina 2015
Jacqueline Seymour, London
“Thank you for an amazing tour – fantastic variety of vineyards from one with Incan hieroglyphics, to mosaic artwork, to chairs made from oak barrels to llamas – all overlooking the spectacular Andes and all allowing us to taste some very high quality wines and some delicious ceviches. A particularly memorable holiday!”
Umbria 2015
Jon Berman, Reading
“We really can’t compliment you highly enough. It was an excellent tour and completely surpassed our expectations. Perugia was lovely and the hotel was well-located. We thought your selection of wineries was inspired – really interesting in terms of their different approaches etc. The food was amazing – and the final lunch on the terrace at Terre Margaritelli was really quite memorable.”
New Zealand 2014
Beryl Wall, Chiswick
“We’ve just spent all evening talking about which winemakers we met and what we drank and ate. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of the tour. Thank you! We met so many interesting characters, all with different individual dreams and goals but with so much in common ultimately. In particular, though, we met legends. What a privilege. Thanks so much, Tim, for a great tour.”
Catalonia 2014
Alan and Anne Farley, Caversham “Just a note to say how much we both enjoyed the tour – impeccable itinerary and organization as always – you even supplied the sunshine! All the winemakers were delightfully welcoming and enthusiastic, even when they were having to answer the phone, take deliveries and sweep the floor at the same time.”
Rhone 2013
Keith Grant, South Oxfordshire “The visit to the Rhone Valley proved to be yet another superb wine tour organised by Tim Syrad. The differences between the wines from the North and South Rhone was well demonstrated and it was quite an experience to see vines engulfed by the hot, flat ‘galet’ stones on our visit to Chateauneuf du Pape. The quality variations between wines from different ‘appelations’ proved interesting and, as ever, the tasting lunches were excellent. Many thanks Tim for providing a great wine tasting experience!”
Argentina 2011
John Ellis, Kew “The Argentina trip was an extraordinary combination of beautiful landscapes, fascinating winemakers and memorable wines.”
Alsace 2009
Cerith Lewis, London “Tim laid on a quite eclectic mix of tastings, covering all the main Alsatian grape varieties, including both organic and bio-dynamic wine makers, and ranging from the bigger, well-known houses to the smaller, locally-known producers. Throughout all this, with his usual good humour, Tim helped us to understand and appreciate the wines, suggest food pairings, and give us an insight into the grapes, terroir and history of the area. Thank you Tim – a great experience and one I’d thoroughly recommend!”
South Africa 2008
Lynne, Putney “Our SA trip was an experience that stimulated all my senses. The tour was superbly planned, innovative in its design and exquisitely executed. The vineyards, the food, and the accommodation exceeded expectations at the experience was brought to life by Tim’s in-depth knowledge and passion. I highly recommend Tim’s wine tours.”
Olivia Freeman “Tim Syrad’s Wine Tours are one of the major highlights of my year. Tim is skilled at putting together a well-balanced and fascinating tour. We visit many vineyards that you would never find on your own.”
Peter & Liz Gardner, Wyre Piddle “We have always found the groups friendly and welcoming, and after a few years, we now look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones each trip. The organisation has always been very good, whilst remaining light touch. Well done Tim – we’ll hopefully see you on many more.”
Richard Seeley, Hammersmith “Tim always arranges to visit a carefully chosen range of producers from the large to the small family owned vineyard. It is always a pleasure to listen to the passion and commitment of the people in the ‘wine business’ and to be gently guided by Tim’s expert knowledge.”
Peter Morgan, Banbury “We particularly enjoy the many smaller wineries where the individuality and character of the winemaker is apparent and we can enjoy interesting wine with the local cuisine. Tim’s research, enthusiasm and humour, combined with his willingness to take the tours off the ‘beaten track’, all add up to a truly informative and enjoyable holiday”
Pres Wells, Long Wittenham “The wine-making areas, the wide variety of people working them are fascinating and some of the characters we have met, particularly from the smaller wineries are very memorable. For me this is one of the aspects of the tour that most appeals. To see the way they live, where they work, the pride they take in their wines gives a wonderful insight, (not to mention envy), to their lifestyle!”
Michael Butt, Pangbourne “It never ceases to amaze me how Tim can discover magnificent vineyards,with enthusiastic owners and exemplary wine, together with restaurants of the highest quality. These factors combine to make Tim’s tours ever so memorable. I just keep on going!”
Paula Fox, Henley “What makes the tours so special in my view is the unique blend of fascinating people, fine wines, delicious food, and most attractive locations. Tim enables us to access places we would never normally be able to visit and I like his relaxed but very well organised style. It’s a great combination and if you are interested in wine & enjoy great food, I cannot recommend Tim’s tours highly enough.”
Jonathan Chevallier, Strawberry Hill “Tim is able to gain access to the types of producer you can’t get to as an ordinary consumer and he is able to back this up with wonderful meals (often within the vineyards visited) and accommodation in boutique hotels. And all of this is supported by the educational yet friendly and unfussy support of Tim as the tour host.”
Andy King, Cholsey “Tim’s wine tours are great! We’ve been on many of them, from the very first one to Champagne, the first long-haul tour to South Africa and on to train journeys up the Duero. Best of all wherever the destination or whatever the weather the highlight is always Tim’s engaging style and encyclopedic knowledge that transforms trips round wineries into learning adventures.”
Mick and Helen Moore, Blewbury “Each tour brings its own range of wonderful memories. For instance, what could be nicer than being served delicious wines made from the vines which surround you using an oak barrel as a table, with magnificent views of the Pyrenees. Or discussing the 1961 vintage of Barolo, in the village of the same name, with the man who had picked the grapes and then tasting that wine.”
Ros, Reading “Always memorable, we’ve met some characters, clambered over hillsides to admire the ‘terroir’ of stones and weeds, gone into deep cellars to learn how the grapes become the stunning wines we get to taste and come away with an in-depth appreciation of the wines and food pairings of each region we visit.”
Alun Hughes, Goring “Tim’s preparation beforehand is meticulous so that travel arrangements, choice of hotel and range of visits have been of high quality. The biggest plus is Tim’s own skill as host and guide, leading without being bossy whilst encouraging the group to be focused, exuding infectious good cheer and a wonderful line in throw-away humour. Warmly recommended.”