The Gift That Doesn’t Sit on a Shelf
Give the Gift of Experience & Travel with A Culinary Society
Why a plane ticket is the best holiday gift for “that person who has everything” can receive. Plus highlighted moments from our last trip in Tuscany.
When I think of the holidays, I envision a roaring fireplace and a hot cup of cocoa as soft music plays in the background. I see my family baking cookies and drinking wine in the kitchen, flour pillowing in the air and streaking down their aprons. I remember the times when we ventured out into the cold for an evening stroll and then thawed out under thick blankets and watched a cheesy Hallmark movie. What I almost never think of are the packages that I received or the boxes that I unwrapped.
When the novelty of things fade, memories linger; a plane ticket can outlast even the most beautifully wrapped presents.
In short, experiences age well. We continuously revisit stories and photos, and reflect on the moments that defined it.
It can also be an opportunity to not only make new relationships but also strengthen our current ones. The holidays are all about connection, and nothing connects better than a shared bottle of wine overlooking the Tuscan countryside or strolling under the Christmas lights in Switzerland alongside like-minded individuals. This is where A Culinary Society comes in.
A Culinary Society is a North Carolina-based, woman-owned boutique travel company that specializes in food, beverage, and culture. We work with talented hospitality professionals across the globe to curate luxury gastronomy focused group journeys where travelers get to dive headfirst into what makes the region special.
Our recent trip to Italy was one of those journeys that boasted why we host these intentional experiences:
Food and drink forward exploration with deep respect for regional identity
Intimacy with winemakers, chefs, and local families
Slow travel, seasonal menus, beautiful properties
Not simply visiting Italy, but tasting it
All photos © Scott S. Clinton / ScottClinton.com
Moments in Tuscany
Day one, usually considered a wash with many trips abroad due to the long plane journey, was still thoughtfully curated. Guests were privately transported to the villa where a personalized wine tasting, hosted by a sommelier and wine expert, was conducted on the comfort of the patio overlooking the sunset, followed by dinner prepared by a local Chef.
The villa was a highlight in itself: exposed beams and stone walls in every room, and cozy fireplaces scattered throughout; a stunning commercial kitchen with a marble island as the centerpiece; a secluded pool built for a king; a bar and lounge to gather in as the moon rises. The feeling of settling in and unpacking your suitcases with the knowledge that this was home for the next eight days was unmatched. Each morning, the villa was filled with the scent of a warm breakfast, again prepared by a Chef, to make sure your day began on the right foot.
The remainder of the trip continued to play out like scenes from a movie and you were the main character. One moment, you were hunting through the forests of Montalcino in search of truffles, the next you were watching chefs prepare those truffles for your lunch. Winery visits were plentiful yet spread out as to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed; the winery experiences ranged from educational/historical tours to vineyard lunches and curated tastings. Cigars were brought out one evening to enjoy with those current and wanna-be aficionados as a member of our team is a Cigar Master who enjoys sharing her passion. Time was given to stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic villages of Panzano and Lucca, followed by a live performance of music by Giacomo Puccini in Lucca. A professional photographer quietly snapped pictures of you and your friends so you could forget about your devices and fully embrace the moments.
Each day felt like a gift that kept on giving.
We all know someone who would value this kind of gift, whether that is your partner who says they prefer experiences over things, or your parents who you wish to spoil, or even your group of friends who have “that group chat” of travel goals.
So do it- buy the trip. What else could be better?
Once you’ve purchased that one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one, you can surprise them with something to open on Christmas day:
A printed plane ticket inside a cookbook from the region
A wine bottle from the region with a note: Pack a bag.
A sealed envelope with a handwritten itinerary preview
If you’re just not quite ready, I want to invite you to think of that special someone(s) and take a look through upcoming A Culinary Society journeys for 2026 and 2027. And if something doesn’t catch your eye, reach out with a suggestion! We can always work with you to curate something special.
From me, to you, to yours- let’s make this holiday season a special one.
Cheers,
Keely & A Culinary Society Team