From Charleston to Catalunya: A Charleston Wine + Food Global Culinary Adventure with Chef Michelle Weaver | November 2026
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.
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. Get ready for…
The Ultimate Spanish Culinary Pilgrimage with Chef Michelle Weaver
November 8th to 15th, 2026
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Spain’s culinary royalty, blending the warmth of Southern hospitality with the innovation of Catalan cuisine.
🌟 What Awaits You:
🍷 Your Journey Includes:
✨ Why This Tour Is Unlike Anything Else:
This intimate journey is limited to just 14 guests. It’s not about sightseeing—it’s about deep connection, storytelling through food, and once-in-a-lifetime access to the legends and landmarks of Spanish cuisine. Whether it’s an impromptu cava toast in a vineyard or sharing stories with Michelin-starred chefs, every moment is curated with purpose, beauty, and flavor.
With Chef Michelle Weaver’s elegant culinary guidance and Chef Richard Gruica’s insider expertise, this tour promises to awaken your senses and stir your soul.
🍽️ Chef Michelle Weaver — Charleston’s Culinary Icon
A proud Alabama native, Chef Michelle Weaver discovered her love for food in her mother’s garden and went on to hone her skills at the New England Culinary Institute. Her journey took her from the kitchens of New Orleans to Charleston, where she joined the legendary Charleston Grill in 1997. Rising through the ranks, she became Executive Chef in 2009, leading the restaurant to AAA Four-Diamond and Mobil Four-Star acclaim.
Known for her refined take on Southern cuisine with global touches, Michelle was named a South Carolina Chef Ambassador in 2018. Last year, after 27 years, she stepped away as the Culinary Ambassador of The Charleston Place Hotel. She is currently as busy as ever working on a cookbook, teaching private cooking lessons as a personal chef, is an evergreen Chef Ambassador of the Lowcountry and continuing to shape the city’s dynamic food scene.
Chef Weaver is beloved for her warmth, elegance, and deep commitment to seasonal, local ingredients—and remains one of the South’s most influential culinary voices.
🍷 Chef Richard Gruica — Founder & Culinary Curator of The Gourmet Vacation
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.
💫 Only 14 seats. All 5-star. One unforgettable journey.
📍 Spain, reimagined for the epicurious.
Request more information or reserve your place today—before it disappears like the perfect bite. Go to www.thegourmetvacation.com
The chance to eat, drink, explore, experience, interact and learn alongside Chef Michelle and Chef Richard personally throughout the trip..
Luxury Accommodations 5+ stars for the duration of the trip with stays in Barcelona and Girona
Including food, wine, tastings & classes
All transportation while on tour is included
All Breakfasts, the equivalent of 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Your guide (Chef Richard Gruica) is also a chef and an expert on Spain
VIP Transfer from the Barcelona El Prat Airport in included
Airfare is not included. Guests must be in Barcelona by Nov 7th , in order to start the tour early on Nov 8th. We highly recommend getting in at least a day earlier to acclimate and to avoid issues.
We HIGHLY recommend obtaining insurance for a trip of this nature. It is always better to be covered.
Airport transfers are NOT included
These would be optional additional tips for guides/hosts/drivers.
Any other food/drink not provided on the tour
🎉 Pre-Tour Kickoff | Saturday, November 7th, 2026 🎉
Let’s raise a glass to what’s ahead! 🥂
Join us for a private VIP Meet & Greet Cocktail Reception with our 14 amazing guests and your co-hosting chefs—Michelle Weaver and Richard Gruica—as we get to know each other and set the stage for an unforgettable journey in Spain.
This special evening marks the unofficial start of our adventure, with the official tour beginning Sunday morning, Nov 8th. We kindly ask all guests to arrive in Barcelona by Saturday, the 7th, to avoid any travel hiccups and to get settled in.
✨ Welcome to Spain... and the edible adventure to come!
Let’s eat, drink, and toast to the delicious days ahead!
Barcelona, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Hotel TBD
Your journey begins with a stay at one of Barcelona’s premier 5-star hotels (final selection to be announced). Centrally located and handpicked for its exceptional service, comfort, and charm—this will be your perfect home base to relax, recharge, and savor the city before our culinary adventure officially begins.
Sunday, November 8th — Our edible adventure officially begins!
Day 1-Barcelona Begins: Bites, Beauty & a Touch of Gaudi
Welcome to the flavor-forward journey of a lifetime.
We start our day at the heart of the city with a private food tour of La Boqueria Market—Barcelona’s most beloved and bustling food hub. Since the 13th century, this vibrant market has been a feast for the senses, bursting with rainbow-colored produce, jamón Ibérico, cheeses, seafood, olives, and sweet treats. With our expert guide, you'll nibble your way through Catalan specialties and hear the stories behind them.
Next, we explore some of Barcelona’s most iconic neighborhoods by private guided tour—part on foot and part by bus.
✨ In the Gothic Quarter, wander through time as we stroll cobblestone streets, admire ancient Roman walls, and uncover hidden plazas tucked behind medieval buildings.
🌊 In Barceloneta, soak in the salty breeze and laid-back vibes of this former fishing village turned beachy playground—where tapas bars and local charm spill onto every corner.
After indulging and exploring, enjoy a well-earned siesta or downtime and enjoy a little R&R before a magical evening ahead.
As the sun sets, we’ll step into the world of Antoni Gaudí with an exclusive private nighttime visit to one of his iconic houses—a surreal dreamscape of color, light, and form. The evening continues with a special welcome dinner.
A truly unforgettable first taste of Barcelona—and just the beginning of what’s to come.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Hotel TBD
Monday, November 9th
Day 2-A Day for the Ages: Michelin Magic & Mountain Majesty
This is not just a tour day. It’s a story you’ll tell forever.
Today is the kind of day that only happens once in a lifetime—a dazzling fusion of culinary brilliance and cultural awe, curated just for our guests.
We begin by splitting into two intimate groups (each hosted by one of your co-hosts—Chef Michelle and Chef Richard) so we can experience an unprecedented and deeply personal dining event at Disfrutar, the #1 restaurant in the world (2024) and proud bearer of 3 Michelin stars.
Disfrutar (which means “to enjoy” in Spanish) is the brainchild of Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas—a trio of culinary visionaries who served as executive chefs at the legendary El Bulli under Ferran and Albert Adrià. At El Bulli, they were not only integral to the restaurant’s day-to-day excellence, but also instrumental in pioneering molecular gastronomy and modernist cuisine. When El Bulli closed its doors, they took its spirit of fearless innovation and artistic expression and created Disfrutar—a place where food becomes story, spectacle, and science.
Disfrutar has quickly risen to the top of the global food scene, not just for its technical brilliance, but for its emotionally resonant, playful, and unforgettable tasting menus. Each dish is a dialogue between memory and imagination, rooted in Mediterranean flavors and expressed through avant-garde techniques.
Group 1:
🕊️ Morning Free Time – Enjoy a leisurely morning in Barcelona. Whether it’s a quiet coffee by the sea or a boutique stroll through the city, this is your time.
⛰️ Afternoon Excursion to Montserrat Monastery – Perched high above the Catalonian countryside, this 11th-century Benedictine monastery is home to the legendary Black Madonna (La Moreneta) and a sanctuary for pilgrims, music lovers, and lovers of breathtaking landscapes. Marvel at the cliffside architecture, visit the basilica, and if lucky, hear the angelic voices of the world-renowned boys’ choir.
🍷 Evening Chef’s Table Dinner at Disfrutar – Return to the hotel to refresh before your unforgettable evening meal, a multi-course tasting menu with expertly paired wines, enjoyed in the company of the chefs who changed the game.
Group 2:
🍽️ Late Morning / Early Afternoon Chef’s Table Lunch at Disfrutar – Start the day strong with a front-row seat to culinary artistry at its finest. Witness the inner workings of a kitchen that redefines dining—playful, bold, and deeply thoughtful.
⛰️ Afternoon Visit to Montserrat Monastery – After your meal, we venture to the iconic Montserrat mountain. With its jagged peaks and panoramic views, it feels like something out of a dream. Take in the sacred stillness and otherworldly beauty that makes this place unforgettable.
🛎️ Evening at Leisure / Hotel Wind Down – After a day that’s filled every sense, unwind and reflect on the magic.
✨ Whether your Disfrutar moment is lunch or dinner, today is a rare and exceptional deep dive into Spain’s cultural soul and culinary cutting edge.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Hotel TBD
Tuesday, November 10th
Day 3- Bubbles, Barrels & Bold Flavors: A Cava Country Celebration
An Unforgettable Day Devoted to the Art of Wine
No trip to Catalonia would be complete without stepping into the sun-drenched vineyards and effervescent elegance of Cava Country. Today, we leave the bustle of Barcelona behind and head into the heart of Penedès, one of the oldest and most celebrated wine regions in Europe—where rolling hills, ancient vines, and generations of winemakers come together to create magic in a bottle.
🍾 Private Visit to Raventós i Blanc – A Cava Legacy Reimagined
Our first stop is the Raventós i Blanc estate, a cornerstone of sparkling wine history. This estate is more than just a winery—it is the birthplace of Cava itself, dating back to 1497. For over 21 generations, the Raventós family has cultivated their vines on the same land, producing some of the most elegant and terroir-driven sparkling wines in the world.
After stepping away from the Cava DO in 2012 to create their own designation—Conca del Riu Anoia—the Raventós i Blanc family reaffirmed their commitment to biodynamic viticulture, native grape varieties, and sustainable excellence. The result? Cava with character, structure, and a soulful connection to the land.
We’ll enjoy a private tour and tasting with the winemaker, diving deep into the philosophy, history, and craft that define this visionary house.
🧀 Aged to Perfection: Cheese Cellar Tasting & Regional Pairings
From bubbles to barrels, we head to an artisan cheese aging room nearby, where a guided tasting reveals the incredible depth and diversity of Spanish cheeses. From earthy Garrotxa to floral aged Manchego, each bite is paired with award-winning regional wines and accompanied by local specialties that let the land shine through every flavor.
This isn’t just lunch—it’s a full sensory journey through Catalan terroir, guided by experts who live and breathe these traditions.
🍫 Private Chocolate Experience – Sweet Artistry Meets Tradition
After lunch, prepare your palate for something indulgent: a private chocolate tasting experience that showcases the finesse and creativity of Catalan chocolatiers. Discover the nuanced notes of cocoa when it’s grown, roasted, and crafted with the same reverence as wine. This is dessert elevated.
🍽️ Gourmet Dinner at a Famed Wine Hotel
As the golden light sets over the vines, we gather for an exquisite gourmet dinner at one of Penedès’ most acclaimed wine hotels. Set amongst the vineyards and infused with old-world charm and modern luxury, this final meal of the day is a celebration of everything we’ve tasted and learned. Expect an elegant, wine-forward menu featuring the region’s best seasonal ingredients, paired—naturally—with local wines that tell the story of the land in every sip.
Today is more than a day trip—it’s a love letter to Catalonia’s rich winemaking heritage, generous land, and the passionate people who bring it all to life.
Raise a glass. This is Cava Country, redefined.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Hotel TBD
Wednesday, November 11th
Day 4- The Rocas’ Legacy: A Culinary Pilgrimage to Girona
🍴 A Journey into the Heart of Innovation, Memory & Michelin Magic
After days of excitement, flavor, and discovery, we begin today with a slower rhythm. Enjoy a relaxing morning at your leisure in Barcelona—perhaps with a café con leche on a terrace, a final stroll along Passeig de Gràcia, or simply some time to reflect on your incredible journey so far.
By midday, we set off north toward one of Catalonia’s most captivating and history-soaked cities: Girona.
🏰 Girona – A City of Layers, Legends & Timeless Beauty
Founded over two thousand years ago by the Romans and shaped by Visigoths, Moors, and medieval Catalans, Girona is a city that wears its history with grace. From its atmospheric Jewish Quarter (El Call)—one of the best-preserved in Europe—to its massive city walls and Game of Thrones-worthy architecture, Girona is both a journey through time and a feast for the senses.
But today, it’s not only Girona’s ancient stones we’ve come to discover. We’re here to honor living legends of the culinary world: the Roca Brothers.
👨🍳 The Roca Brothers – A Global Culinary Phenomenon
Born and raised in Girona, Joan, Josep, and Jordi Roca have redefined what it means to cook from memory, emotion, and imagination. The trio founded El Celler de Can Roca—an homage to their family's humble roots running a local bar—and transformed it into one of the most celebrated restaurants on Earth.
Voted World’s Best Restaurant not once, but twice (2013 and 2015), El Celler is more than a Michelin-starred institution—it is a temple of culinary artistry, where science, tradition, and storytelling converge. Each brother brings a unique dimension to the experience:
Beyond El Celler, their influence has grown to include Casa Cacao, a bean-to-bar chocolate workshop and boutique hotel; Rocambolesc, a whimsical ice cream shop; and the Roca Moo and Roca Bar ventures in Barcelona.
🌄 Michelin-Starred Magic at the Roca Boutique Hilltop Hotel
Tonight, we celebrate this extraordinary legacy with a private Michelin-starred dinner event at the Roca Brothers’ boutique hilltop hotel. Nestled amidst Girona’s serene landscape, the hotel offers not just stunning views but an immersive experience of the Roca ethos—deeply personal, locally rooted, globally inspired.
Our meal will be prepared by a team trained under the Roca family, bringing to life their signature fusion of Catalan tradition, avant-garde technique, and sensory storytelling. This is not just dinner—it’s an experience that channels the essence of one of the most influential culinary families of our time.
From the ancient stones of Girona to the elevated artistry of the Rocas, today is a pilgrimage for the palate and the spirit—a once-in-a-lifetime evening honoring the power of place, memory, and innovation in one unforgettable meal.
📍 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Boutique Hotel TBD
Thursday, November 12th
Day 5- El Bulli & the Birth of Modern Cuisine: A Day of Culinary Pilgrimage
🧪 Where Gastronomy Became Art and Science
Today is no ordinary day. It’s a journey to the epicenter of culinary innovation, a place that redefined the very concept of what a restaurant could be. We’re traveling to Roses, on the edge of Catalonia’s rugged Costa Brava, to visit the hallowed ground where the Adrià Brothers changed the culinary world forever: El Bulli.
🍽 El Bulli – The Restaurant That Changed Everything
Tucked away in a remote cove overlooking the Mediterranean, El Bulli began as a modest beachside eatery. But under the visionary leadership of Ferran Adrià and his brother Albert, it became the most revolutionary kitchen of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The accolades speak for themselves:
🏆 Five-time winner of “World’s Best Restaurant”
🌊 Over 1,600 experimental dishes created
💡 The birthplace of molecular gastronomy
What made El Bulli different? Everything. The Adrià brothers dared to ask, “What is cooking?”—and then broke all the rules. Spherified olives, foams, airs, liquid nitrogen techniques, and multi-sensory experiences weren’t gimmicks here—they were new languages of taste and texture, backed by scientific rigor and emotional intent. Dining at El Bulli was not just about eating; it was about feeling, thinking, and wondering.
🧠 El Bulli Foundation – Where the Legacy Lives On
Though the restaurant closed in 2011 at the height of its fame, its spirit was reborn as the El Bulli Foundation—a creative research hub dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, culture, and knowledge.
Today, we’ll step into this living monument to culinary exploration, walking through the space where legends were made and where chefs like the team behind Disfrutar—now globally acclaimed in their own right—got their start.
We'll witness the transformation of a restaurant into a museum of ideas, where cooking meets philosophy, art, and science. This is more than a visit—it's a rare and intimate moment with the soul of modern cuisine.
🌊 Roses – Where Earth Meets Sea
While here, we’ll also explore the charming seaside town of Roses, a beautiful contrast to the intensity of El Bulli’s legacy. Stroll the waterfront, feel the salt air, and imagine the Adrià brothers walking these same streets as they dreamed up their next boundary-pushing creation.
🏰 Girona – Stories Around Every Corner
After this transformative visit, we return to Girona, where the past and present whisper from every stone. We’ll enjoy a private walking tour of this medieval gem—learning about its rich Roman roots, vibrant Jewish Quarter, and cinematic flair (Game of Thrones fans, this one’s for you!).
Following the tour, the evening is yours to shape. Whether it's a quiet dinner in a tucked-away tapas bar, gelato along the river, or simply soaking in Girona's golden-hour charm, you’re free to explore and indulge as you wish.
Today, we’ve stood in the cradle of creativity.
We’ve seen where chefs became philosophers, where food became emotion, and where the culinary world was forever changed. This was not just a stop on a map—it was a pilgrimage to the altar of innovation.
📍 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Boutique Hotel TBD
Friday, November 13th
Day 6- Full Circle: Legends, Icons, and a Taste of Enigma
🍷 Where Stories End with Stars—Michelin Stars
After days rich in exploration, innovation, and inspiration, today offers a welcome slow start, giving you the chance to savor your morning—whether it’s with a strong Catalan coffee, a stroll through Girona’s quiet streets, or simply unwinding before our return to the heart of it all: Barcelona.
⛪️ A Masterpiece in Motion: La Sagrada Família
Back in Barcelona, we begin with an architectural and spiritual marvel—La Sagrada Família, the magnum opus of Antoni Gaudí. With our private guided tour, you'll experience this basilica like few others do.
From its intricate facades to the kaleidoscopic play of stained glass inside, the Sagrada Família is more than a church—it's a living, breathing symbol of Barcelona's identity, a place where light, faith, geometry, and nature collide. Though construction began in 1882, it continues to evolve—making every visit truly one-of-a-kind.
After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore the nearby shops, cafés, and streets around the Eixample neighborhood.
🏨 Arrival in Elegance: Our 5-Star Retreat
Later, we check into our 5-star luxury hotel, where opulence meets comfort in true Barcelona fashion. Whether you choose to unwind in your spacious suite, soak in the rooftop views, or take a dip in the spa, this is your time to relax, recharge, and prepare for an unforgettable night.
🍽 Dinner at Enigma – The Grand Finale with Albert Adrià
Tonight, the circle is complete.
We began our journey with the spirit of Disfrutar, visited the sacred grounds of El Bulli, and now we dine with one of the founding fathers of modern gastronomy—Albert Adrià, the creative force behind Enigma, a one-Michelin-star restaurant that’s anything but predictable.
Ranked #34 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, Enigma is more than a meal—it’s an immersive, multisensory experience where every dish is a puzzle, every flavor a revelation. The space is mysterious, futuristic, and beautifully orchestrated, much like Albert himself.
Once the pastry chef at El Bulli, Albert Adrià has grown into a visionary in his own right. His fingerprints are all over Barcelona’s culinary renaissance—from Tickets and Pakta to Bodega 1900 and now Enigma, his most daring and ambitious project to date. Here, avant-garde techniques meet emotion, precision, and pure imagination. It’s storytelling on a plate, with ingredients you’ve never dreamed of used in ways you’ll never forget.
🌀 Coming Full Circle
In many ways, today brings our journey full circle. We’ve traced the paths of the Adrià brothers—from their mythical beginnings at El Bulli, through the next generation at Disfrutar, and now back to Albert’s latest masterpiece. We’ve seen the ideas that changed food forever—and tonight, we’ll taste them.
This is not just a finale—it’s a celebration of legacy, innovation, and the boundless creativity of Catalonia’s culinary greats.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Hotel TBD
Saturday, November 14th
Day 7- A Grand Finale with the Bluefin Kings: Balfegó Behind the Scenes
🐟 A Rare, Unforgettable Ending to Our Culinary Pilgrimage
Our culinary journey across Catalonia concludes with one of the most exclusive, rare, and awe-inspiring food experiences in the world—a private, behind-the-scenes immersion with the Balfegó company, the global gold standard in sustainable bluefin tuna.
Located in the coastal town of L’Ametlla de Mar, just outside Barcelona, Balfegó is the name behind the most prized wild bluefin tuna, sought after by elite sushi masters and Michelin-starred chefs from Tokyo to New York. Today, we're granted special access into a world that few outside the restaurant industry ever get to see.
🏭 Inside the Balfegó Legacy
Our experience begins at the Balfegó processing facility, where we’ll gain a deep understanding of how this fifth-generation family company ethically manages and celebrates one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures. From their traceable and sustainable catch system to the rigorous care in transporting, feeding, and harvesting the fish, everything here is rooted in transparency, quality, and respect.
You’ll get to see first-hand:
🔪 The Art of the Tuna Breakdown
One of the highlights of the day is the ceremonial tuna breakdown—a performance of precision and tradition, led by Balfegó's master carvers. You'll witness the expert butchery of a massive bluefin, from head to tail, with each prized cut—akami, chutoro, otoro, and more—explained and showcased like rare jewels. This is not just a demo—it’s a cultural rite practiced with reverence, technique, and a touch of theater.
🍣 A Once-in-a-Lifetime Tuna Tasting
Immediately after, we’ll sit down for a dedicated tasting meal, where every course is a celebration of the versatility, depth, and luxury of bluefin tuna. Expect a curated progression of dishes—from raw to seared, from delicate tartares to rich toro cuts—each highlighting a different expression of the fish’s flavor and texture.
This is a meal few will ever experience, and one that perfectly reflects the ethos of our entire pilgrimage: rare access, profound flavors, and unforgettable stories.
✨ A Culinary Pilgrimage Comes Full Circle
As the sun sets over the Catalan coast, we’ll toast to the past week of discovery—from the genius of Disfrutar, our visits to Penedes, Girona, the Can Rocas brothers, El Bulli to the experimental brilliance of Albert Adrià at Enigma, and finally to the ocean’s treasures with Balfegó.
This final day is more than a goodbye—it’s a grand finale, a memory forged in steel, salt, and the spirit of culinary excellence.
This is how you end a pilgrimage—on a high note that swims far beyond expectation.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
🛎️ 5-Star Luxury Accommodation – Hotel TBD
Sunday, November 15th
Sunday, November 15th
Private VIP transfers from our host hotel to Barcelona El Prat Airport, bringing our unforgettable journey to a graceful close. Until next time—bon voyage!
Private VIP transfers from our host hotel to Barcelona El Prat Airport, bringing our unforgettable journey to a graceful close. Until next time—bon voyage!
