We also sat down with Carol Wolniakowski, Owner of Cuvée Wine Travel, to learn more about her experience in the wine industry, and how that's led to her unique travel offering:
Q. You began your career in Law, Carol. What inspired the transition to the wine and wine travel industries?
A. My twin boys were born premature and faced health challenges early on. I put my law career aside to raise and take care of them. As their challenges became more manageable, I took up the hobby of learning about a passion of mine: wine. What turned into a hobby naturally progressed to a career transition, as I enjoyed giving friends and family wine (and corresponding food and travel) advice. What I found over the years is that you really need good advice when visiting wine country. Experiences, locations, types of wine all need to be thoughtfully planned. I became a certified sommelier and began working with a luxury travel agency in Chicago where I resided at the time. I spent a few years with them before I decided to venture out on my own. I wanted to have a business solely focused on wine, food, travel, and associated cultural experiences - and to answer to myself while doing it.
Q. What were some initial hurdles you faced when launching your business, and how did you overcome them?
A. I launched the business full throttle in 2019, so the first real challenge of course was Covid. I, therefore, enrolled in a marketing course specializing in the travel industry, created systems for my business, redid contractual templates, and virtually met with an industry mastermind group during this time. This laid the foundation for when travel fully bounced back in 2022.
I think that time period also made many of us reprioritize. When it came to travel specifically, people wanted to be together, commune, converse. In recent years due to this, many people are seeking camaraderie and wanting to travel as a group. Travelers also want to work with experienced travel consultants in a post-Covid world given the cancellations and other complexities they faced then.
Q. Can you share a pivotal moment that affirmed your decision to pursue this new path?
A. I escorted a group of wine professionals who worked in the travel industry on a Rhone River cruise. At one of the wineries, we tasted a beautiful Cornas (one of the most incredible Syrahs in the world). One of the professional's eyes teared up as we sipped and she said aloud, ‘I can’t believe I’m sat here in this special place in the world where the best Syrah is made’. It was a very moving experience for me, and made me realize how much travel brings wine to life.
Q. How do you tailor each wine tour to match the unique preferences of your clients?
A. It’s all about asking them the right questions upfront. I'm a member of Signature Travel Network, a luxury travel consortium; in it, they teach us how to ask the right questions. A lot of people get advice from others where to go; that might be great for your neighbor, but not necessarily you. Wine preferences, budget, accommodations all may vary. Getting to the bottom of this is key.
Q. Your tours offer exclusive experiences. How have you cultivated relationships that grant such unique access?
A. I have a foot in the wine industry and a foot in the travel industry, so this allows for best access in both worlds. Because I'm also a trained sommelier, and attend trade conferences, I have a network of vintners around the world. Signature Travel Network gives me access to the best travel providers in the world. Through my networking and experiences, I have also been invited to exclusive, unique locations and events that many travel agents don’t have access. That’s where I meet suppliers 1on1, vet them, and I'm able to curate experiences on the backend.
Q. Could you describe one of the most unforgettable experiences you’ve curated for a client?
A. A well traveled couple from Chicago wanted to go to Paris, but they had been many times before, so I needed to make the trip unique. They came back and said they didn’t know some of these places existed in Paris and were incredibly thankful for the new experiences. The gentleman also forgot his CPAP machine power cord and I was able to work with my local contacts to find him a necessary matching cord to fit European outlets; they were beyond relieved and appreciative that this was accommodated. It just further emphasizes connections, even abroad, that can be utilized when needed.
Q. How have you seen the wine tourism industry change over the years, and what trends do you foresee?
A. The trend is to have more authentic, immersive experiences. People want more in-depth, meaningful experiences. Some people are more about education; others about special features, little touches, the unexpected. Shared experiences in addition to wine and travel are growing too; for example. golf, cycling, cooking.
We are also seeing more wine regions open their doors to visitors. The Czech Republic’s South Moravian Region (an hour outside of Vienna) is becoming a more popular destination where they have hundreds of years old caves and traditions making their Pálava wine. Bulgaria is another - where its five primary wine regions of the Danube River Plains, Black Sea Coast, Valley of the Roses, Thracian Valley, and Struma River Valley are growing.
Q. What upcoming trips or destinations are you most excited about, and why?
A. I'm escorting a small 10-12 person group to Champagne in 2026. I just returned from there to put the finishing touches on the itinerary. It will include a mix of iconic brands with smaller bespoke ones, curating VIP experiences.
Q. Do you have a favorite wine region or varietal that you never tire of exploring?
A. Truthfully, I haven't tired of any region or varietal. Just recently I learned something new while in Champagne and I've been there many times before. Each time I (re)visit a region, I'm learning and eager to pass that knowledge and experience on to my clients.
Burgundy is my favorite wine region with traditions dating back to monks and where modern wine-making techniques were created.
Q. What core values drive your approach to client service and experience?
A. I grew up with Polish heritage; our home was always open and welcoming, cooking for friends, neighbors, family. I like to create a family-like environment and ensure people are taken care of. This service mentality coupled with reliability allow my clients to trust and put their faith in me. It's this approach, along with the travel itself, that help me bring wine to life for all of my clients.
"It was a very moving experience for me, and made me realize how much travel brings wine to life."